This weekend, Saxon Air proudly hosted a powerful and heartfelt tribute to 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, with a two-day celebration at Saxon Air that brought together music, history, and community in honour of those who served.
Saturday 31st May – Big Band Celebration Evening
The weekend opened with a spectacular 1940s-inspired Big Band event held in the Saxon Air hangar, transporting guests back in time through live music, swing dancing, and wartime storytelling. The evening raised £4000 for USAAF Heritage Trust, in recognition of the strong historical ties between Norfolk and the United States Army Air Forces during WWII.
A standout feature of the evening was the way it brought local wartime stories vividly to life through powerful performance and immersive atmosphere. Guests were treated to a live performance from Sam and The Swingtones, setting the tone with authentic 1940s sounds, followed by upbeat evening entertainment from The Front Row Band that kept the dancefloor swinging.
Adding to the historic ambiance was the iconic Spitfire positioned as a dramatic backdrop -an evocative tribute to the aircraft’s legacy in East Anglia’s skies.
Between meal courses, guests experienced a series of moving, themed monologue performances that honoured the lived experiences of wartime Norfolk. These included a heartfelt Land Girl love story, a girl from Flixton, a stirring account from an American officer, Leo Baumann, and reflections from a young RAF pilot, Douglas Bader, each brought to life by talented local actors. (Actors included: @bethanytaralouise, @Byron.d.lewis and @zacharyloram.) These performances off gave voice to real histories, helping connect our modern-day guests with the resilience, romance, and reality of the era we were there to commemorate.
Guests were treated to a stunning Ritz-style dining experience, generously created by Norfolk’s Edge, and enjoyed an atmospheric evening thanks to the talents of local performers and artists. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.
Special thanks are extended to Hunters Chocolates, who crafted bespoke VE Day-themed chocolate creations for the evening, adding a unique and commemorative touch. The English Distillery generously supported the event with donations of limited-edition VE Day whisky and gift items, while Flint Vineyard provided a selection of their award-winning local wines.
As part of Saxon Air’s commitment to community inclusion, two special seats at the Saturday evening event were reserved for Amber’s Army – local initiative supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. These community seats reflected Saxon Air’s belief that events like this should be meaningful and accessible, celebrating not just history, but the strength and spirit of our wider community
Sunday 1st June – Family Funday
The celebrations continued with a free-entry Family Funday, raising funds for the City of Norwich Aviation Museum. Visitors enjoyed vintage displays, aircraft viewing, and electric flight demos, with a wide range of local stalls and exhibitions, including:
With sunshine, community spirit, and history at every turn, the weekend was a resounding success, bringing together generations to commemorate the past while supporting the future of heritage and aviation in Norfolk.
The weekend struck a balance between reflection and celebration. Saturday’s evening event honoured wartime stories through music, theatre, and tribute, while Sunday’s Family Funday welcomed all ages for a more relaxed, interactive celebration. Together, the two days created an inclusive experience that brought history to life for everyone.