Battle of Britain flypast to headline The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley tomorrow

A major living history festival returns to Staffordshire tomorrow, bringing battle recreations, historic encampments, family activities and a confirmed Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast to Abbots Bromley.

The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley takes place on Sunday 21 June 2026 at High Ash Farm, Yeatsall Lane, near Cobwebs Coffee Shop, with more than 200 reenactors from over ten living history groups expected to take part.

The event will take visitors on a journey through almost a thousand years of history, from 1066 to the Second World War, with immersive camps, demonstrations, cannon and musket firing, and full-scale battle recreations.

One of this year’s standout moments will be a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF’s historic aircraft flight. The BBMF is operating aircraft including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota during the 2026 season, with the flypast expected to provide a powerful tribute to Britain’s aviation heritage.

Organisers have reminded visitors that all flypasts are subject to weather conditions and aircraft serviceability, and that flypast timings will not be published on social media.

Alongside the aviation tribute, the 2026 event will feature an expanded programme of living history displays. Visitors can expect a major Napoleonic battle, a Wild West display by Spearfish Creek, and a battlefield recreation of the Battle of the Alamo by the Remember the Alamo Association, complete with live-firing muskets and cannons.

The living history village will also include pirates from The Guilde, displays linked to the Spanish and Russian Civil Wars, Crusader history from the Poor Knights of Christ, and Anglo-Saxon history from King Penda’s group.

The English Free Companye will represent the Wars of the Roses and Tudor period, while Company 24 will demonstrate American Civil War drills. The 1879 Group will also be attending, showcasing the redcoats and sharing the history of the Anglo-Zulu War.

The public day opens from 10am and is designed as a family-friendly event, with opportunities to meet reenactors, explore historic camps and learn more about uniforms, weapons and everyday life from different periods of history.

Children will be able to take part in interactive drill sessions, while families can join a hands-on history activity with the Texian Army and attempt to capture a Mexican cannon. There will also be the chance to have a family portrait taken in 1830s Mexican costume.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a BBQ, ice cream van, local stalls, children’s amusements and more.

The event is hosted by Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography and follows the success of the Abbots Bromley Living History Festival, which attracted more than 500 visitors in 2024.

Organiser Lee Chapman said:

“This event is all about bringing history to life in a way that is exciting, educational and memorable for all ages.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming so many high-quality reenactment groups to Abbots Bromley for what promises to be an incredible day. Having the flypast is the icing on the cake.”

Advance tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £7 for children. A limited number of tickets will also be available on the gate, although advance booking is recommended for faster entry.

For tickets and further details, visit www.chappersphotography.co.uk.