Spitfire flypast for unveiling of new Salisbury memorial
The event takes place next week
A flypast by a Spitfire will be the main feature for the unveiling of a new Salisbury statue.
The Secret Spitfire Memorial, which is being placed near to Hudson's Field, is being unveiled to public next Friday (July 9th).
The ceremony starts at 5:45pm, with the plane flying over at around 6:30pm.
People will be able to get the best view of the flypast by going to Old Sarum hill fort.
It is not a ticketed event, however the reception after the unveiling is invitation only.
After the bombing of the Southampton Supermarine Factory in September 1940, work to build the British Army's vital Spitfire planes was moved to Salisbury, without many people knowing.
In total secrecy 2,500 of them were built by hundreds of young women, boys, elderly men and engineers between 1940 and 1945.
In honour of these people, the Secret Spitfire statue will stand proudly near to the Rugby Club, which was used as one of the production sites.
Secret Spitfires Charity Chairman Chris Whalley said:
"Whilst we are delighted that the Spitfire will finally be unveiled - and with great fanfare - we are of course bitterly disappointed that we are unable to welcome the wider public, who have been so generous in their support, to join us for celebrations at the Clubhouse following the Ceremony. We had hoped that the lifting of Covid restrictions would take place on 21st June, allowing us to do this, but sadly it was not meant to be.
The immovable date of 9th July has long been confirmed, and we are inviting our biggest supporters to join us alongside those who served in the secret factories and their families. We plan to hold a yearly fundraiser, complete with live music, drinks and delicious grub every Summer to celebrate the Memorial and hope to see large numbers turn out next year."