RAF Kenley Airfield will be returned to its former glory for a free ‘Sky Heroes’ event next month.

During the Second World War, RAF Kenley was one of the three main fighter stations (Kenley, Croydon and Biggin Hill) responsible for the air defence of London. During the Battle of Britain, these three RAF stations became prominent because of their role in defending London against Nazi German fighter planes.

Chairman of the Kenley Airfield Friends Group Alan Morgan said: “Kenley is by far the most complete surviving Battle of Britain fighter station. Sky Heroes will commemorate and celebrate the vital role it played in winning the Battle of Britain and saving this island from invasion.

“With plenty of varied attractions and things to do – including the chance to sit in a Spitfire and a Hurricane - there’ll be lots for all the family to enjoy.”

Sky Heroes is free to attend and aims to bring Kenley’s Battle of Britain history to life with guided tours, museum and archaeology stands and pilot re-enactors including replica Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes where visitors can sit in the cockpit and have their photo taken.

For those who want to connect with science and nature or become the next Howard Carter, the world-famous British archaeologist, there will be activities around the archaeology of the area. And for Winston Churchill fans, it’s an opportunity to explore the airfield where he learnt to fly.

There will be two land trains operating a hop on and hop off service around the airfield to help explore the site.

Limited free grass parking is available on site and a free shuttle bus service will be operating from nearby train stations.