Photos by Paul Horton and Kate Hollingsworth Photography

A Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane staged a dramatic flyover in Sutton to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

The iconic planes were part of a VE Day 80 Peace Party that was organised by Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) College at Sutton Lawn.

It was one of few commemorations across the country to see the Battle of Britain Memorial flight pass over.

The RAF took to the skies above the park where around 3,000 people attended, including many primary school pupils, making it the largest event in Nottinghamshire on the day — and the only one to have a special appearance of a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane.

The event included exhibitions, wartime song and dance performances from local schools, veterans and Standard bearers, and a replication of a famous wartime speech by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The flyover saw both RAF aircraft pass over the park three times to delight visitors wanting to see the icons of second world war in action — allowing people to reflect on the sacrifices made during the conflict.

ATTFE College hosted the event and invited around 100 special community guests to a seated afternoon tea, including the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering, and her four Deputy Lord Lieutenants; the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Ed Attenborough; council leaders and college governors to name a few.

Staff from the college, further education students, and college volunteers helped out during the five-hour spectacle.

Principal Liz Barrett said: “We were so lucky to have had the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast. It was such an amazing way for the local community to get together to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

“I thank everyone involved and the people of Sutton and the local community for attending this fantastic event.
Professor Pickering said the event gave people an opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices made for freedom, and the enduring power of peace and unity.

“We remember the past with gratitude and look to the future with hope,” she added.

Mark McCourt, chief executive of Academy Transformation Trust, said: “It was a profound honour to be part of the celebration. Events like this remind us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice shown by those who served, and the deep sense of community that sustains us today.

“Seeing the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Sutton was a powerful and humbling tribute.

“I’m proud of ATTFE College and our wider trust family for bringing people together in such a meaningful and memorable way.”