Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is marking the Battle of Britain's 80th anniversary with a programme of 80 public events.

The commemorations will include a spectacular drop of 80,000 poppy petals from a spitfire, a nostalgic VE Day 1940s street party and a temporary exhibition at the museum telling the story of the Battle through 80 objects and images.

Focusing on the themes of 'nostalgia, remembrance and legacy', the programme will mark events of global significance through the personal stories of people who lived and served at Biggin Hill, the country's most famous fighter station.

Katie Edwards, Director of Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, said: “The skies above Biggin Hill were the frontline of one of the defining battles of the 20th century.

"We are therefore delighted to announce that Biggin Hill Memorial Museum will be marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain throughout the summer, concluding with our stunning poppy drop on Remembrance Day.

"This year it is particularly significant we share the life-changing and often moving personal experiences of those who served at Britain’s most famous fighter station and the community that supported them.

"The Museum’s focus on the human experience enables us to tell personal and local stories of global significance.

"These accounts help define our national identity; it is vital that they are remembered for generations to come.”

From July 10 to Oct 31 1940, the Royal Air Force defended the UK against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe.

One of Britain’s oldest aerodromes, RAF Biggin Hill was described by Winston Churchill as the “strongest link” during the Battle of Britain.

Community events to mark the anniversary include an installation of 80,000 handmade poppies on the outside of St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance from September 15.

The poppies will be made by the community including Cadets, schools and local groups but we will need all the help available so please contact the Museum if you’d like to be part of this moving commemoration.

Cooking the Books will explore wartime recipes from different aspects of WW2, such as catering in the services to a family cooking on rations.

Each month the group will cook a dish together and the best recipes will be selected to create a small book produced for the Nightingale Café at the Museum.

Geoff Greensmith, who lived at Biggin Hill throughout World War 2, said: “The contribution of RAF Biggin Hill was fundamental to the Battle of Britain and the outcome of the war.

"The servicemen in the air and all those who served at the base, both army and RAF, served and died for our freedom.

"Today, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is working hard to become a focal point for younger generations to keep these stories alive.”