Overview
Battle of Britain Day marks the climax of the Battle of Britain, when the Royal Air Force fought against the Luftwaffe in the skies above London and the South East. The RAF Museum London marked the occasion with an all-day event involving talks, RAF reenactors, and entertainment, including Jeep Jump Jive.
Setup
Upon arriving at the RAF Museum visitors enter the impressive Hangar 1, before making their way out to the airfield. We’re situated outside Hangar 1, alongside a 1940s singing group and opposite a fenced area where Merlin Engine demonstrations are taking place. Reenactors are located at various spots around the airfield.
There is a large, smooth concrete area in front of us for dancing. As the airfield is a large open area we use a two speaker setup, directing the sound out and across the area.
Schedule
We arrive prior to the event’s scheduled start time of midday, although the Museum has opened earlier in day so there are already visitors moving around the site.
There is a schedule of entertainment for the event; three dancing demonstrations, three sets for singing trio The Barn-ettes and a number of Merlin engine demonstrations. We are dancing for the demonstrations and with the singers.
The RAF Museum attracts a healthy amount of tourism from central London and as usual we spend a fair amount of time posing for photos with visitors in front of the Jeep.
Music
Our music is on for dancing demonstrations and downtime, and off during the other entertainment. This allows us to be very specific about what style of music we want to play and when.
For our dancing demonstrations we focus on playing recognisable and popular 1940s swing music, think ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ and ‘In the Mood’. Click here for a taste of what a 1940s setlist includes.
During the ‘downtime’ we play a mix of miltary-themed swing music (since we’re at the RAF we decide to leave out the ones about the ‘yanks’ saving the day!) and later in the day, family favourites such as ‘Run Rabbit Run’ and ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’. Click here for a taste of what this setlist includes.
“A huge thank you for being part of our Battle of Britain day activities at the RAF Museum. The Jeep looked really impressive and fitted in perfectly with the theme of the day. You were both fantastic to work with, did really well engaging and interacting with the visitors and we would be more than happy to book you in again for future events.”