Battle of Britain 2024 

Join Banbury Town Council on Sunday, September 15th, to honour the Battle of Britain. This solemn occasion commemorates the historic air battle fought in the skies above southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940. The day pays tribute to the lives lost in the Battle of Britain and aims to revive memories of Banbury’s significant behind-the-scenes role in this historic event.

In the early years of World War II, Banbury's aluminium factory, known as the NAC (and later Alcan and Sapa), played a pivotal role as the country's largest producer of aircraft metal. It supplied essential aluminium for RAF planes, including iconic aircraft like Spitfires and Lancaster bombers. It has been suggested that had the Banbury factory not existed or been targeted in bombings, the outcome of the Battle of Britain could have been significantly different.

Organised by Banbury Town Council, a military and civic parade will march through the town, concluding at St Mary’s Church for a poignant memorial service.The event is scheduled from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the parade commencing from the Town Hall.

The highlight of this event will be the RAF Flypast. In 2023, we had the spectacular RAF Lancaster Bomber flypast, and we eagerly anticipate what 2024 has in store. 

Banbury is among the few towns in the UK that still commemorates the Battle of Britain. Join us as we pay our respects.

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