A community picnic, parade, and music show will be laid on this Sunday to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the RAF.

Staring at North Weald Village Hall at 12.30pm a procession led by members of 56 Squadron, which few hurricanes from North Weald, will make its way Airfield Memorial in Hurricane Way.

Officers and members will be accompanied by the Epping Forest Pipe Band and the band of 56 Squadron ATC for the laying of wreaths, before proceeding to the Gate Guardian for a ceremonial inspection and afternoon of picnics and music with the Epping Forest (Brass) Band, Our Voices Choir and 1940’s style singer Diane Moore.

A Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform flypasts during the parade inspection.

Councillor Richard Bassett, recently appointed council chairman, will welcome 56 Squadron back to North Weald.

He said: “RAF 100 and the Freedom of the District is very much in recognition of the wider role played by the RAF in our area.”

“Councillors from all sides of the chamber were so united in wishing to bestow this honour. Apart from North Weald, the RAF had airfields at Stapleford Abbotts and Willingale. Blake Hall was a centre of operations and the Balloon Site at RAF Chigwell was an intelligence centre as well as providing the barrage balloons that helped to protect London. A decoy or dummy airfield was also set up in my home area of Nazeing to lure enemy bombers away from their real targets.

“Other parts of the District were real targets too, including the munitions factories of Royal Ordnance in Waltham Abbey.

“This is therefore a district-wide celebration of the RAF and everyone is invited to join us on 10 June. It will be a true family event.”

56 Squadron is one of the oldest and most distinguished units of the RAF.

Formed during the Great War, it saw service in France as part of the Royal Flying Corps before the formation of the RAF on April 1, 1918.

Although North Weald is no longer an RAF base, having been bought by Epping Forest District Council in 1980, the airfield remains the spiritual home of 56 Squadron.

It moved to North Weald in 1927 and remained until 1941.

While based at North Weald, it suffered the first RAF loss of World War II, covered the retreat from Dunkirk and found itself in the thick of the fighting during the Battle of Britain.

The Freedom of the District was bestowed on 56 Squadron at a special meeting of Epping Forest District Council on April 24.

Cllr Bassett added: “It would be great to see people lining the parade route from North Weald Village Hall to the Airfield Memorial, as well as enjoying their picnics and music on the Airfield.

"I hope the British Summer Sun shines on us. Bring sensible shoes, sunscreen and clothing for all weathers."

Families are invited to join the celebrations at North Weald Airfield.

Car parking and entry to the event is free.

There will be food and drink concessions for anyone who does not want to bring their own picnic.