Silver Wings Exhibition & Events Guide

Our Silver Wings highlight guide has landed! From street parties and sing-alongs to film screenings and fascinating talks, we’ll be bringing Norfolk’s WWII heritage to life with a free 10-day exhibition and event series.

Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk takes place here at The Forum from 12-21 September 2025, as part of Norfolk Heritage Open Days.

To help plan your visit, we’ve highlighted some of the must-see events happening across the 10 days, with a sneak peek at the eye-opening talks, guided walks and hands-on workshops coming to the city this September.

Real stories. On screen.

Witness history on the big screen in The Auditorium at The Forum with a specially curated film series. Featuring a mix of documentaries, rare archival footage and Hollywood blockbusters, this series explores the lives and legacies of WWII, right here in Norfolk and further afield.

Get hands-on with history

Try a new way of learning about the past with our hands-on workshops. Join local artist and Blood, Sweat & Flak! creator Evan Thomas for a step-by-step zine making session (Sun 14 Sep, ages 16+ only).

Or tap into the spirit of wartime resilience in our sewing workshop (Sat 20 Sep), where you’ll learn clothing repair techniques inspired by the 1940s make-do-and-mend ethos.

Eye-opening talks

Join us at The Forum for two days of fascinating talks. Opening with a lecture by Dr Steve Nunn (Fri 12 Sep), the programme includes Rackheath’s remarkable wartime legacy (Fri 12 Sep), the journey of Red Cross worker Margaret Fahey (Sat 13 Sep), and an unmissable talk by Dr John Curatola from the National WWII Museum, USA (Sat 13 Sep), spotlighting the unsung heroes of the 8th Air Force.

Events for all the family

Planning a visit to the Silver Wings Exhibition with little ones? Head to The Forum on Saturday 20 September and enjoy a range of free, self-led activities alongside the main exhibition. Get stuck into arts and crafts, build with Lego, or create your very own model plane.

Don’t miss the Silver Wings Street Party (Sat 13 Sep), packed with delicious food stalls, military vehicles, live music, and dance classes. Later in the week, enjoy a family-friendly singalong at the Silver Wings Social (Fri 19 Sep) - a fun, toe-tapping event with acclaimed local musician Lisa Redford.

Book your spot from 27 August

Bookings for Silver Wings events open on 27 August at 10am at norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com

Some tickets are available to book on the door (for talks and films only) subject to availability. Please see individual event listings on our website for more information.

Pick up your event guide today

You can grab a free copy of the highlights guide from The Forum in Norwich, the American Library and across the Norfolk libraries network, or download a web version below!

Silver Wings is presented by The Forum in partnership with the American Library, Memorial to the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces. 

Silver Wings is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and supported by The Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust, Anguish's Educational Foundation, The Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, Norwich Freemen's Charity, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, The Second Air Division Memorial Trust and Simon Gibson Charitable Trust.