The star of Spandau Ballet hits like 'Gold’ and ‘True’ famously took to the skies back in 2008 for Martin Kemp: The Battle of Britain. As part of a TV series the daredevil boarded a Second World War fighter plane to recreate a Battle of Britain dogfight. Today it was his turn to try out First World War planes instead– albeit on the ground!

Martin took time out from tour preparations to help staff at the RAF Museum celebrate its award-winning exhibition.

The museum’s First World War in the Air exhibition received over 7,000 votes to be named the UK’s Best Heritage project in this year’s National Lottery Awards - the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery funded projects.

The museum wins a £2,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and will attend a star-studded awards ceremony, The National Lottery Stars, broadcast on BBC One on 21 September.

The Royal Air Force Museum’s popular First World War in the Air gallery brings to life the compelling stories of the people, innovations, engineering and aircraft of the Great War. 37,000 people have visited the exhibition in the last six months, with thousands more accessing information on the museum’s websites. 

Martin Kemp said: “This is a fantastic project, not just for aviation fans like me. It is great that National Lottery Players have helped to preserve these wonderful flying machines for so many young families and people of all ages to appreciate.”

Karen Whitting, Director of Public Programmes, RAF Museum added: “This award is special because it is voted for by the British public. We hope our success will give us even more of a national and international profile and help to attract more National Lottery Players and visitors.”

Notes to editors

• First World War in the Air received  £898,000 of National Lottery funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund
• There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary / charity
• On average the National Lottery players raise over £34m each week – making a life changing difference to the nation
• To date there have been an average of 144 National Lottery grants for every postcode district

Further information

National Lottery Promotions Unit: Vicci Moyles on 07879 680 068 or email: vicci.moyles@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.