Life-size Lancaster bomber sculpture unveiled

7 September 2025

Jake Zuckerman,BBC Newsand

Emma Petrie,BBC News

News image — The new landmark will be called On Freedom's Wings, according to the organisers

BBC/Jake Zuckerman A large rusted steel structure, in the shape of a World War Two bomber aircraft, is lifted on to a steel support by a large yellow crane as workers in orange and yellow hi-vis jackets watch from the ground. The afternoon sky is darkening. — The new landmark will be called On Freedom's Wings, according to the organisers

A life-size sculpture of a Lancaster bomber has been put up in honour of the RAF crews of World War Two.

The steel structure was assembled earlier next to the A46 in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire.

Two cranes were used to lift it into place before about 40 volunteers secured it with nuts and bolts.

Organiser Charlie White, who chairs the Bomber County Gateway Trust, said it was "fantastic" to see the sculpture go up after nearly eight years of work. "I can't believe it," he added.

A man wearing a yellow hi-vis jacked and white hard hat smiles as he stands in front of a large yellow crane and steel sculpture, which are out of focus in the background beneath a blue sky. — Mr White has thanked supporters for backing the ambitious project

As estimated 35,000 motorists a day will see the sculpture from the road as they drive between Newark and Lincoln.

The area is nicknamed "bomber county" due to the number of military airfields located there during the war.

Plans for the sculpture were unveiled to mark the centenary of the RAF in 2018. Each wing measures about 14.5m (47.6ft).

It is tilted to give the impression that the Lancaster is in flight, heading home to RAF Swinderby – a former station about 2 miles (3km) away.

Mr White, a farmer who owns the site, said the sculpture was "not designed as a memorial", but he recognised people would associated the landmark with "those that served in the RAF over the world wars".

Two sections of a large rusted steel structure, in the shape of a World War Two bomber aircraft, are lifted on to a steel support by two large yellow cranes as workers in orange and yellow hi-vis jackets watch from the ground. The sculpture is seen from behind and the afternoon sky is darkening. — The installation is a full-size model of an Avro Lancaster Mk1 bomber

A crowd gathered to watch the sculpture – which organisers call On Freedom's Wings – being fixed into place.

Mike Lloyd, from Collingham, said he had helped with funding for the project.

"It's an amazing piece of engineering," he added. "I really can't believe seeing it up there. It's absolutely fantastic."

Tracy Folland, whose son helped make parts of the structure, described is as a "tribute to all the men and women who served".

"I'm really proud my son's been a part of it," she said. "I'll try not to cry."

Work will continue on landscaping and a CCTV system before the site is opened to the public. When completed, visitors will be able to sit beneath the replica bomber.

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