Hanger bash for Hercules farewell

The British Forces Foundation played its part in the RAF's final goodbye to the C-130J Hercules last week.

The BFF was behind the production and entertainment - which included Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson - at a farewell 'hangar bash' at RAF Brize Norton.

Two of the iconic aircraft formed the backdrop to the spectacle attended by senior RAF figures and those that have flown and worked on the aircraft over the years.

The music got underway with the AK47s - an RAF covers band, who were later joined on stage by Bruce Dickinson.

There followed a powerful film about the role of the Hercules which included messages from the likes of BFF Trustee Katherine Jenkins OBE, Sir Richard Branson and the Speaker of the House The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

The evening got in full swing when the BFF's 'house band' Fully FunKtional began their performance and captured the party vibe until the early hours.

"Fully FunKtional were superb and the whole evening was a great success," said BFF Director Mark Cann.

The C-130J Hercules had been in service for more than 20 years - transporting troops, cargo, and equipment, as well as supporting humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.