A life-size steel sculpture of a World War Two Lancaster bomber will officially open to the public this weekend in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire. The monumental artwork, titled "On Freedom's Wings," honors the Royal Air Force crews who served during the Second World War and represents nearly eight years of dedicated work by the Bomber County Gateway Trust.

The impressive steel structure was assembled in September and strategically positioned next to the A46 highway, where an estimated 35,000 motorists traveling between Newark and Lincoln will be able to view it. Public viewing days are scheduled for October 12 and October 18, running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM BST, with additional dates to be announced in the future.

Charlie White, who chairs the Bomber County Gateway Trust and leads the project, expressed his excitement about the public opening. "We're very excited to let the public come and see what we've been doing and what we've achieved," White said. He described the moment when the sculpture was erected as "fantastic" after years of planning and fundraising efforts.

The sculpture's construction required significant coordination and community support. Two cranes were used to lift the massive structure into place, after which 40 volunteers worked to secure it with nuts and bolts. Each wing of the aircraft measures approximately 14.5 meters (47.6 feet), making it a truly life-size replica of the historic bomber.

The artwork is deliberately tilted to create the visual impression that the Lancaster bomber is in flight, symbolically heading home to RAF Swinderby, a former Royal Air Force station located about 2 miles (3 kilometers) away from the sculpture site. This design choice adds emotional resonance to the memorial, evoking the homecoming journeys of wartime aircrew.

The project's origins date back to 2018, when plans for the sculpture were first unveiled to commemorate the centenary of the Royal Air Force. The timing connected the modern memorial to a century of British aviation history and military service.

Despite the upcoming public opening, work on the site continues. White noted that the trust is still accepting donations to complete remaining tasks, including landscaping work, improvements to the parking area, additional fabrication work on the aircraft structure, and development of the area beneath the sculpture.

Visitors planning to attend the opening days should note that free parking will be available near the entrance via Folly Lane. The walk from the parking area to the sculpture site follows a flat track, making it accessible for most visitors. However, organizers have specified that dogs are not permitted at the site.

White encouraged public attendance and support, saying, "Hopefully it's nice weather and everyone will have a nice time. Please come and see what we're doing and make a donation so we can hopefully get the project finished as soon as possible." The project represents a significant community effort to honor the memory of RAF personnel and preserve an important piece of World War Two history for future generations.