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Friday Night is Music Night - RAF 100.

'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few' - Winston Churchill, 20th August 1940, House of Commons.

To mark the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force, Radio 2's Ken Bruce invites you to join the audience of a special gala marking a century of British military aviation.

From the stage of the Royal Albert Hall Carol Vorderman and Dan Snow present music, comedy, ceremonial drill, archive footage and personal recollections by the men and women of the Royal Air Force who served and those who continue to serve in the defence of our country. As well as a wealth of history there will be, of course, military music of the highest standard by the bands of the Royal Air Force, The Royal Air Force Squadronaires and the RAF Salon Orchestra conducted by the Principal Director of Music, RAF Music Services, Wing Commander Piers Morrell.

One hundred years ago, King George V authorised the creation of a new branch of the British military. The role of air power in times of war was changing. On the 1 April 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps were merged together to create the world's first independent air force - the Royal Air Force. The brand new RAF and WRAF was the most powerful air force in the world with more than 290,000 personnel and nearly 23,000 aircraft, and from April 1 1918 fought over the Western Front in support of ground forces. The officers were asked to think of a suitable motto for the new force. The phrase 'Per ardua ad astra' - Through adversity to the stars - was chosen and approved by the King himself.

The RAF's role and deployment in military history is well documented - Dunkirk, Dambusters, the Gulf, the Falklands and, of course, the Battle of Britain - one of the most significant battles in British history.

Many RAF 100 events will take place throughout the year including the Centenary Baton Relay which will see a specially designed baton visit 100 locations associated with the RAF in 100 days - culminating in a grand parade and fly past in London on 10th July. During the interval Ken Bruce finds out more about the RAF 100 celebrations and visits the RAF Museum at Hendon.

Concert recorded 31st March.