Friendly Invasion launched

This initiative, inspired by the recent Apple+ series "Masters of the Air," and aims to preserve and showcase the rich history of the more than 300,000 American airmen who came to the region, leaving an indelible mark on its landscape, culture, and people.

Funded by a £20,000 grant from the Pride in Place initiative, the TFI Project is a collaborative effort by heritage stakeholders across East Anglia. Its mission is to create a lasting legacy and ensure the stories of this pivotal era in our region’s history are not forgotten.

South Norfolk Councillor, Graham Minshull said:

"The arrival of the American airmen, dubbed the ‘Friendly Invasion,’ was a transformative period for East Anglia. This project is dedicated to honouring their contributions and preserving their memory for generations to come."

The project will deliver key initiatives throughout 2025, including:

• A Central "Visitor Hub": An online resource hosted on the Visit East of England website, serving as a comprehensive archive of the Friendly Invasion story and a guide to surviving Bomb Group museums.
• Enhanced Heritage Collaboration: Strengthening ties among local heritage stakeholders through training, curation, and commercial development.
• Expanded Volunteer Capacity: Recruiting and training volunteers to support the project’s various activities.
• Engaging Events: Staging commemorative events to share the stories of the Friendly Invasion with residents and visitors.
• Regional Showcase: Highlighting East Anglia’s heritage, market towns, and local businesses.

The launch evening, held at the historic 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum at Thorpe Abbotts—the airfield that inspired "Masters of the Air"— unveiled several key components of the project:

• The "Friendly Invasion" Online Information Hub: A growing digital archive on the Visit East of England website, ensuring the preservation of this vital history.
• Five New Heritage Tours: Walking trails across the market towns of Diss, Wymondham, Harleston, and Aylsham, and a cycling/driving tour of the Haverlingland area.
• The 2025 Season Program of Events: A special programme commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, with a dedicated website and social media channels mirroring the Thorpe Abbotts 2025 season timings.

For more information visit The Friendly Invasion website.