Do you remember when Felixstowe celebrated 70 years of the Royal Air Force?

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

In September 1988, great celebrations were held in Felixstowe to mark the 70th anniversary of the Royal Air Force.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Rain certainly couldn’t dampen spirits on the day, proven by the hundreds of people who turned out for the occasion.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

The town put on great spectacle along the promenade for residents and visitors alike, with the town mayor among those who attended.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Festivities over the weekend included a display of sea planes and rescue helicopters, as well as a procession along the seafront.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

RAF Felixstowe started as a Royal Naval Air Service Seaplane base in 1913, and closed on June 21, 1962.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

During the First World War aircraft from the base patrolled the sea looking for German U-Boats. By the end of the war the base was one of the largest in the world.

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Do you recognise anyone pictured in this gallery? To share your own pictures and memories with us, email suffolkpicturedesk@archant.co.uk

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: RAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERRRAF Felixstowe marching band performing at the anniversary weekend in 1988. Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)