Battle of Britain Air Show: All you need to know

Several warbird planes in a line. They are painted in dark green and brown camouflage with black propellers. They are positioned on grass and behind them is bright blue sky with some white clouds. — Image caption,
Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show is strictly advanced booking only

Harriet Heywood

BBC News, Cambridgeshire

3 hours ago

Thousands of people are expected to gather in Cambridgeshire this weekend as IWM Duxford hosts its annual Battle of Britain Air Show.

The sound of Spitfires, Hurricanes and other warbirds will fill the skies as the event commemorates the 85th anniversary of a series of game-changing battles in World War Two, which were fought entirely in the air.

It will also pay tribute to the late John Allman "Paddy" Hemingway - the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who died in March, aged 105.

Where and when is the show?

Crowds of people are on the ground behind a white fence, separating them from a runway and grassy area. High in the sky are 15 planes, so high they mostly look like black dots. The sky is a clear blue and they are getting into formation - flying closely together. — Image caption,
This year's Duxford flypast finale will feature more than 20 Spitfires and Hurricanes, to mark the 85th anniversary

The event to commemorate the World War Two military campaign spans two days, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.

It takes place at IWM Duxford, south west of Cambridge, with gates opening at 08:00 BST and flying displays starting at 13:00.

What planes are flying?

Four of the warbirds mid-flight in a cloudy sky. They are painted in shades of green, have two pilots inside, a propeller on the front and a wing at either side. — Image caption,
Spitfires and a Bf 109 Buchon took the skies at the 2024 Battle of Britain Air Show

This year will feature more than 20 Spitfires and Hurricanes to mark the historic occasion.

The Junkers Ju 52, a German aircraft that was last displayed at a UK air show a decade ago, will make a return, and the Bréguet Br.1050 Alizé will make its Duxford debut.

Other highlights include:

Avro Lancaster - one of only two Avro Lancaster heavy bombers in the world still flying
Avro Anson Mk.I MH120 - The world's only airworthy Anson Mk.I, originally developed in the 1930s
A-26C Invader 'Sweet Eloise II' - flown in from the US for its first appearance at Duxford
A Hurricane formation flypast.

The full list of aircraft can be found here, external.

What are the other activities?

Three women dressed in vintage styles are singing into microphones while raising their hands above their heads. They are all wearing sunglasses, blue dresses with white flowers on, and have white flowers in their hair. — Image caption,
Music and entertainment will take place at the showground live stage

While classic warbirds fly overhead, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the summer of 1940 at ground level.

Living history groups, music and dancing inspired by the era will fill the showground, as well as family activities and a free traditional steam fair.

Entry to all IWM Duxford exhibitions, hangars and static aircraft displays is also included.

Who was John Allman "Paddy" Hemingway?

John 'Paddy' Hemingway in 2023. He is in a wheelchair, wearing a navy jacket and blue shirt. He is holding a black and white picture of himself taken during World War Two. — Image caption,
Speaking to BBC News NI in 2023, Gp Capt Hemingway said he had never looked for fame for being part of "The Few"

The commemorative weekend will also pay special tribute to Group Captain John Allman "Paddy" Hemingway, with a special Missing Man Formation of World War Two aircraft flying in his honour.

He was originally from Dublin and joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a teenager before World War Two. He went on to become a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, aged 21.

During the war, Gp Capt Hemingway was shot down four times, but survived.

In July 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded to RAF personnel for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying on active operations.

You can read more about his life here.