Red Arrows set for Duxford Summer Air Show at IWM Duxford

IWM Duxford is gearing up for an unforgettable summer with the return of the Duxford Summer Air Show on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.

This year’s extra special show is one of the stand-out events of Duxford’s 50th anniversary flying season - and the Red Arrows will be there on the Sunday. To make the weekend even more special, children 15 and under get in for free this year.

The unmissable air show will combine nostalgic flying formations with contemporary, awe-inspiring aerobatic displays, fast jet action, and some familiar favourites in new formations.

A wingwalking display by the AeroSuperBatics team at the Duxford Summer Air Show. (Image: IWM)

Confirmed acts for the weekend's flying programme include the breathtaking AeroSuperBatic WingWalkers, the RAF Tutor Display Team, along with the return of crowd favourites, The Great War Display Team and The Stampe Formation Team.

Visitors will also be treated to an array of vintage aircraft including Supermarine Spitfires, the North American P51-D Mustang, and the world’s only airworthy two-seater Hawker Hurricane.

Members of Living History group, Spirit of Britain, pose in front of the P-51D Mustang ‘Contrary Mary’. (Image: IWM)

Headlining on Saturday, June 24, Team Raven will thrill audiences with their spectacular close formation aerobatics.

The world-famous Red Arrows will close the weekend at Duxford with an awe-inspiring display on Sunday, June 25. 

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams and you can only see the Red Arrows at Duxford on the Sunday.

The RAF Tutor flying over IWM Duxford in a previous Duxford Summer Air Show. The iconic aircraft is confirmed to return to the 2023 Duxford Summer Air Show. (Image: IWM)

IWM Air Show event manager Phil Hood said: “Commemorating historical anniversaries is a long-standing tradition for IWM but, this year, we will be marking a major anniversary of our own.

"We’ve been eagerly anticipating 2023 as we get to look back at 50 years of Air Shows at IWM Duxford and we can’t wait to deliver a packed programme of flying events to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

“Whilst our Air Shows have changed and evolved over the years, our ultimate goal has always remained the same – to inspire and entertain audiences with spectacular aerial displays which celebrate aviation icons both past and present.”

The Red Arrows will certainly thrill the crowds at the Cambridgeshire airfield with their incredible display.

Reenactors from Living History group, Spirit of Britain, in action in front of Spitfires at IWM Duxford. (Image: IWM)

As well as the action in the skies above Duxford, on the ground visitors can experience an extensive choice of events and activities across the historic site, including a wide range of food and drink stalls, exclusive traders and talks from volunteers.

There will be plenty of entertainment for all the family with a traditional steam fair, face painting, a glitter bar and storytelling groups. 

A range of STEM workshops will give kids the chance to get close to exotic animals, ride on a hoverboard and use their skills to prepare for a mission in space.

Aircraft lined up along the flightline walk at a Duxford Air Show. (Image: IWM)

History lovers will be transported back in time with living history groups, vintage swing bands, and the chance to see historic aircraft being restored.

An airside Flightline Walk is also included in the ticket cost, giving visitors the chance to explore the aircraft up close and see the pilots and crew before they take to the skies.

A Spitfire formation over IWM Duxford at the 2022 Battle of Britain Air Show. (Image: IWM)

In addition to the Duxford Summer Air Show 2023, and the annual Battle of Britain Air Show, which takes place on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, IWM Duxford will also be welcoming visitors to themed Flying Days.

A commemorative D-Day event took place at Duxford on Saturday, June 4.

There's the chance to honour America and Britain’s shared Second World War history on July 28 at Flying Days: The Americans.

Living History group, Spirit of Britain, dressed as the US Air Force at Flying Days: The Americans last year. (Image: IWM)

A homage to the legendary 19 Squadron, who called Duxford home in the 1940s, will take place on August 12.

Also returning in 2023 will be the ever-popular Duxford Flying Evening on August 26, with the chance to see aerial displays over the IWM site as dusk turns to dark over the historic airfield.

Crowds gather near the Avro Shackleton during Duxford’s first Air Day in 1973. The aircraft is now undergoing restoration works in the Conservation In Action Hangar at IWM Duxford. (Image: IWM)

Then on October 14, IWM Duxford will celebrate all the highs from the past five decades with an extra special Flying Finale, taking place on the date of Duxford’s very first Air Day in 1973.

The De Havilland Mosquito at Duxford’s first Air Day in 1973, now displayed in AirSpace at IWM Duxford. (Image: IWM)

The Duxford Summer Air Show, and all 2023 flying events, are on sale and available to book now via the website www.iwm.org.uk/airshows

A Lancaster from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) takes flight over IWM Duxford at the 2021 Air Show. The historic BBMF will return this year to the 2023 Battle of Britain Air Show. (Image: IWM)