Thousands expected at Abingdon's air show

Thousands of people are expected to gather at Abingdon's Air and Country Show, which will feature The Gazelle Squadron helicopter team among its displays.

It will take place this year at Abingdon Airfield on Saturday, May 18.

Last year thousands of people enjoyed the 23rd annual air show featuring about 70 different aircraft, from helicopters to Second World War fighters, as well as light and sport aircraft.

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The air show usually attracts about 10,000 people and raises thousands of pounds for local charities including Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Founder and event organiser Neil Porter said: "Lots of time has been put in once again from the committee and also the core volunteers involved to create a family-friendly event for the community and the wider audience.

"It costs a huge amount to put on, but as long as the costs do not rise too much, we can sustain the show so public support is vital in helping to fund it via ticket sales for example.”

This year the afternoon flying display consists of The Gazelle Squadron helicopter team, aerobatics from The Titans Display Team and Muscle Pitts, complete with a car race using a Ferrari.

There will also be aerobatics from a 1950s Jet Provost, the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display team, and a strong 1940s line-up of Hurricanes, Spitfires, Auster, P51 Mustang and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber ‘Sally B’ – to which the airfield played host in 2021 to the making of the film Masters of the Air, which portrayed the 100th Bomb Group during the Second World War.

Displays on the ground will include classic cars and flight simulators.

For more information visit the website here: abingdonairandcountry.co.uk

For entry to the show, tickets can be bought online in advance, which will give visitors the instructions of the correct gate to use for entry/exit, with the car parks open at 7.30am, and actual entry into the showground at 10am.

Road closures will be in force. Honeybottom Lane will be closed from 7am – 6pm with the exception for public entering the airfield for the show from the B4017 Wootton Road end. Barrow Road and Blackhorse Lane will also be closed from 2pm – 4.30pm.

Pedestrians on foot or bicycle can enter via the Faringdon Road gates just off the married quarters area.

Abingdon county councillor Neil Fawcett said: "It's a fantastic family event and we are very lucky that we have Abingdon airfield which can host it.

"The air show raises money for good causes too - hopefully it will continue for years to come."

Last year a two-and-a-half hour flying display kicked off the day, with Mustangs, a Yak-3, a Bronco demo team plus Wasp and Lynx helicopters.

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On the ground the RAFA Red Arrows simulator was a big hit along with a display by Solent Stars Motorcycle display team, Harley Davidson motorcycles, classic and ex military vehicles, crafts and live music.

Proceeds from the festival has raised about £100,000 for various charities since it first started in 2000.

The show started out as a local fete and has grown ever since. It now costs about £80,000 to stage the event every year.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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