In pictures: IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain air show takes off

Proving it is as popular as ever, more than 33,000 visitors flocked to the Imperial War Museum Duxford over the weekend (September 16-17) for the Battle of Britain Air show, making this year’s event the biggest at the site since before the pandemic.

The show featured displays from more than 60 vintage and contemporary aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.

For the first time in almost three decades, the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe – ‘Sally B’ – flew in formation with the RAF’s Avro Lancaster, treating visitors to a show-stopping display from two of the most recognisable allied heavy bombers of the Second World War.

On the ground, crowds soaked up the sights and sounds with the help of living history groups, live performances from vintage musical acts, an historic fairground and more.

Phil Hood, air show event manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have welcomed so many visitors to the Battle of Britain Air Show this weekend as we continue to celebrate 50 years of flying displays at Duxford.

“We’ve had a standout line-up this year, with an array of crowd favourites, from original vintage warbirds – including a mass flypast of Spitfires and Hurricanes – to the daring aerobatic displays of the world-famous Red Arrows.

“Seeing the Avro Lancaster and ‘Sally B’ fly together for the first time in almost 30 years was a truly unforgettable moment.”

[Read more: In pictures: IWM Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show pays tribute to the Queen]

For more information on IWM Duxford, go to iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford.