Imperial War Museum Duxford presents a fantastic range of varied and exciting events during
2010. This very special year sees IWM Duxford commemorate the 70th anniversary of the
Battle of Britain, honouring the prominent role played by RAF Duxford in this fundamental
aerial victory.
From spectacular air shows to enormous military vehicles, plus the opportunity to get handson
with history, there is something at Europe’s leading aviation museum to suit all tastes,
interests and ages.
Highlights of the season include:
Duxford in the Battle of Britain
From mid-April to December 2010
AirSpace
Following the popularity of the Duxford Goes to War exhibition in 2009, IWM Duxford
presents a new photographic exhibition which portrays life at RAF Duxford during the Battle
of Britain.
These evocative photographs have captured the men and women who served at RAF Duxford
at work and play, giving a unique insight into life at a fighter station during the Second World
War. They also serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the summer of
1940.
The exhibition brings visitors face-to-face with some of the heroic characters who flew from
Duxford to win the battle in the skies.
There is no need to book in advance and admission to this exhibition is included in the
standard admission price to the Museum.
Spring Car Show
Sunday 2 May
Imperial War Museum Duxford is the place to be for all car enthusiasts on Sunday 2 May!
Spring Car Show is a fun day out giving visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of cars
from all periods. Any number of superb classic cars may drive through Duxford’s gates during
the day and there are often many surprises in store for the automotive enthusiast.
This is a great opportunity for all visitors to get up close to the automotive classics on display
and to talk to their owners.
Even better, there is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War
Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Please note that the number of classic cars attending this event may be affected by inclement
weather.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF today
Meet the past, celebrate the present
Saturday 15 May
IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a special event
to celebrate the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and to launch the Flight’s 2010 season.
Visitors will be able to see the legendary aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on
ground display alongside contemporary Royal Air Force aircraft. RAF pilots and personnel
will meet and mingle with visitors, who will also have the opportunity to chat with Battle of
Britain veterans.
The event will also showcase the diverse roles of the contemporary RAF with a range of
ground activities, including performances by the renowned Central Band of the Royal Air
Force, and will culminate with a Sunset Ceremony in honour of all RAF personnel who have
made the ultimate sacrifice.
This exciting event demonstrates how the camaraderie and bravery of the Battle of Britain
pilots continues to inspire the RAF’s contemporary mission.
Please note that this event is not an air show. There will be no flying display as part of this
event. Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
Spring Air Show
Featuring the very best of the RAF, past and present
Sunday 16 May
Following on from the special event on Saturday 15 May, where visitors can mingle with the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Royal Air Force on the ground, today we take to the
skies for some breath-taking aerial action.
See the RAF’s glorious past in flight alongside its sophisticated contemporary aircraft at the
Spring Air Show. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight forms the centre-piece of a thrilling air
show, where it shares the skies with historic Second World War aircraft and modern RAF
assets.
The celebration of the Royal Air Force’s past and present continues on the ground with a
range of activities and displays. There will be the opportunity to meet contemporary RAF
personnel alongside the ghostly figures of Battle of Britain re-enactors bringing Duxford’s
wartime atmosphere vividly to life.
Experience past and present in perfect harmony at this spectacular launch to IWM Duxford’s
2010 flying season.
All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
Military Vehicle Show
Sunday 6 June
Experience the sheer power of some of the biggest tanks as well as the more quirky
peculiarities of smaller vehicles such as jeeps and 1940s ambulances. The owners of these
amazing vehicles will be on hand to chat to visitors, passing on their infectious enthusiasm for
military vehicles. Visitors will also be able to see military vehicles in action as they take part in
a cavalcade along Duxford's runway.
Enjoy the excitement, power and thrill of the Military Vehicle Show - a fun day out for all the
family!
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
The Duxford Trophy
Aerobatics Contest
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June
Visitors to Imperial War Museum Duxford can see some spectacular aerobatic flying on
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June as skilled pilots take to the skies to compete for the Duxford
Cup.
The Duxford Cup competition enables British pilots to hone their skills in advance of the
World Championship. Pilots taking part in this competition are flying at the very highest
competing levels, Advanced and Unlimited, providing a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see
some precision aerobatic flying.
Come and experience the adrenalin and excitement of competition aerobatics at Imperial
War Museum Duxford and see the winning pilot claiming the Duxford Cup at Europe’s leading
aviation museum.
Even better, there is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War
Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Flying is subject to weather and serviceability.
Flying Legends
Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 July
Flying Legends - two words which instantly evoke the very best of classic aircraft displaying at
Duxford in one of the world's most celebrated air shows. The Fighter Collection and the
Imperial War Museum are proud to present the 2010 event; another unmissable fusion of
power, sounds and nostalgia.
Tickets for this event will be on sale shortly.
Large Flying Model Day
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July
Displaying remarkably authentic and detailed models, members of the Large Flying Model
Association return to Duxford to showcase their unique talents both as model engineers and
as pilots.
Even better, there is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War
Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Please note: static display of all participating model aircraft on Saturday 24 July; the full flying
programme will take place on Sunday 25 July.
Flying is subject to weather and especially wind strength.
The Duxford Classic Car Show
Sunday 1 August
Duxford’s annual classic car show brings together a stunning range of cars from the halcyon
days of motoring. Enjoy the immaculate style and glamour of these superb vintage vehicles,
epitomising a sophisticated era that can never be replicated.
Any number of superb classic cars may drive through Duxford’s gates during the day and
there are often many surprises in store for the automotive enthusiast. There is also the
opportunity for all visitors to get up close to the automotive classics on display and to talk to
car club members.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Duxford, a stroll amongst the automotive legends of
yesteryear makes for a perfect summer Sunday.
Even better, there is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War
Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Please note that the number of classic cars attending this event may be affected by inclement
weather.
American Air Day
Friday 20 August
American Air Day showcases the work of the United States Air Force in Europe, and in
particular, the Third Air Force, resident in the United Kingdom. This family-friendly day
comprises a rich mix of flying and ground-based displays.
This fantastic day acknowledges the historic link between Duxford and the United States Air
Force that dates back to 1918 and is represented today by the stunning American Air Museum
in Britain, Duxford’s award-winning US military aviation museum.
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
The Battle of Britain Air Show
Honouring RAF Duxford’s Finest Hour
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September
IWM Duxford presents an evocative commemoration of the aerial battle that proved the
strategic turning point in the Second World War. The Battle of Britain Air Show remembers
the pilots and aircraft synonymous with this renowned aerial conflict, with a particular focus
on the pilots stationed at RAF Duxford who came from across the globe to fight for world
freedom. Expect to see squadrons of Battle of Britain aircraft at Europe’s best-preserved
Second World War airfield.
We are delighted to announce that the world-renowned Red Arrows will be performing on
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September. In addition, the Patrouille de France, the precision
aerobatic display team of the French Air Force, will perform on Saturday 4 September.
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
ShowBus
Sunday 26 September
Hundreds of single and double-deckers gather every year at Duxford for this unusual and fun
annual event. Now a firm favourite on Duxford’s calendar, ShowBus, the world’s biggest bus
rally, continues to provide colour, spectacle and nostalgia – see if you can spot your old
school bus!
Even better, there is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War
Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Please note that the number of buses attending this event may be affected by inclement
weather.
Autumn Air Show
Celebrating Sally B’s 65th Birthday
Sunday 10 October
The Autumn Air Show celebrates the 65th birthday of the glorious B-17 Flying Fortress GBEDF
Sally B. The last remaining airworthy B-17 in the UK, Sally B delights air show crowds
with her majestic display and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors.
Closing the air show season for 2010, the Autumn Air Show will feature superb modern and
historic aircraft, with a celebration of this legendary bomber, a flying memorial to the 79,000
Allied airmen who lost their lives in Europe during the Second World War.
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
Remembrance Day
Sunday 14 November
On Remembrance Sunday, IWM Duxford will be holding a very special service of
remembrance. Admission to the museum is free for all on this day. We very much hope that
people will take this opportunity to explore Duxford on the day when members of the Armed
Forces, who have lost their lives in active service, are remembered worldwide.
The events listed above provide information regarding the highlights of the forthcoming year
at Imperial War Museum Duxford. There is a packed programme of air shows, car shows,
informal and formal learning events, new exhibitions and fun activities to suit the aviation
enthusiast and the visiting family alike – more detail on all events will be available throughout
the year.
Tickets for all events can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or by calling the
box office on 01223 499 353.
Visit Imperial War Museum Duxford and let your imagination take flight!
Imperial War Museum Duxford is just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11.
Ample free parking is available. For a full list of Duxford’s air shows and other
exciting events in 2010, including half term activities for families, visit
www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or telephone 01223 835 000.
