The Imperial War Museum is delighted to announce that it will be welcoming one of the largest gatherings of Second World War Royal Air Force veterans at its Spitfire Anniversary Air Show on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September. The gathering will be in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the legendary Spitfire, an aircraft synonymous with the Battle of Britain.

The Spitfire Anniversary Air Show will feature 17 Spitfires of different marks and will also host the largest gathering of Spitfire veterans in the UK this year in what promises to be an emotional accolade to the legendary Second World War fighter. The veterans will be available to meet the public and will be doing signing sessions hosted by several of the trade stands at the show including Victory Books, Vector Fine Art, the Aces High Gallery and the Aviation Bookshop.

Other aircraft will also be taking part to pay tribute to what is, perhaps, the most famous combat aircraft of all time and some would say, the most beautiful. The climax of the display will be a mass Spitfire flypast finale.

Says Tracey Woods, Duxford’s Marketing and PR Manager: “The Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to be welcoming so many veterans to the show, many of whom have been involved with the Spitfire from its inception, design, development and career. We very much hope that all the veterans coming to the show have an enjoyable time at Duxford, the home of the Spitfire.”

It was at historic Duxford in August 1938 that the Spitfire first entered RAF service with 19 Squadron. It remained operational there until the 8th Air Force of the USAAF was posted to Duxford, and the last Spitfires left departed in March 1943. Today, Duxford is home to more airworthy Spitfires than anywhere else in the world and the Museum is delighted to be hosting this special celebration.

The whole of the Museum will also be open for visitors to enjoy with plenty to see including The Battle of Britain exhibition, conservation work in progress and the stunning American Air Museum. It is also anticipated that AirSpace – Duxford’s dramatic new exhibition, will be open with partial access to the ground floor and first phase of the interactive exhibition. There will be over 80 trade stands selling all kinds of aviation and military related merchandise. Duxford will also be playing host to a craft marquee featuring a selection of top British talent that has been organised by the experts at the Art, Craft and Design Show.

Gates open at 8.00 am and the flying begins at 2.00 pm. Tickets – Adults £28, Senior Citizens/Concessions £23, Children £10. Superb VIP-style Gold Pass tickets available in advance - for more information about tickets or the flying programme call 01223 835000 or visit www.iwm.org.uk.