Plan for a great day out!

See historic Duxford's D-Day story take flight in this year's extra special anniversary Summer Air Show – in the air, on the ground and all around.

Discover the sights, sounds and activities planned to keep you entertained across our Showground Zones, timings for activities so you don't miss a thing, what to explore within our museum, static collections and hangars, and general advice on how to plan for a great day out. 

Tickets are already selling fast, act now to secure your place in history:

Book Saturday 1 June         Book Sunday 2 June 

 

Flying action

P-38 Lightning in flight, trailing white smoke against a blue sky
©The Flying Bulls

Stay tuned to our flying list updates in the countdown to the show. 

A full and final full line-up plus timings for the display acts will be available on the day.

We recommend planning to be in your chosen viewing place by 1pm to view the flying action. 

The flying display will end at approximately 5pm, but the museum and Showground will remain open until the last free event shuttle bus leaves the visitor centre at approximately 6.30pm. 

Please note: our partners Aero Legends will be hosting the D-Day Squadron fleet on the ground at their base at RAF North Weald before our displays (both days) and mass parachute drop (Saturday only) takes place over historic RAF Duxford.

For everyone

Summer Air Show D-Day80 map
©IWM

From first-time visitors to Duxford Air Show fans, our pre-air show entertainment and showground has something for everyone to enjoy including a range of food and drink stalls, exclusive traders and talks from volunteers.

Download map

What to expect

  • Spirit of Britain reenactors in 19 Squadron clothing with a Spitfire behind
    ©IWM

    For history lovers

    As part of Duxford Summer Air Show's 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations, expect to see living history groups and displays highlighting RAF Duxford's role in Operation Overlord. 

  • Visitors and reenactors
    ©IWM

    For families

    Inspire curious minds with activities especially for children of all ages. From Airfix Modelling to learning about the D-Day landings.

  • Flightline walk at Duxford Air Shows
    ©IWM

    For aviation fans

    From static collections to our flightline walk and plenty of opportunities for shutterbugs to capture the perfect shot. 

Gates open 8am to 7pm

We recommend you arrive in plenty of time to enjoy a full day of action, with our gates opening at 8am for entry to IWM Duxford's museum, hangars and collections and access to traders and catering stalls. We recommend arriving early to find the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy uninterrupted flying displays.

Activities and standard ticket benefits :Approximate timings:Included in your ticket price:
Entry to the museum, static collections and historic hangars The museum will open from 8amYes
The museum airfield is split into three Zones on the day for your entertainment and enjoyment. Each zone contains different special events and activities on top of access to the museum included in your ticket price. Activities will start running from 10am

Yes, with some exceptions. 

 

Additional charges apply to Duxford Aviation Society activities including:

 

  • The British Airliner Collection
  • Queens Flight BAe146
  • Tank vehicle rides

 

Plus, Classic Wings pleasure flights.

 

Find out more about activities across our Showground Zones below.

Access to the Flightline before the flying action takes offThe Flightline will close at approximately 12 noonYes
The flying display with four hours of planned commemoration and entertainment in the sky aboveFrom 1pm approximately Yes
Access to free event shuttle buses to and from Cambridge Train Station and Trumpington Park and Ride with your ticketOur special bus service timings will be available on our Getting Here Page and FAQs as soon as possibleYes

Flightline access

Visitors in front of a Spitfire
©IWM

Entry to the Flightline is included in your ticket price, with gates open until 12 noon to explore the aircraft up close and see the pilots and crew get ready to take to the sky.

Blue Zone

Concorde at IWM Duxford
© IWM

Demonstration: Concorde Nose Droop

Join Duxford Aviation Society volunteers for a special live demonstration to showcase the inside of the famous Concorde nose. Activity takes place at 12 noon and 5.30pm
An R.A.F. sergeant helps one of the paratroopers to make last minute adjustments.
© IWM CH 13299

Airborne Assault Museum

Tracing the history of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, using imaginative displays, film footage and original sound recordings. Drop in all day.
Airfix make and paint activity
©IWM

Fun for all ages: Airfix modelling

A ‘make and paint’ model activity area delivered by the Airfix team. Fun for all the family! Drop in all day.
Make your own Parachute laying on the flag of the the Airborne Forces

Special indoor display: Airborne 1944

In this special indoor activity created by Airborne Assault Museum to remember airborne operations throughout 1944, interact with airborne brigades, volunteers, and veterans from various Para regiments. STEM based activities include ‘build a para', try on helmets, smocks, and a parachute, and learn how to jump as if you were a para! You can also get up static vehicles and handle equipment used by paratroopers for operations from jungle uniforms to snow suits. Drop in all day.
© IWM

Special outdoor display: Airborne 1944

In this specially created outdoor display by Airborne Assault Museum, discover the stories of Polish Paratroopers told through living history groups such as MECO, First to Fight and 39-45 LHS. Including equipment demonstrations and an area dedicated to portraying an Airborne Intelligence Section and an Airborne Engineer display. Drop in all day.
Paras stand at Duxford Air Shows
© IWM

Meet the team: Para Regiment/16 AABCT

Meet serving members of the Parachute Regiment, their mascot ‘Pegasus’ and experience a parachute jump in VR! You can also meet some of the phenomenal, Red Devils Army parachute display team. Drop in all day.

Extra charges apply: Duxford Aviation Society

Additional charges apply to Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) activities. By purchasing a ticket to explore the British Airliner Collection, Queens Flight or to take a ride in a tank, you are supporting the work they do.

  • VC-10 of the Duxford Aircraft Society and a ticket booth
    DAS

    Duxford Aviation Society: The British Airliner Collection

    Green Zone 

    Buy a boarding pass from the Duxford Aviation Society shop on the day. 

    Adults £6, Child £3, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £12.

  • Queen’s flight British Aerospace 146
    © IWM

    Duxford Aviation Society: Queens Flight BAe146

    Green Zone

    Add a ticket to your boarding pass to also view the Queens Flight BAe146.

    £3 per person.

  • Visitors on DAS Tank ride at Duxford Air Shows
    ©IWM

    Duxford Aviation Society Military Vehicle Wing: Tank rides!

    Red Zone

    Hold onto your seats with the Duxford Aviation Society Military Vehicle Wing!

    Rides cost £10 per person.

Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) is a charitable voluntary trust based at Imperial War Museum Duxford. Created in 1975, it exists to preserve historically important British civil airliners and military vehicles, providing maximum public access to the collection and promoting knowledge and understanding.

Green Zone

Guests with P-51D Mustang
© Aircraft Restoration Company

Meet the team: Aircraft Restoration Company & Aerial Collective

Meet the Aerial Collective team, in-house warbird flight experience provider of the Aircraft Restoration Co. Get up close to iconic vintage aircraft from their stable and witness a Spitfire undercarriage retraction demo from the ARCo engineers. Drop in all day.
Fokker DR1
© IWM

Static Aircraft: First World War collection

A static Fokker Triplane and a SE5 replica will be on display, thanks to their owner Paul Ford. Paul and his team will also have authentic kit and equipment to show you. You may even be able to sit inside one of the aircraft! Drop in all day.
Costumed soldiers in a line
©IWM

Living history: Civil Defenders

Meet Civil Defenders, re-creating home front life during the Second World War. The team will bring the spirit, humour, and atmosphere of the period to life with amazing authenticity. Keep an eye out for them on their classic bicycles around site! Drop in all day.
Duxford Air shows Big Blue Moon band
bandsforhire.net

Live stage: Bands and Singers

Enjoy a variety of bands performing live tracks from a variety of eras. Keep your eyes peeled for Twenties Again, a modern/swing instrumental band performing on the move, or join the crowd at the staging area to enjoy sessions from Retro Jets, Wizzo's Rip Roaring Histories and Hot Shoes, an infectious swing band performing classic 1920s swing and contemporary mashups with a vintage twist.
East Anglian Regiment museum entrance
©IWM

Royal Anglian Regiment Museum engagement team

Showcasing equipment used during the war such as the uniforms worn, weapons used and the foods that were rationed. You can also take part in a mine detecting activity and have your face painted in camouflage to be ‘action ready’! Drop in all day.
Visitor and actor at Duxford Air Shows
© IWM

Living history: British Paratrooper re-enactors

Living history groups dressed in various attire displaying British Para mechanics. The Second World War vehicle display includes a British 'Para' Royal Enfield Flying Flea Motorcycle. Drop in all day.
Visitors entering a DAS Airliner
©IWM

Duxford Aviation Society: The British Airliner Collection

Enjoy the commercial airliners with a boarding pass, meet the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) volunteers and visit their society shop. Please note, a DAS boarding pass does not include entry to the Queens Flight BAe146. Separate fees apply. Additional fees apply. Tickets can be purchased from DAS on the day. Adults £6, Child £3, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £12. Open 9am to 5pm.
©IWM

Duxford Aviation Society: Queens Flight BAe146

With a limited number of timed slots available, make sure to report to the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) shop to book a Queens Flight BAe146 ticket. Additional fees apply. Tickets cost £3 per person. Limited time slots. Find out more from DAS on the day.

Red Zone

Animals from ZooLab with logo
ZooLab

Fun for all ages: Zoolab Workshops

Join the Zoolab ‘animal team’ and get up close and hands-on with animals, such as Snakes, Lizards and Tarantulas. The special 'Deadly 80' theme has been created especially for the 80-year commemoration of D-Day. Drop in from 10am to 6pm.
Model aircraft in front of a BMFA logo flag
BMFA

Meet the team: The British Model Flying Association (BMFA)

Meet the BMFA team and discover the several typical 'club' type aircraft and drones that members fly. Plus enjoy the BMFA's flight simulator trailer to get hands on and 'into the air'. Drop in all day.
Fairground carousel riders at Duxford Air Shows
©IWM

Fun for all ages: Traditional Steam Fair

A traditional steam funfair throughout the day and into the early evening providing continuous entertainment for all ages. Enjoy a Helter Skelter, Gallopers Carousel, Swing Boats and a child 'Toy Town’ ride. Drop in from 10am to 6pm.
Children with face paint
Glitter-Arty

Fun for all ages: Face Painting and Glitter Bar

You can choose from a variety of summery face painting designs and glitter art throughout the day. Activity runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
Visitors at Duxford Air Shows
© IWM

Special display: Discover D-Day

A full display of services of supply for the build-up to the Invasion of Normandy including signals display of radios and methods of communication, engineer display of explosives and mines and frontline equipment and weapons used by the Americans. The group Allied Star will be supporting the display, showcasing the British kit equivalent. Drop in all day.
Visitors on DAS Tank ride at Duxford Air Shows
©IWM

Vehicle rides: Duxford Aviation Society Military Vehicle Wing Rides

The Duxford Aviation Society offers you the chance to ride in a tank before the flying display begins! There is a minimum height restriction of 4’ 2” (1.27m) to take part. Additional charge applies: £10 per person. Activity runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Apache attack helicopter with crew
6AAC

Special display: Military Village

Meet serving military and hear about their experiences whilst viewing their display of various pieces of kit and equipment, next to variety of static military vehicles. You can expect to see engagement teams from 6 Regiment Army Air Corps, 254 Medical Regiment, Royal Air Force (19 Squadron), and the Military Provost Guard Service. Drop in all day.

Museum and static collections

Visitors in the American Air Museum
©IWM

Explore IWM Duxford as part of your ticket price, from our hangars and collection displays like AirSpace and the American Air Museum to our historic Battle of Britain: Ops Block experience.

Classic Wings pleasure flights

Classic Wings Dh89 Dragon Rapide flying over IWM Duxford
Classic Wings

Join Classic Wings for pleasure flights before the flying display starts and afterwards up until the airfield closes at 7pm. Take to the sky in the De Havilland Dragon Rapide, Tiger Moth or T6 Harvard for an extra special air show experience. Bookings open on the day from 8:30am but do sell out quickly. Make your way to the Classic Wings tent opposite the American Air Museum on arrival to secure your flight experience. 

Flights are not included in your Duxford Summer Air Show ticket price. Additional fees apply. Cash or card are accepted.

Be prepared to be weighed by the Classic Wings crew on the day: there is a weight limit for all pleasure flights.

IWM Member Air Show Benefits

Become a member before you book and receive 10% off standard tickets and access to the open-air members area on the day (subject to booking availability). Join today from just £5 a month.

Filming and Photography: IWM photographers and film crews will be in action across the site at the event, recording images that will be kept on file and used for publicity purposes. To find out more about how we use our images please ask our staff on the day or contact us at [email protected]. IWM photography and filming staff will be clearly identifiable in IWM Duxford branded t-shirts or high vis jackets.

Commercial Opportunities

Man dressed in RAF 14 Group Royal Observer Corps dress holding binoculars and facing the camera

If you are looking for opportunities to take part at Duxford Summer Air Show you can talk to our show organisers.

Find out today about how you can showcase your offer to Duxford Air Shows audiences in 2024.

We are looking especially for new, high quality, customer-focused applications to join our event brand including:

  • Traders 
  • Entertainers
  • Living History groups
  • Classic car groups
  • Aircraft - fly in and display 

Plan for a great day

  • Advance tickets only

    Tickets are limited and will sell fast. Children aged 15 and under go free with Standard ticket purchases only.

  • Ticket purchase enquiries

    For any questions about your tickets once you have made a purchase, please contact our ticketing partner See Tickets.

  • Free shuttle buses

    Buses will run regularly to and from Cambridge train station and Trumpington Park and Ride. Arrival and departure times will be communicated in our FAQs. 

  • Your tickets

    Please download or print tickets from your SEE tickets booking email. IWM members should also bring their valid membership card. Your parking permit must be printed and displayed on your dashboard on arrival. 

  • Pre-paid merchandise

    If you pre-purchase programmes or merchandise for collection on the day, please have your ticket confirmation ready to show to staff at IWM retail outlets.

  • Traffic Management

    We have a traffic management plan in place but our popular shows can be busy. You may experience delays getting into the event on arrival. 

  • Do bring

    Check out our recommendations for what to bring on the day. Please come prepared for the weather!

  • Do not bring

    As a live airfield and a busy event, we do have a checklist of things not to bring with you on the day. 

  • Any questions?

    Our frequently asked questions page and our Terms and Conditions provide helpful advice and contacts for on the day.