WM Duxford Summer Air Show to commemorate D-Day 80 with mass Dakota flypast and parachute drop

This summer, IWM Duxford will hold a commemorative Duxford Summer Air Show: D-Day 80 with Daks over Duxford in partnership with Aero Legends and the D-Day Squadron. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, played a crucial role in the success of D-Day, dropping thousands of allied paratroopers over Normandy in support of Operation Overlord. To mark the 80th anniversary, IWM Duxford is delighted to host 11 historic Dakotas in an aerial spectacle across the weekend (1-2 June). On Saturday 1 June, visitors can experience history coming back to life as over 100 parachutists perform a mass jump over Duxford's historic airfield. On Sunday 2 June, the full fleet will gather again in a grand parade over Duxford as they continue their journey across the channel.

The world- famous Red Arrows will join the jammed packed line up on Sunday 2 June to perform their iconic and jaw-dropping display and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster Display will see one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world take the skies. Other acts include the BBMF Hurricane & Spitfire Tailchase for a thrilling aerial chase sequence and the crowd favourite Flying Comrades, a team of Duxford based pilots who will be joined with special guest Peter Kuypers, captain of the famous B-17 "Sally B" as they perform daring aerobatics and close formation flying.

On the ground, visitors can expect no shortage of entertainment as new activities join this summer providing endless amusement all weekend long. For those who want to immerse themselves further into the story of D-Day, Military Village and Discover D-Day will allow visitors meet serving military and engage with various pieces of kit and equipment. Special displays include Airborne 1944, created by Airborne Assault Museum which will tell the story of British Paratroopers through living history. Then a current serving members of the Parachute Regiment, joined by their Shetland Pony mascot 'Pegasus' and British Paratrooper living history groups displaying British Para mechanics.

Included in the ticket is IWM Duxford's world class static collection and displays showcasing iconic aircraft and historic objects dating back to the early days of flight. Visitors are welcome to take part in the Flightline Walk, an opportunity to get up close to participating aircraft and see the pilots and crew as they get ready to fly. Finally, to ensure more opportunities for families to enjoy Duxford Air Shows, kids under 15 can have free entry to the Duxford Summer Air Show.

IWM Duxford's Head of Commercial Services Adam Kendall said, "We can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on for the Duxford Summer Air Show: D-Day 80. For this special commemorative year, there are some stellar acts, dramatic flypasts and new activities planned for a weekend full of non-stop entertainment. It is of course, a pleasure to welcome back Daks over Duxford with thanks to Aero Legends for making it all happen, this is truly going to be an unforgettable Duxford Summer Air Show".

The Duxford Summer Air Show: D-Day 80 is available to book now via the website.