Kirkbride Airfield Open Day to return 'better than ever'

Kirkbride Airfield Open Day and Fly is set to return this weekend with a number of historical and interesting aircraft are set to be in attendance at this popular event which this year is raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Currently more than 50 visiting aircraft are coming to the show from all over the UK, including a 1950s De Havilland jet fighter, a bullet-scarred, battle-used Vietnam War Huey Helicopter and a WW2 Yak-3 fighter.

A De Havilland Vampire 1950's fighter jet. (Image: Chris Gurney)The event also will see a WWII re-enactment group and a virtual reality flight simulator for people to experience different types of planes whilst staying firmly on the ground.

Like many events of its type, the Kirkbride Airfield Open Day and Fly was forced to shut down during the pandemic whilst lockdown restrictions were in place but has returned this year with the promise of being ‘better than ever’.

The event is also special as it is the last event planned with Kirkbride Airfield’s John Plaskett on the committee as he is retiring.

Hangar number one at Kirkbride Airfield (Image: Archive)“We’re a small organising team but we hope we can bring the event back better than ever,” said organiser, Chris Gurney.

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“We had to cancel events during the pandemic, but we’re really excited about welcoming back the crowds to the event on Sunday.”

Aviation legend Bob Davy will also be returning with his Yakovlev Yak-3 in Ukrainian Air Force markings.

He will be bringing some friends with him including a Yak-52, Yak-18 and a Nanchang CJ-6A to name a just few from the West London Aero Club at White Waltham Airfield.

Alongside the ariel entertainment there will also be food and drink stalls for people to enjoy.

The Kirkbride Airfield Open Day and Fly starts at 10am on Sunday, May 28 and is free for the public to enter.