A CUMBRIAN airfield’s open day celebrated a record turnout at the weekend following its return after the pandemic.

Kirkbride Airfield Open Day and Fly in association with Solway Light Aviation returned on Sunday, May 28 with a number of historical and interesting aircraft in attendance.

More than 100 visiting aircraft came 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.

News and Star: Crowds looking round the Vietnam War Huey helicopterCrowds looking round the Vietnam War Huey helicopter (Image: Chris Gurney)The event also welcomed 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.

Aviation legend Bob Davy returned to the airfield with his Yakovlev Yak-3 in Ukrainian Air Force markings, and he brought colleagues with him flying planes including a Yak-52, Yak-18 and a Nanchang CJ-6A from the West London Aero Club at White Waltham Airfield.News and Star: The only flying UK based De Havilland Vampire giving a flypast on it's way back to GloucesterThe only flying UK based De Havilland Vampire giving a flypast on it's way back to Gloucester (Image: Chris Gurney)

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 it returned this year with the promise of being ‘better than ever’.

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

News and Star: John Plaskett has been at the airfield for 32 yearsJohn Plaskett has been at the airfield for 32 years (Image: Chris Gurney)John Plaskett has been on the organising committee for the airfield show for more than 30 years before announcing that this show would be his last.

A banner was flown from behind an aircraft reading ‘loved by all, you will be missed’ in tribute to John.

This year, the popular event raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

News and Star: A banner was flown to mark John's retirementA banner was flown to mark John's retirement (Image: Chris Gurney)“It was just a fabulous day with a record number of people coming through the gates to make it our biggest crowd ever,” said organiser, Chris Gurney.

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“We also managed to raise over £1,200 for the GNAAS which is a fantastic achievement.

“Lots of people have already asked me when the next one is but at the moment, we’re still too shattered after Sunday to think of next year just yet!”