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Duxford air show 2021: First flying displays in almost two years

Richard Ash/IWM Mustang plane with crewRichard Ash/IWM
Planes from the US, including a Mustang, will be on display

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in Duxford is hosting its first air show in almost two years.

All the shows in 2020 were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and this summer's event is running at a reduced capacity.

All ticket holders aged 11 and over have to provide evidence of their Covid-19 status to enter.

Phil Hood, from IWM, said: "We are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to the summer air show."

Richard Ash/IWM MustangRichard Ash/IWM
The TF-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' is one of the best performing allied fighters of the Second World War, IWM said

He said the air shows were "a highly anticipated fixture on the IWM Duxford events calendar", but just one had been run since September 2019.

All adult visitors will have to show a negative Covid-19 test or that they have received two vaccinations.

Richard Ash/IWM A Supermarine SpitfireRichard Ash/IWM
A Supermarine Spitfire, used in the film Dunkirk, flew from Biggin Hill in 2012 following restoration

Among the planes flying are the RAF Red Arrows and Falcons parachute display team, and the Blades aerobatic team.

There is also a RAF Typhoon and a biplane display team.

Richard Ash/IWM A pair of Strikemaster JetsRichard Ash/IWM
The BAC 167 Strikemaster was a development of the Jet Provost and used as a light attack aircraft, the team will fly as a pair

Also flying is the NHS Spitfire, which bears the names of thousands of local heroes nominated from across the UK during the pandemic.

It also has "Thank U NHS" emblazoned on the underside of its wings.

Richard Ash/IWM Mustang plane with a crew memberRichard Ash/IWM
A Mustang plane from the Second World War feature in the event

The air show is welcoming 8,000 spectators each day and Mr Hood said he was "confident it will be a memorable weekend, allowing us to get back to what we do best".

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