Duxford Summer Airshow - 21st & 22nd June

[James Cutting]

There was an airfield freeze in place for whatever reason which has just been lifted at Mildenhall.

[65thAgressor]

I've only been to one Duxford show. I wasn't particularly impressed. This one sounds like a right fubar!

[Nighthawke]

The issues with the programme that I've seen mentioned so far were outside Duxford's control.

[James Cutting]

But they need to have a scapegoat, some punters and it’s sadly aimed at the organisers.

[jasonT1981]

The issues with the programme that I've seen mentioned so far were outside Duxford's control.

For the most part I agree, with the exception of the trainer formation, Jet Provost and tutor which Duxford cut today for 'time constraints' which really should have factored timing in beforehand rather than a last minute cut

[Phantomrider]

So far-

ZZ390 Wildcat
ZM737 and ZM730 Apaches flying
ZK559 Chinook

[jasonT1981]

OK, I am going to try and be constructive so I am not just pooping over this past weekend.

Firstly Duxford, the way you treat members is shocking.

Dedicated members entrance now gone.

A stealth change to the members area, now has to be pre-booked (never announced) I didn't but got in, if you didn't pre-book it now goes by how long ago you booked your ticket. I got mine when they came out, so they let me in, but say someone bought the night before, and bought membership on the day... no chance of getting in. Crafty change.

OK, lets talk line up.

I enjoyed what flew, no doubt every display takes skill and something most of us could not do. There were some highlights, the Cobra, Asian attack situation and the Blenheim, Spitfire and Hurricane, a display I think could rival the BBMF if they ever did it fully. Wingwalkers and Rich Goodwin were brilliant too.

But lets be honest, this was not a Duxford Airshow. Duxford should feel bad putting their name to this. It was a seaside show for the most part with too much aerobatic teams and displays. (Again, I won't poop on any of the displays, I appreciate all of them, the Criticism here is at IWM)

2 Spitfires, no P51s and a serious lack of warbirds.... shocking for Duxford. Not even anything from TFC which in itself is a shocker.

What the heck happened on Sunday? "time constraints" cancelling displays on the day only for their to be longer gaps anyway between displays. It seemed very disorganised. I am sure some pilots might be pretty annoyed at Duxford.

Duxford is one of the homes for enthusiasts, but this didn't feel like there was any care given to regulars who have supported Duxford for many years, and more of a push for a family feel to it. It felt like bean counters were putting together a flying list instead of people actual people who love Aviation and what Duxford offers.

Cancellations outside of what Duxford themselves cancelled, well, it happens, I had planned to leave as the Reds were entering the stage anyway. Disappointing but nothing to dwell on.

And oh my goodness, what the actual hell was that mess that was the Sunday shuttle bus service? Yes, I get it, Reds cancelling caused a mass exodus but there was no structure or even support from IWM staff, it was a free for all. Even for those with disabilities seemed to be left to their own to get onto the mass pushing to get onto any bus that had it's door open.

I'll be back at Duxford no doubt, I have BoB tickets already. But as a member for the last 5 years I no longer feel there is any benefit to the membership if they do things like change the entry requirement to the members area (which their FAQs say is open to ALL members) as well as removing the members entrance. I don't think I will renew in 2026 nor attend a Summer show again for a while.

The flying, while not exactly a Duxford line up, even for a "Summer family show" put on great displays and thank you to every one of them for what they do. But IWM, shame on you for a shambolic weekend on your end. This was my 17th & 18th days at Duxford, and I have never been more disappointed.

Duxford's attitude in recent years seems to be "to frig with members and enthusiasts, we want kids and families"... and half the kids in the members area didn't seem to care about what was in the air, all they wanted was "Red Arrows"