Up in the air

What’s possibly the biggest airshow in Norfolk and Suffolk is going to be even better this year. There’s a particularly poignant reason why, says Jo Malone.

It’s not only because the famous helicopter from James Bond film Goldfinger will be reunited with blockbuster actress Honor Blackman and take to the skies 50 years after she - as Pussy Galore - saved the day at its helm.

Nor just because the show has its best line-up ever of famous aircraft, aerobatics, top pilots, Monster Truck, tank and plane rides, impressive classic car and military displays, hangar dance, beer festival, food village, funfair and annually draws families and aviation enthusiasts from around Britain.

And not even because the Norfolk Airshow weekend is honouring the 366 USAAF servicemen who died serving from the airfield in the Second World War with a special celebration of the US.

All this adds up to make the Old Buckenham Airshow on August 1 and 2 one of the best known events in the East Anglian calendar.

But this year the show is also paying tribute to world known, multiple British Advanced Aerobatic Champion and respected pilot David Jenkins, a member of Norfolk’s famous Wildcats Aerobatic team, who died during a flying display at Old Buckenham a few weeks ago.

Matt Wilkins, airshow organiser, says: “To properly pay tribute to David we will be doing everything we can to make this the best airshow ever. In the elite world of the display pilot (the top one per cent) David was universally recognised as one of the very best of all time. At the Old Buckenham Airshow we’ll be celebrating his remarkable talents and lasting influence over aviation. The Wildcats will perform a poignant missing man formation and we will ask everyone to join in a minute’s applause for the pilot and great friend who entertained and amazed thousands and left his fellow pilots in awe-struck admiration.”

Share the celebration and enjoy everything from Honor Blackman and the Goldfinger Hiller helicopter to Spitfire, Mustang, Boeing Stearman, Yak 52 and much more.

Tickets, from £10, available now;