Best reasons not to miss the Headcorn Airshow

The Headcorn Airshow is an annual airshow that takes place in the village of Headcorn, Kent. The air show features a variety of historical and modern aircraft, as well as a variety of other attractions.

This air show is a very popular event for both aviation enthusiasts and those who are simply looking for a great day out. It’s an excellent way to learn about the history of aviation, as well as to see some of the most impressive aircraft in the world up close.

In addition, the air show provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and to make new friends. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, the Headcorn Airshow is an event not to be missed.

Aero Legends Battle of Britain Airshow

The stars of the show include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which includes the last airworthy Avro Lancaster bomber in the UK, a Spitfire, and a Hurricane. There are also individual and group displays of other Spitfires and Hurricanes. These iconic World War II aircraft are still flying thanks to the work of Aero Legends, a company that specializes in keeping them in the air.

As well as two Spitfires, Aero Legends also fly two Douglas C-47s, two Harvard T6s, and two Tiger Moths The Aero Legends C-47s are a Skytrain and a Douglas variant. and The Harvard is a particularly loud vintage aircraft which makes a distinctive sound as it takes off.

Flying displays include skillfully choreographed Battle of Britain re-enactments in which you can watch as fighters tail chase each other, with their engines roaring and crowds cheering them on.

The Red Arrows often perform a flypast that has people surging forward to the fence line for the best position for those all-important camera shots. This year they will make their appearance on Friday 24th June.

There’s plenty more to see apart from the spectacular flying displays, from acrobatic displays to parachute drops. There is a large static aircraft park containing Battle of Britain aircraft displays, with family-friendly attractions alongside.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you may even be able to enjoy one of a series of flying experiences available in vintage aircraft. So whatever your age or interests, the Headcorn Airshow is sure to provide an enjoyable day out.

Tickets for the Airshow at Headcorn Aerodrome

Unlike the Bournemouth Airshow and others like it you’ll need a ticket to gain admission to this event. This Battle of Britain airshow is very popular so it’s advisable to buy your tickets for the weekend in advance through the official website. The next event is scheduled for 24th – 26th June 2022.

Now in its 7th year, it’s a well organised event with a large car park including disabled parking. The air show will proceed unless the weather is very poor, so check the forecast before your planned visit. Even in poor weather with a low cloud base it’s possible to put a limited show and the static aircraft will still be on display.

There are several ticket types, each allowing access to their respective enclosure.

• General Admission Tickets
• Spitfire Enclosure Tickets
• Flightline Premiere Tickets
• Flightline Walk Tickets

If this will be your first time at the Battle of Britain Airshow then take a look at my post about what to expect at such an event and how to make the most of it.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is most often seen as a group of three aircraft; a Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and a Lancaster bomber. However, it contains many other aircraft. Here is a complete list to date:

• 1 Avro Lancaster
• 6 Supermarine Spitfires
• 2 Hawker Hurricanes
• 1 Douglas Dakota
• 2 de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks

This flypast display team is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, England, and was formed in 1957 to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. The aircraft was designed by R. J. Mitchell, and it first flew in 1936.

The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was also used by the RAF and other Allied countries during World War II. The aircraft was designed by Sydney Camm, and it first flew in November 1935.

The Lancaster is a British four-engined heavy bomber that was used by the RAF during World War II. The aircraft was designed by Roy Chadwick, and it first flew in January 1941.

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was a crucial turning point in World War II. By the early summer of 1940, the Nazis occupied most of Europe and parts of North Africa. France had fallen and the remains of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) had been rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk during a near-miraculous evacuation involving hundreds of military and civilian ships and boats. The USA had not entered the war and Britain stood alone.

Then, in June 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a massive air offensive against the British Isles in an attempt to gain air superiority ahead of a planned invasion. However, the Royal Air Force rose to the challenge and fought back with heroic determination. The RAF was supplemented by pilots not just from the UK and the British Commonwealth but also from other countries including pilots from Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Despite the odds and air battles that exhausted the young pilots, the RAF emerged victorious, thwarting the Luftwaffe’s plans and giving the Allied forces a much-needed boost of confidence.

RAF pilots in World War II were some of the most courageous men of their generation. Faced with the daunting task of taking on the might of the German Luftwaffe, they fought valiantly for their country. Many of them were just boys when they signed up, barely out of their teens, but they had a sense of duty and patriotism that inspired those around them.

In the face of enormous odds, they rose to the challenge and helped to turn the tide of the war. RAF pilots will always be remembered as heroes of that conflict. They risked their lives for a cause they believed in, and they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.

The battle also showed the world that Hitler could be beaten, proving that the Nazis were not invincible. The courage and skill of the RAF pilots helped to change the course of history, and their legacy will never be forgotten. Each year, we commemorate the events and the sacrifices made by so many young pilots during Battle of Britain Day on September 15th.

Headcorn Aerodrome

Headorn Aerodrome in Kent was an important site during World War II, serving as a base for squadrons of the US Air Force (USAAF) and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It was requisitioned for War use in 1942 and opened in 1943. It was originally named RAF Lashenden. Before the war, it had been a grass airstrip known as Shenley Farm.

After World War II the airfield was returned to agriculture. During the 1960s the current grass airstrip was created and today, it is a quiet country airfield, surrounded by farmland. It is a reminder of the sacrifice made by those who fought to defend this country against Nazi aggression. Headorn Aerodrome may be peaceful now, but it will always hold a special place in the history of Britain, lying as it does under the very airspace under which the Battle of Britain was fought.