70 different aircraft on display at Abingdon Air Show

The show, which has hosted some of Europe’s best air displays, provides a wide-ranging flying programme that covers all aspects and eras of flight. 

It will feature a two-and-a-half hour afternoon flying display programme which includes helicopters, aerobatic and historic types such as the iconic World War Two Avro Lancaster bomber.

There will also be a static aircraft display of over 55 types including an RAF C130J Hercules transport, plus a host of ground activities such as arena displays of falconry, Solent Stars Motorcycle display team, Husky dog rescue demonstration and Harley Davidsons, classic and ex military vehicles, crafts, live music, animals, a Spitfire simulator and much more.

The Lockheed Martin C130J Hercules will be on static display which will be one of the last times visitors will get to see this iconic transport aircraft up close. 

There will also be a rare appearance by a Boeing C17 Globemaster.

Both aircraft will be open to the public and these two types represent types that use Abingdon for military training purposes.

Last year’s show, which was due to be held on September 10, was cancelled out of respect following the death of the Queen.

Tickets for that event are being honoured at this Spring 2023 show.

The Abingdon Air and Country Show began in 2000 as a local fete organised by Neil Porter, a landscape gardener by trade, who wanted to put something back into the community and to provide a family day out at an affordable price.

The 2000 event barely broke even, but through perseverance, the show has steadily grown into one of the area’s largest annual events and established itself as a highlight on the airshow calendar.

Unlike the many UK airshows, everyone involved in the show’s organisation is a volunteer.

It takes them six days to completely build, run and break-down after the event.

This has meant that, over the past 20 years, it has been able to donate £100,000 to charity, including £82,895.70 to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, £14,000 to Douglas House Respite Centre, and a further £3,350 to other local charities.

Limited tickets are available on the gate on the day (cash only) at an increased price of Adult £25, Seniors (65+) £13, Child 5-15yrs £7. No credit/debit card facilities available.

The entry gate on Barrow Road will close at 1.45pm for air display safety so visitors must make sure they are in before then. It is still possible to exit via a different gate during the road closed hours.

There will be road closures also on Honeybottom Lane (all day) and Blackhorse Lane (2pm – 4.30pm).

A seperate pedestrian gate is located off Faringdon Road.

Oxfordshire County Council is warning drivers to expect increased traffic and activity in the area and to plan ahead.

🚨EVENT

The @AbingdonFayre Air and Country Show takes place today – 20th May – at #Abingdon Airfield. Expect increased traffic and activity in the area. For more information and to help plan your journey ahead please visit – pic.twitter.com/tDKodnl8xb

— OxonTravel (@OxonTravel) May 20, 2023