Two major Second World War anniversaries will be observed later this year at Duxford – as the Imperial War Museum looks to pay its respects on milestone occasions. IWM Duxford is Britain’s best preserved wartime airfield, with a history that dates back to the First World War.
The first of the two events will reflect on 80 years since the end of World War Two with the Flying Days: VE Day commemoration on May 10. The VE Day commemorations will see a rare display featuring 'Ready 4 Duty' – a historic U.S. Navy World War Two era aircraft. It is the last of its kind still flying and the plane will also fly at the renowned Duxford Summer Air Show (June 21 and 22).
This event will be followed up by another in September with the Battle of Britain Air Show (September 6 and 7). It will be dedicated to those who served 85 years ago during the major aerial campaign of the same name.
Over the course of the summer, visitors will be thrilled by the world-famous Red Arrows – one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams. Visitors can also see the return of the RAF's Spitfire and Hurricane warbirds, along with some fast flying jets and vintage aircraft.
The 85th anniversary themed Battle of Britain Air Show (September 6 and 7) will pay special tribute to 'The Few' and the many who were instrumental in defending Britain’s skies from Nazi Germany. This will include a special formation to honour Group Captain John Allman 'Paddy' Hemingway DFC, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who passed away in March. The Air Show will conclude, as is tradition, with a mass Spitfire and Hurricane flypast.
In addition to the Battle of Britain and Duxford air shows, visitors can also enjoy three themed Flying Days including the Flying Days: VE Day spectacle. From May to July, visitors will not only be able to get close to the iconic aircraft at IWM Duxford but will be able to see artefacts from surviving U.S. Second World War era warships transported over especially for this tour.
2025 will also see the return of the Flying Evening, giving visitors a special after-hours entry into the museum to see vintage aircraft take to the skies as the sun sets on August 16.
Then on October 4, visitors are invited to the Flying Finale as Duxford celebrates the best of the 2025 flying season with spectacular displays including a grand send-off by the Red Arrows.
IWM Air Show Event Manager, Phil Hood, said: "This year, we have not one but two history defining anniversaries which we are commemorating in true IWM Duxford fashion. May will see the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrated with our first flying event of the season and provide a thrilling way to round off the national commemorations taking place throughout the week.
"In September, our signature Battle of Britain Air Show will pay tribute to aviation heritage and honour Duxford’s role during that defining summer – 85 years ago. As we put the final touches on a variety of soon-to-be-announced acts, we are excited to welcome visitors back for yet another unforgettable Duxford flying season filled with stellar acts and famous formations."
All 2025 flying events are available to book now via the IWM Duxford website. Here is a list of all of the events happening at IVM Duxford during the 2025 campaign, below:
Flying Days: VE Day. Saturday May 10, 2025
Celebrates the role aviation played in achieving victory in Europe during the Second World War. Witness iconic aircraft take to the skies, reflecting on the role Duxford has played in aviation history.
Flying Days: D-Day. Saturday June 7, 2025
Experience the story of D-Day as it is retold through flying aircraft at the historic Duxford site.
Duxford Summer Air Show. Saturday and Sunday June 21 and 22, 2025
Get ready for sky high entertainment at the first air show of the year! Fuel your senses with fast flying, all action aerobatics in the air and a jam-packed programme of entertainment on the ground.
Flying Days: The Americans. Friday July 25, 2025
The story of two nations united through war, loss, love and duty. Flying Days: The Americans honours a shared Second World War history with flying displays, living history groups and more.
Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show. Saturday and Sunday September 6 and 7, 2025
Be part of a spectacular event commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Step back into summer 1940 and see historic Duxford come to life as you discover the sights and sounds of Spitfires, Hurricanes and a host of other aircraft from the Second World War and beyond, as they take to the skies over Duxford. Plus, enjoy music and dance from the era, vintage dressed living history groups and family-friendly activities.
Duxford Flying Evening. Saturday August 16, 2025
Enjoy after-hours entry to IWM Duxford for this very special vintage aircraft flying display. Witness the aircraft that still call Duxford home take to the skies as the sun goes down and dusk turns to dark across this historic Second World War airfield.
Duxford Flying Finale. Saturday October 4, 2025
Join the final show in this year's flying calendar and celebrate the highs of all our flying events from the year. Discover the magic of a live flying display with extra special entertainment, incredible photography moments, plus entry to the museum, exhibitions, and hangars.
