Vintage jets from the Cold War, and a Spitfire which saw battle action, have joined the flying line-up at this summer’s Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show.
Two de Havilland Vampires will been seen by crowds watching two packed afternoons of flying – between 1pm and 5pm – during the Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show on June 16-17.
They will be joined by a 1943 Mark IX Spitfire, which chalked up a string of enemy “kills” at the end of the Second World War, before “civvy street” starring roles in several war films including The Battle of Britain, The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far.
Also new to the flying displays are a 1960s Bronco light attack and observation plane – an aircraft type which saw action in Vietnam, the Cold War and Gulf War – and a Strikemaster jet, which is the armed version of the RAF’s Jet Provost trainer.
The Vampires, from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, have been specially painted this season in RAF colours to mark the air force’s centenary.
And the Bronco, based near the Belgium Great War battlefield of Flanders is painted with poppies highlighting the sacrifices of those who died in the First World War and supporting a message of peace.
The Spitfire, owned by the Old Flying Machine Company based at Duxford since 1983, also saw action in Java with the Netherlands Air Force before ending its military career as a trainer in Belgium.
The Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show, organised by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area, is expected to attract 175,000 people and generate an extra £10m for local traders.
Air show director Asa Morrison said: “The jets represent a key era of world and aviation history, and people love the sight and sound of a Spitfire – so we are delighted to include them in our line-up to thrill the crowds.”
The air show displays also include the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Bremont Great War Display team, Blades and Wildcats aerobatics, plus the Army’s Tigers freefall parachutists.
Where to park for the new Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show
Great Yarmouth Air Show Parking Map
Motorists heading to Great Yarmouth’s new summer air show are being steered towards two large park-and-ride sites on the outskirts of the town.
But there is also the chance to buy premium parking spots at three locations in easy walking distance of the seafront.
The 500-space park and rides will operate from the town’s Racecourse, for people coming in from the Norwich direction and the north, and at Beacon Park for drivers heading coming in from the south. Fees range from £10-£18.
All seafront car parks will be closed for the weekend – but there are 600 spaces including Blue Badge slots – at Premium Parking locations at North Drive, South Beach Parade and Euston Road.
Premium parking daily tickets costing £35 and park-and-ride tickets are now on sale via the air show website www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/air-show
The Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show is organised by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area and is expected to attract 175,000 people and generate an extra £10m for local traders.
Air show director Asa Morrison said: “This is going to be a brilliant event for the area – but that also means lots of traffic as people flock to see our flying displays.
“With car parks and streets closed, for security reasons, and some streets zoned for resident parking only – we are encouraging people to buy their parking now, so they can come and enjoy the fun without searching for a spot.
”Our aim is to make it as hassle-free as possible for drivers – with a combination of park-and-ride and some convenient spaces close to the seafront. A lot of planning has gone into the parking in consultation with the police and borough council to ensure it is easy to book, easy to use, safe and convenient.”
Chris Speed, head of operations at First Eastern Counties, which will be running the park-and-ride bus services said: ”We are pleased to be involved in this year’s event and look forward to welcoming guests, who will, I am sure, be in for a great day’s entertainment at the air show.”
Other travel information, including trains, will be announced later.
See more air show details – including how to book park-and-ride tickets or daily premium parking spots near the seafront – at the event website www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/air-show/.
Follow the air show updates on Facebook @GreatYarmouthAirShow and Twitter @GYAirShow.
