Old Buckenham Airshow is promising to be the biggest so far

Crowd-Wartime re-enactments are among the on-ground attractions at Old Buckenham Airshow. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

In just two weeks time the skies above south Norfolk will be filled with vintage aircraft, famous aircraft, aerobatics and some of the quirkiest flying machines around today.

The Old Buckenham Airshow on July 28-29 is the biggest yet with everything from a nuclear missile and tank rides to the chance to fly a helicopter, watch battle re-enactments, get close to all manner of military hardware and admire some of the sleekest, shiniest and rarest classic and vintage cars and motorbikes in Britain.

The air display at the Old Buckenham Airshow is renowned for its action-packed programme featuring some of the most exciting aircraft flown by some of the best pilots in the world.

With 28 acts in the line up, it's full of crowd-pleasing favourites from a wing walker, Mustang, Spitfire and Hurricane to the Beechcraft Staggerwing and Sally B, the superstar beast Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, it brings a good sprinkling of the new, fun and unique too.

The glorious sight of a A P-51 Mustang (left) and Spitfire MkIX performing at a previous Old Buckenham Airshow. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

This year the show on July 28 and 29 will also feature aerobatics from a 41 per cent scale model of an Extra Aerobatic Aircraft, performing in an exceptional double act with the full size aircraft.

Look out too for the original magnificent men in their flying machines with a display of triplanes and other vintage craft from the truly remarkable Great War Display Team.

There will be a world first at the Old Buckenham Airshow too when pilot Richard Ellingworth makes his first ever display appearance, bringing the effortlessly elegant Fairchild Argus to the skies.

A rare element of 1930's glamour; the Fairchild Argus was used for everything from transporting Hollywood Legends to some serious hard work in the Second World War, helped considerably by its ability for super short take offs and landings on all manner of terrain.

The Mark IX Spitfire MH434 will be one the many war time greats coming to the Old Buckenham Airshow on July 28-29 2018. Picture: submitted (Image: Archant)

The aerobatic line-up includes the high jinks and top precision flying of Norfolk's Wildcat Aerobatics, the nifty Yak 52 being flung around the sky by Nigel Willson, Matt Summers RV8, and the remarkable and tiny Turbulent Team, a squad of four single seat low-powered Turbulents known for particularly exciting party tricks involving limbo, balloon popping and a fair amount of flour.

Airshow organiser Matt Wilkins says: 'We're overwhelmed with the level of interest and ticket sales already; well in excess of last year's record breaking sell out.

'Being able to announce the biggest air display weekend ever at the airfield is one thing, but for us to be the venue for Richard Ellingworth's first display; the start of a new and exciting initiative by the CAA which will help guarantee the future of airshows, is a piece of history in itself.'

While there are several hours of flying to enjoy, there is absolutely masses of family fun on the ground too.

Explore the display of military vehicles at Old Buckenham, including a tank used in Goldeneye. Pictured is airfield manager and airshow organiser Matt Wilkins. Photo: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant © 2013)

There's the much loved Attack and Destroy Bar with its range of ales, proper ice cream at genuinely family-friendly prices, and a festival of flavours with something for everyone in the food village, plus stalls and stands to browse too.

Look out for an evocative re-enactment of the World War Two liberation of a Normandy Barn, for two airfield museums and for possibly the biggest display of classic vehicles and military machinery seen at Old Buckenham yet – and this has long been an airshow loved as much for its on the ground exhibits as the entertaining air displays.

Tickets in advance from £12 adults, £6 youngsters 12-16, under 12s are free. Tickets on the gate from £15 adults, £8 youngsters 12-16, under 12s free. Gates open at 10am both days. www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk

The aerobatic Extra flying in unison with a 'mini me' model is one of the wow moments on the way to the show. (Image: Archant)

One of the heavyweights heading to Old Buckenham Airshow is the Sally B, the only flying B-17 Flying Fortress. Picture Zaid Meherali. (Image: Archant)

Aircraft from the Bremont Great War Team are due to display at Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

The Wildcats Aerobatics team preparing for their display at the Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

The Old Buckenham Airshow display on July 28-29 includes a rich variety of old and modern aircraft. Picture: Eirik Ostensjo (Image: Eirik Ostensjo)

Tight precision formatin flying from The Wildcats Aerobatics team. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

A Hurricane Mk IIC from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF-BBMF starting her display routine. Picture Cpl Phil Major (Image: © Crown copyright)