It is a two-day spectacular which draws aviation fans around the country to a south Norfolk airfield.

Eastern Daily Press: Sean Connery (left) and Honor Blackman pictured before filming of the third Bond movie Goldfinger as James Bond and Pussy Galore. Photo: PA/PA WireSean Connery (left) and Honor Blackman pictured before filming of the third Bond movie Goldfinger as James Bond and Pussy Galore. Photo: PA/PA Wire (Image: PA Archive/Press Association Images)

With a weekend of show-stopping grounded and aerial displays, the Old Buckenham Airshow has established a reputation as the biggest event of its kind in the county.

It will return this weekend, Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, boasting its most extensive aircraft line-up to date, with displays from the Spitfire MH434, the 'Ferocious Frankie' Mustang, the Boeing PT-17 Stearman and the only replica of the Mystery Ship.

For many, though, the airshow highlight will be a visit from the Hollywood star who brought the most famous Bond girl to life - with her blockbuster aircraft in tow.

Movie star Honor Blackman, famed for her role as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, will be reunited with the Hiller helicopter she flew to Fort Knox in the iconic final scenes of the hit film.

And it won't just be for pictures - at some point over the weekend she will be taking a trip up in Norfolk's skies.

Matt Wilkins, airfield manager, said: 'Having a film star of the calibre of Honor will be amazing and we are very excited for the weekend to get going.

'We are going to bigger than ever this year - there is plenty of displays as always and we really do feel we have a seriously great line-up.'

Mr Wilkins said that the number of tickets bought ahead of the event had gone through the roof, with sales doubled on last year.

On the ground, there will be military displays, a food village, a beer festival run by Attleborough brewery Taylor's and another treat for Bond fans - a display of Aston Martin DB5s.

The show, of which the EDP is a media partner, will this year adopt an American theme, to pay tribute to the 366 USAAF servicemen from the 453rd Bomb Group who died at the airfield during the Second World War.

A new Nissen hut housing a collection of the group's memorabilia will also be up and running for history buffs to explore.

The unit included Hollywood names James 'Jimmy' Stewart, who served as group operations officer, and Walter Matthau.

Day of remembrance

It will be a day of both celebration and remembrance.

For many revellers, the absence of aerobatics pilot David Jenkins will be hard to forget.

The talented pilot, who was one of the East Anglian Wildcat Aerobatics team, died at the airfield in April after his plane crashed during a practice display.

At the show, his fellow team-mates will be performing a poignant 'missing man' tribute flight.

Mr Wilkins confirmed that there would be a moment of remembrance during the tribute, but said that instead of silence, airshow visitors would be invited to cheer and make as much noise as possible.

Tributes paid after his death described him as 'the best bloke' and 'highly skilled'.

Tickets are still available in advance, or on the door. For information about prices and the show, visit the website at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk

Will you be going to the show this weekend? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk