The skies over Cambridgeshire were alight with the thrilling spectacle of historical aviation last weekend as the Imperial War Museum Duxford held its final air show of the 2024 season. On Saturday, October 5, aviation enthusiasts and families flocked to Duxford to catch one last breathtaking glimpse of agile aircraft showcasing their prowess above the famed airfield.
For many, IWM Duxford is synonymous with exhilarating air shows, and this year’s finale, dubbed Flying Finale, truly exemplified the venue’s dedication to celebrating aviation history. Visitors were treated to awe-inspiring aerial displays from classic warplanes, including the iconic Avro Lancaster and the RAF Aerobatic Team, breathing life back to the techniques of flight made famous during World War II.
The museum, which originally served as a Royal Air Force base during the war, is home to numerous aircraft and artifacts related to military aviation. It offers guests not just visual joy, but also educational insights through exhibitions and living history displays, engaging the public by providing lessons on what life was like during the war.
This year’s Flying Finale was complemented by various activities on the ground, as reenactors portrayed life during the wartime era, allowing visitors to step back and experience history from the perspective of those who lived it. For those seeking more excitement, rides on authentic military vehicles provided even closer connections to the past.
Among the highlights of this final show was the exquisite performance of the Spitfire PR XI, which, along with the RAF Typhoon, executed flawless maneuvers, thrilling the crowd with their synchronized formations. The day felt like a nostalgic revival, honoring those who fought for freedom with grace and speed.
The closing air show was just one part of Duxford's enduring appeal. The museum has plans to kick off its 2025 flying season with family-friendly summer air shows and dramatic twilight flights, aiming to engage audiences with more thrilling aerial performances and opportunities to learn. Upcoming events like the History Festival, featuring author talks and exclusive behind-the-scenes collections, are set to attract even more visitors next year.
With the 2025 season drawing ever closer, aviation buffs can now begin planning for the next series of air shows and are encouraged to sign up for the museum’s newsletter for timely updates.
Meanwhile, on the music scene, 2025 is gearing up to be quite the year too, particularly with the return of the Stereophonics after three years away from touring. The beloved Welsh band recently announced their Stadium Anthems tour starting next June. This tour marks their first live shows since the roll-out of their latest album, set to release next year.
Scheduled to rock audiences across the UK and Ireland, the tour will take the band to iconic venues including Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and the Isle of Wight Festival. Fans can expect to hear new tracks alongside Stereophonics classics like “Dakota” and “Maybe Tomorrow,” which have contributed to their lasting legacy.
Lead vocalist Kelly Jones expressed his excitement, stating, “Being on the road again with my best friends, playing all the hits of this band’s catalogue for people in huge outdoor gatherings through the summer of 2025 makes me so excited.” Tickets are set to go on sale on October 11, with presale opportunities available to fans who preorder the new album starting from October 9.
With both music and aviation providing exhilarating experiences for the community, 2025 is certainly shaping up to be another memorable year. Whether it’s the roar of aircraft engines or the electrifying atmosphere of live music, there’s plenty to look forward to for both fans and newcomers alike.
