The RAF’s only Second World War bomber will perform an exciting flypast over Nottinghamshire today. A single Avro Lancaster, made famous by Lincolnshire’s Dambuster heroes of Squadron 617, will fly above the Nottinghamshire County Show at Newark Showground on Saturday May 14.
The flypast is being performed by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and will take place at around 3.30pm, depending on the weather and aircraft serviceability. This will coincide with a schedule of events including livestock displays, rural skills, a family friendly dog show, a Young Farmers Association lawnmower race and a festival of food.
It is a reminder of the history of the showground itself, which formerly operated as RAF Winthorpe and was used a training base for pilots learning how to fly Lancasters before they played part in bombing raids over Germany during the war. The RAF’s last airworthy Lancaster – known as PA474 - was built just a few days after VE Day in 1945, ready to be used in the Far East and is one of only two in the world still flying.
Read more: Nottinghamshire County Show returns with more emphasis on animals and outdoor pursuits
However, it was never used in active combat and instead ended up being used for reconnaissance in Africa. Today it will be flown in tribute to the men of Bomber Command who helped Britain to win the war but sustained heavy casualties doing so.
Show organiser Elizabeth Halsall said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to secured the appearance of such an iconic aircraft, which has so many strong links with this area and will help us to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a fitting way. The theme of the show is showcasing the best that the Nottinghamshire countryside has to offer and we have a brilliant line-up of events, stalls, entertainment and food and drink to keep everyone entertained all day long.
“Central to everything will be the events taking place in the showground and I’ve no doubt that all eyes will be on the Lancaster as it passes over at, we’re told, 3.34pm.”
The county show is returning after a two-year hiatus and is focussing on emphasising Nottinghamshire countryside’s contribution to the local economy and way of life. It includes a chance to get up close to animals including pigs, chickens and horses, the opportunity to learn rural skills such as farriering and the chance to learn more about how millions of tons food grown in the county’s fields end up on in our supermarkets.
Gates open 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for children aged 16 and under. Adult tickets bought in advance cost £10 via nottinghamshirecountyshow.com
