Old Buckenham Airshow is the largest aviation event in Norfolk and Suffolk. Held annually at Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk, England, it attracts sell-out audiences each year. Post-pandemic, it has grown significantly to become one of the UK’s biggest airfield-based events, with a flying display lasting more than 5 hours. The 2026 edition takes place on 25 and 26 July at Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road, Old Buckenham, NR17 1PU.
For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see Southport Airshow 2026: Dates, Aircraft, Tickets, and 5 Key Facts.
What Is the Old Buckenham Airshow?
Old Buckenham Airshow is a 2-day annual aviation display event in Norfolk featuring warbirds, aerobatics, military aircraft, electric flight, and ground exhibitions. In its current guise, it has been a major fixture on Norfolk’s calendar since 2012, with 2 days of flying and 20 acts each day.
Old Buckenham is the only airshow to make Country Life magazine’s list of 100 events making up the “Greatest Summer Ever.”
The event serves 3 core audiences:
- Aviation enthusiasts seeking warbirds, aerobatics, and historic aircraft
- Families looking for a full weekend of activities and entertainment
- History buffs drawn by the airfield’s Second World War heritage
Where Is Old Buckenham Airshow Held?
Old Buckenham Airshow is held at Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road, Old Buckenham, Norfolk, NR17 1PU. The airfield sits in South Norfolk, approximately 4 miles from Attleborough and is accessible via the A11.
When Does the Old Buckenham Airshow Take Place?
The 2026 Old Buckenham Airshow takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026. Gates open to the public at 8:30am on both days. Previously a one-day show, Old Buckenham Airshow has been held over 2 days since 2013 and remains a 2-day event for 2026.
What Is the History of Old Buckenham Airfield?
Old Buckenham Airfield is a former Royal Air Force station with direct roots in the Second World War. The airfield was built in 1942–1943 and used by the United States Army Air Force for the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. The USAAF Eighth Air Force designated it as Air Station 144, where the 453rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) operated B-24 Liberators.
The current airfield sits on the threshold area of one of the Second World War runways, with much of the larger original airfield reclaimed by agriculture.
Even on non-airshow days, Old Buckenham Airfield celebrates its Anglo-American links, with much of the airfield infrastructure carrying famous American street and bridge names. The airfield is also home to 2 museums and the “Liberator Restaurant.”
Who Were the Famous Names at Old Buckenham During WWII?
Hollywood actor James “Jimmy” Stewart served as group operations officer at Old Buckenham during the spring of 1944. Fellow actor Walter Matthau was also based at Old Buckenham during the war. Both men served with the 453rd Bombardment Group as part of the USAAF 8th Air Force.
What Aircraft Are at Old Buckenham Airshow 2026?
Old Buckenham Airshow 2026 features more than 15 confirmed aircraft, ranging from WWII warbirds to modern RAF jets and cutting-edge electric aircraft. Airshow director Matt Wilkins describes 2026 as shaping up to be “the biggest show ever,” with breathtaking displays, iconic aircraft, and unforgettable moments.
The confirmed 2026 aircraft lineup includes the B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B”, 2 P-51D Mustangs (“Jersey Jerk” and “Hurry Home Honey”), a P-47 Thunderbolt, Spitfire IX MH434, de Havilland Vampire, Catalina, NEBO Air’s Electric Arrows, the Muscle Pitts display, and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team.
Which Aircraft Perform on Saturday Only?
Saturday-only performers at Old Buckenham 2026 include the BBMF Supermarine Spitfire and the Boeing 727 from 2Excel Aviation.
The Boeing 727 is the biggest aircraft ever to appear at the show. It is an iconic trijet with 3 jet engines, measuring 133 feet long, and capable of flying over 2,000 miles at just under 600 mph. The Boeing 727 is described as “a true aviation giant and one of the rarest airliners still flying.”
Which Aircraft Perform on Sunday Only?
The BBMF Douglas Dakota III, ZA947, performs on Sunday only. The C-47 Dakota is a derivation of the Douglas DC-3 and is recognised as one of the most successful military cargo aircraft of all time.
What Makes the P-47 Thunderbolt Special at Old Buckenham 2026?
The P-47 Thunderbolt, nicknamed “Nellie,” is one of the rarest aircraft in the 2026 lineup. The P-47 Thunderbolt can travel at more than 400 mph, and “Nellie” is the only one flying outside of the US and 1 of just a dozen still airworthy worldwide.
What Are the Ground Attractions at Old Buckenham Airshow?
Old Buckenham Airshow offers 6 major ground attractions beyond the flying display. These include:
- 2 on-site museums — honouring the 453rd Bomb Group and the 8th Air Force
- Military vehicle exhibition — featuring over 500 classic, 100 military, and agricultural vehicles
- Food Village — including local Norfolk ice cream, food stalls, and refreshments
- Military re-enactors — costumed displays bringing WWII history to life
- Aircraft interaction — visitors can take the controls of a range of aircraft at select sessions
- Retail and trade stalls — aviation memorabilia, community stands, and RAF recruitment
Old Buckenham was built as a base for the 453rd Bombardment Group of the USAAF 8th Air Force, and nowhere at the airshow is history better brought to life than in its 2 museums.
Is Old Buckenham Airshow Environmentally Responsible?
Old Buckenham Airshow is recognised as the UK’s centre of electric flight. In 2022, Alex Rainier flew a Pipistrel Velis Electro at Old Buckenham — believed to be the first electric aircraft display at an airshow anywhere in the world.
How Does Old Buckenham Airshow Reduce Its Carbon Footprint?
Old Buckenham Airshow plants 40,000 trees for every airshow to offset carbon emissions. This is calculated to offset 358 tonnes of CO2. The airfield also installs cabling to eliminate generator use and sources power exclusively from zero-emission providers.
Old Buckenham is home to the UK’s first electric aircraft charger — the only one outside the US powered by solar energy — and the NUNCATS project is developing a zero-emissions aircraft designed to connect the developing world.
How Do You Get Tickets for Old Buckenham Airshow 2026?
Old Buckenham Airshow 2026 tickets are available exclusively via advance booking online. Admission is by advanced ticket only. There are no sales at the gate. Tickets are available at oldbuckenhamairshow.com. Visitors receive a booking confirmation email with a barcode and QR code — no printing is required.
What Are 5 Key Tips for Visiting Old Buckenham Airshow?
- Book in advance — tickets sell out; walk-up entry is not available
- Arrive before 8:30am — gates open at 8:30am; arriving early avoids queues
- Do not use sat nav close to the site — follow yellow airshow signs from the A11
- Dogs are welcome — kept on a lead at all times throughout the venue
- Check the day-specific lineup — several aircraft, including the Spitfire and Boeing 727, perform on Saturday only
Why Is Old Buckenham Airshow Worth Attending in 2026?
Old Buckenham Airshow combines WWII heritage, world-class aviation, and pioneering electric flight in a single 2-day event. It remains one of the most charming events on the UK airshow calendar, revelling in the airfield’s United States Army Air Force heritage. With sell-out attendance, over 15 confirmed aircraft, 2 on-site museums, and the UK’s only electric aircraft display team, Old Buckenham Airshow 2026 delivers aviation history and innovation in equal measure.
