The East Kirkby Airshow 2026 is Lincolnshire’s biggest independent airshow, held on 1 August 2026 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby Airfield, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 4DE. The event features 3 hours of flying displays, Lancaster and Mosquito taxi runs, military vehicles, re-enactors, and tank firepower demonstrations.
For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see Bournemouth Airshow 2026: Why the Air Festival Is Cancelled, Its 16-Year History, and What Comes Next.
What Is the East Kirkby Airshow?
The East Kirkby Airshow is an annual fundraising aviation event held at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, dedicated to preserving WWII bomber heritage. The airshow raises funds for the ongoing restoration of Avro Lancaster NX611, known as ‘Just Jane’. Flying display direction is managed by R5 Air Displays Ltd.
The event covers 4 key programme areas:
- Aerial flying displays with 3 hours of continuous content
- Historic aircraft taxi runs on the active airfield
- Military ground displays including tanks and re-enactors
- Heritage museum access with award-winning exhibitions
When and Where Is the East Kirkby Airshow 2026?
The East Kirkby Airshow 2026 takes place on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby Airfield, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire. The site postcode is PE23 4DE. The centre’s contact number is 01790 763 207.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Venue | Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre |
| Location | East Kirkby, Nr Spilsby, Lincolnshire |
| Postcode | PE23 4DE |
| Flying Duration | 3 hours |
| Ticket Capacity | 5,500 (limited) |
| Organiser | Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre |
| Flying Display Director | R5 Air Displays Ltd |
What Is the History of East Kirkby Airfield?
RAF East Kirkby opened on 20 August 1943 as a Bomber Command station, housing Avro Lancasters throughout World War Two. The station served as an active operational base during the strategic bombing campaign over occupied Europe.
Today, East Kirkby is home to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, a family-run museum established over 20 years ago. It is recognised as a living memorial to the 55,500 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during WWII.
The centre preserves 2 rare aircraft of significant global importance:
- Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ — an active ground-running Lancaster under long-term airworthy restoration
- de Havilland Mosquito NF.11 (HJ711) — the world’s only surviving example of this specific variant
What Aircraft Are Featured at the East Kirkby Airshow 2026?
The East Kirkby Airshow 2026 features WWII-era warplanes, aerobatic displays, and heritage ground-running aircraft, with confirmed performers including the Spitfire XIV and North American P-51D Mustang.
Confirmed 2026 aircraft include the Supermarine Spitfire XIV and North American P-51D Mustang, both operated by Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd.
Aircraft featured at the 2026 event include:
- Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ — performs taxi runs along the airfield during the show
- de Havilland Mosquito NF.11 HJ711 — the only existing NF.11 variant in the world, also performing taxi runs
- Supermarine Spitfire XIV — confirmed flying display from Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd
- North American P-51D Mustang — confirmed flying display from Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd
- Avro Anson — available for taxi ride experiences on-site
What Makes ‘Just Jane’ Lancaster the Centrepiece of East Kirkby?
‘Just Jane’ is Avro Lancaster NX611, a Mk.VII bomber built in 1945 and the primary exhibit of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. It performs high-speed taxi runs along the runway at every major East Kirkby event.
The Lancaster is significant for 3 reasons:
- It is one of only 2 airworthy or near-airworthy Lancasters in the UK
- It is undergoing active restoration toward full flight status
- Proceeds from every airshow ticket contribute directly to that restoration programme
Visitors at the 2026 airshow can also book 3 dedicated Lancaster experiences outside the main event:
- Standard Taxy Ride — a seat on board during a runway run
- VIP Taxy Ride — a premium close-access ride with priority positioning
- Lancaster Interior Tour — a guided walk-through of the aircraft’s internal structure
Why Is the de Havilland Mosquito HJ711 Rare?
The de Havilland Mosquito HJ711 is the world’s only existing NF.11 (Night Fighter Mark 11) variant, making it an irreplaceable example of WWII aviation history. Both the Lancaster and Mosquito perform regular taxi runs at East Kirkby Airfield from May to November.
The Mosquito NF.11 entered service with the RAF in 1942 as a radar-equipped night interceptor. HJ711 is preserved and maintained in operational ground-running condition at East Kirkby.
What Ground Displays Are at the East Kirkby Airshow 2026?
The East Kirkby Airshow 2026 ground programme includes military vehicles, tanks, firepower demonstrations, WWII re-enactors, vintage cars, aviation trade stalls, and access to all museum exhibitions. The event includes Lancaster taxi runs, re-enactors, vintage cars, and military displays.
Ground display categories include:
- Tank displays — live demonstrations with firepower elements
- Military vehicles — static and moving vintage military ground transport
- WWII re-enactors — period-accurate costumed living history performers
- Vintage cars — civilian classic vehicles from the WWII era
- Aviation trade stalls — merchandise, aviation books, prints, and memorabilia
- Museum exhibitions — award-winning permanent collections included in admission
Catering facilities at the 2026 airshow include:
- Airmen’s Mess Café — on-site seated catering
- Bar — provided by local Lincolnshire brewery Datum Attitude
- BBQ — outdoor food service during the event
How Do East Kirkby Airshow 2026 Tickets Work?
East Kirkby Airshow 2026 tickets are strictly limited to 5,500 per event, and advance purchase is required as walk-up entry is not available on the day. The event sold out in the previous year, making early booking essential. Tickets are available through the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre website at lincsaviation.co.uk.
Ticket information for 2026:
- Capacity: 5,500 maximum attendance
- Booking method: Online advance purchase only
- Entry: Pre-purchased ticket required; no gate sales
- Pricing: Check lincsaviation.co.uk for current 2026 rates
- Additional experiences: Lancaster and Mosquito taxi rides are booked separately
Note that Lancaster taxi run times are subject to change based on the flying programme schedule on the day.
How Does the East Kirkby Airshow Support the Lancaster Restoration?
Every East Kirkby Airshow is run specifically to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ toward full airworthy status. The annual airshow is run to help raise funds for the ongoing restoration of Avro Lancaster NX611.
The restoration programme covers 3 primary work areas:
- Engine overhaul — maintenance and restoration of the Lancaster’s 4 Rolls-Royce Merlin engines
- Airframe structural work — repair and strengthening of the fuselage and wings
- Systems restoration — hydraulics, electrics, and flight instrumentation
Supporters can contribute to the programme through the Rivet Club membership scheme and through direct donations on the centre’s website. Lancaster Parts are also available for purchase through the museum shop, with proceeds directed to the restoration fund.
What Other East Kirkby Events Take Place in 2026?
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre hosts 3 major events in 2026: the Lanc, Tank and Military Machines days in May, and the main East Kirkby Airshow on 1 August.
The Lanc, Tank and Military Machines events are held on 23 and 25 May 2026 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. These events feature Lancaster taxi runs combined with tank demonstrations and military machinery displays.
2026 East Kirkby event calendar:
| Event | Date | Key Feature |
| Lanc, Tank and Military Machines | 23 May 2026 | Lancaster + tank firepower |
| Lanc, Tank and Military Machines | 25 May 2026 | Lancaster + tank firepower |
| East Kirkby Airshow 2026 | 1 August 2026 | Full 3-hour flying programme |
Is the East Kirkby Airshow 2026 Suitable for Families?
The East Kirkby Airshow 2026 is a family-friendly event with full museum access, close-up aircraft viewing, catering, and WWII re-enactors providing educational living history experiences. The site is accessible and includes the NAAFI facility alongside the Airmen’s Mess Café.
Families benefit from 4 key features:
- Included museum access covering all permanent exhibitions
- Close-proximity aircraft walkarounds and photography opportunities
- Pilot and crew meet-and-greet opportunities on-site
- WWII living history education through period re-enactors
Visitors travelling to the airshow are advised to use the PE23 4DE postcode for satellite navigation to reach the airfield entrance, then follow on-site signage for parking.
Sources: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (lincsaviation.co.uk), Military Airshows UK (military-airshows.co.uk), Flightline UK (air-shows.org.uk), Steam Heritage (steamheritage.co.uk).
