IWM Duxford will bring its 50th anniversary flying season to an end with a spectacular Flying Finale, taking place 50 years to the day after the first Air Day was held in 1973.

The one-day event on Saturday, October 14, will celebrate Duxford’s rich flying heritage, with a packed line-up featuring an array of original vintage warbirds, exhilarating aerobatic displays and special appearances by aircraft that participated in the very first show 50 years ago.

Historic favourites such as Spitfires and Hurricanes will take to the sky alongside a Rolls Royce Heritage Flight, a much-loved Consolidated Catalina, the Duxford-based Comrade Pair flying a Yakovlev Yak-18T and Yakovlev Yak-52, the P47 Thunderbolt and, ahead of next year's 80th anniversary of D-Day, the iconic Douglas C-47 Dakota.

The Comet: Historic favourites, such as Hurricanes and Spitfires, will be taking to the skies.Historic favourites, such as Hurricanes and Spitfires, will be taking to the skies. (Image: IWM Duxford)

Visitors will also be treated to daring aerial stunts from The Titans, dazzling gyroscopic manoeuvres from Diana Britten Aerobatics - the first female British Aerobatic Champion - and displays from the Shuttleworth Collection’s Miles Magister and Avro Tutor, which both flew in the first Duxford Air Day back in 1973.

Since that inaugural show, Duxford’s flying displays have become a firm favourite in the international aviation calendar, entertaining generations of families and flying enthusiasts from across the globe.

The special 50th anniversary Flying Finale marks the end of this year’s air show season, which has been one of the most successful for IWM Duxford in recent years, with over 90,000 visitors attending the various air shows and flying days across the summer.

Phil Hood, air show event manager, said: “Duxford is an incredibly special place for our visitors, and we know that our air shows have created unforgettable memories for so many people over the years.

The Comet: More than 90,000 visitors have enjoyed IWM Duxford's flying days so far this year.More than 90,000 visitors have enjoyed IWM Duxford's flying days so far this year. (Image: IWM Duxford)

"We’ve had a fantastic 50th anniversary flying season and are delighted that so many people have joined us to mark this historic occasion.

"We are already looking forwards to next year’s events and beyond to ensure Duxford’s flying legacy continues for many generations to come.”

Tickets cost £37 for adults and £16 for children, and can be purchased here.