My most memorable air shows are those that have included something extra other than just single aircraft displays. The Farnborough Air Shows between 1958-64 were absolutely magic with massed flypasts! The 50th Anniversary of Military Aviation Show at Upavon in June 1962 with every type in service in massed flypasts and the 38 Group attack with Beverleys, Belvederes, Whirlwinds operating in and out with troops and parachutists, whilst Hunters of No.1 Squadron beat up the airfield. (why don’t they do that today with current equipment?). Yeovilton Air Days between 1966-70 with airfield attacks and massed flypasts with Sea Vixens, Buccaneers,Hunters, Sea Venoms and Gannets…oh the sounds and sights never to be repeated!
The RAF’s 50th Anniversary display at Abingdon in June 1968, which had an incredible historic static park, but a rather poor flying display as I recall.
Of course the first IAT Greenham Common show in 1973 was superb with types and Air Forces not seen before – and all in perfect weather! Then there was the Queen’s Jubilee Review of the RAF at Finningley in July 1977. Wonderful shows, all these.Alas, whilst the best stick in my memory, so do the worst. Biggin Hill Air Fair 1967 where there was a combination of thick fog, thunder-and-lightning and non-stop torrential rain ALL day!. I stepped back to try and photograph a USAF C-124 Globemaster, only to watch it disappear in the fog! And yes, I also witnessed Hoof Proudfoot crash the P-38 Lightning at Duxford and the TFC P-63 King Cobra dive into the ground in an equally horrific ball of fire at Biggin Hill!
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