The annual Airshow and Country Show in Abingdon is back for its 20th year after year away due to Covid cancellations.

The show is back with aerobatic displays from warbirds and biplanes to modern day jets. The event offers a chance for people to sit inside cockpits, see static aircraft displays and also see classic cars and local craftsmanship.

The air show was launched in 2000 by Neil Porter and over the years it has raised thousands of pounds for good causes around the county.

Over the past 20 years, the annual show has raised and donated £100,000 to charity, including more than £80,000 to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, £14,000 to Douglas House Respite Centre, and a further £3,350 to other local charities.

This year one of the stars of the event is the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon solo display, provided by 29 Squadron, RAF Coningsby.

Flight Lieutenant James Sainty will put on a loud, agile show of aerobatics in the Typhoon, which is one of a number of old and new aircraft types in the planned three-hour afternoon flying program.

Herald Series: Youngsters enjoy the static displays at Abingdon air show

The Solent Stars Motorcycle Display Team, Saint Sleds Husky Dog Demonstration, Jensen Car Club Parade, The Motorcycle club bike parade will also be performing at the airshow with live music throughout the day.

In 2019, Airshow and Country Show organiser Mr Porter suggested flying displays would not be able to go ahead due to funding. However, this year he has had a change of heart. He said: "Over the year off due to Covid, I thought again about the show as a whole and decided not to change the very popular show format, as we can sustain future shows as long as we can fund them. Also, should I have gone down the route of changing the show not to include flying displays but went back to them a year or two later, its re-learning certain skills again to keep up to date with all the rules which is time consuming.

"So, I am very happy to carry on from where I left off with the last show in 2019 with a full flying program as well as various ground attractions."

Although the easing of Covid restrictions means the show can have unlimited audience numbers, to keep everyone safe organisers say they have a larger showground, suggest people wear face masks in marquees and have installed hand sanitiser stations.

The airshow takes place in Dalton Barracks in Abingdon on Saturday 11. Visitors must purchase a ticket from the airshow website to gain entry.

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