PRESS RELEASE
The Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Monday, August 11, 2025, with a special day of activities, including a rare flying display by three vintage aircraft—one of which flew over the museum during its inaugural event in 1985. Founded in 1985 as a charitable trust, the museum was established on the former site of RAF Elvington after a determined group of volunteers spent months clearing the derelict and overgrown airfield. On August 11 of that year, the public was welcomed through its gates for the very first time. Now, four decades later, the museum is inviting the community to commemorate that milestone with a full day of aviation heritage.
The highlight of the celebration will be an aerial display featuring a Blackburn B2 biplane, a Miles Messenger, and a Bücker Jungmann, with each aircraft performing a seven-minute demonstration. The Blackburn B2 holds particular significance, having flown in the original 1985 open day, piloted by one of the museum’s founding trustees, Robert Sage—a former Halifax bomber pilot from RAF Elvington.
In addition to the flying program, visitors can enjoy a display of vintage 1980s cars and explore a new exhibition chronicling the museum’s origins, growth, and legacy. Normal admission applies, but as a tribute to the museum’s founding year, guests born in 1985 will receive entry at the original 1985 ticket price of £1.
“This is a celebration of how far we’ve come,” said Jerry Ibbotson, Communications Manager at the Yorkshire Air Museum. “From humble beginnings, the museum has grown into one of the UK’s most important independent aviation museums. This event is not just about looking back—it’s about showing where we’re headed, with recent additions like the Tucano and the freshly repainted Victor.” The event is open to all visitors during regular museum hours. No advance booking or special tickets are required. For more information, visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.org
