Al Murrays Spitfire Adventure at IWM Duxford
Comedian Al Murray visited Imperial War Museum Duxford yesterday (1st September) for a flight in a Spitfire to promote The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) which will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.
He took to the skies in Aircraft Restoration Company’s Spitfire TR9, piloted by John Romain.
On landing back at Duxford, a beaming Al said, “That was the most extraordinary thing. I haven’t had time to digest it yet. It was just mind-boggling.”
Al is a huge fan of Duxford and a great enthusiast of aviation and Second World War history generally.
About Duxford, he said, “Duxford is brilliant because it’s a historic site where history is being kept alive with an amazing collection of aircraft and dedicated people keeping them going.”
The Duxford Air Show on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire at the home of this iconic aircraft.
A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme. On Thursday 1 September, the F-15E Eagle rehearsed its flying display in the skies over Duxford. (Photo attached).
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.
Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.
Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day, including living history groups bringing the Second World War to life; Colonel Richard Graham hosting talks next to the SR-71Blackbird in the American Air Museum; an Airfix Make and Paint zone and more fun activities for all the family.
With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!
Al Murray is one of the most recognisable and successful comedians in the UK with his alter-ego The Pub Landlord. His British Comedy Award-winning ITV1 series Al Murray’s Happy Hour has delighted both viewers and critics alike with his no-nonsense treatment of his celebrity guests.
Out of character, Al has hosted Al Murray’s German Adventure (BBC Four), a historical series about the art and culture of Germany, as well as appearances on What’s So Funny… (Channel 4), That Sunday Night Show (ITV), Frank Skinner’s Opinionated (BBC 2), Have I Got News For You (BBC 1) and The Road to Berlin, a 10-episode documentary series on the Second World War for Discovery.
Tickets for The Duxford Air Show can be purchased on each day of the air show (advance booking has now closed). For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxford
