Tag: Newark Air Museum

The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Blackburn Buccaneer S2B cockpit from XX899, which has been on loan at the museum since autumn 2018 will soon be leaving for a new home Oxfordshire. This will be in an undercover location that is close to where the cockpit owner lives.

XX899 arrived at our Gateway Aviation Site in October 2018, when it moved from its previous display location at the Midland Air Museum.

It is anticipated that the impending departure of XX899 will take place before the end of June, 2026.

The accompanying picture shows XX899 arriving at the museum in late October 2018.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

On Friday 5^th June, 2026 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum (NAM) completed the acquisition of their formerly leased site, from the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). This transaction was completed after discussions spanning several years, which resulted in a land swap / purchase agreement being reached between the two organisations earlier this year.

This landmark agreement came as the museum approached the final phase of its lease arrangement with the NNAS for the museum’s Northfield Site, which was originally granted back in the late 1970s. The museum trustees are pleased to have finalised the purchase, which helps to protect the long-term future of its collection of nearly one hundred aircraft and cockpit sections.

The site acquisition represents a major step forward for NAM; it has also helped to secure the air museum’s buildings; plus, its wider aviation collection of artefacts and objects. This transaction will allow future generations of visitors and aviation enthusiasts alike to share these rare and in some cases unique items. The air museum now owns just under 13 acres of land in north eastern Nottinghamshire.

A new phase in the air museum’s development starts now, as it looks to fully develop all of its land. This work will involve developing new access schemes, new car parking areas and further aircraft display areas. All of this work will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant authorities and external funding partners. In the coming weeks and months, the museum will be formally launching ‘Project 2039’, which will include formal submissions to Newark & Sherwood District Council and other local providers.

“This land swap / purchase agreement has involved a long running dialogue between the air museum and the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.” Commented NAM Secretary and museum trustee, Howard Heeley; he continued.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to museum President, Mich Stevenson OBE, who has been a vital conduit during these negotiations. We would also like to thank Simon Eccleston, CEO of the NNAS, and also the trustees of the NNAS for their support whilst working with us throughout this process.”

“The museum trustees would also like to record their heartfelt gratitude to two former museum members, who are sadly no longer with us. Firstly, to a former RAF Winthorpe National Service veteran, John Dove. It was a substantial legacy from his Estate that helped make this a viable project for us to even contemplate. Secondly, to former museum trustee and Vice-President, Mick Clarke. His vision, wise counsel and countless sets of plans made us realise what just might be possible.”

He concluded, “We now look forward to continuing with a mutually beneficial relationship with our now neighbours, the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society for many years to come!”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Arrangements for the 2025 Cockpit-Fest are well advanced at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. The museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; this year’s Cockpit-Fest is once again taking place in its traditional June time-slot; on Saturday 21^st & Sunday 22^nd June, 2025.

This will be the twenty fifth (25^th) time that like-minded enthusiasts have displayed their aircraft cockpit sections at the museum. Cockpit-Fest has become a fixture on the aviation calendar and each year attracts many visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiasts and the general public.

As ever this event will see a diverse range of aviation subjects represented. Plus, in what is a going to be a record turnout, more than forty (40) visiting cockpits and airframes are due to attend the event this year, including military jet cockpits, helicopters and civilian aircraft types.

In addition, nineteen (19) visiting aviation related exhibits will be displayed inside; with twenty (20) special displays outside in different parts of our 16-acre site. Alongside Cockpit-Fest an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale is being held. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those missing aviation artefacts, books and models from the thirty-seven (37) sellers who have booked spaces.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like local history groups; re-enactors; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts.

Full details about the events and a full list of visiting cockpits and displays can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org