Families and enthusiasts gathered to watch historic aircraft displays at the Duxford Summer Airshow.

The airshow was held over the weekend of June 24 and 25, and was Duxford's first airshow of the 2023 summer season.

In addition to the aircraft, there was a diverse line-up of performers to entertain all ages, as well as live music.

Royston Crow: WWII-era planes took part in historic aircraft displaysWWII-era planes took part in historic aircraft displays (Image: Gary Brown)

The display weekend opened with a fly-past from the Airbus A 400 M Atlas, heralding in the new era of military transport now that the Lockheed Hercules has been retired.

Aviation enthusiasts celebrated the return of the Fighter Collection Gladiator, while the Lockheed Electra made its UK display debut.

Crowd favourite B17 Sally B was also active again, following an inspection that saw the entire worldwide population of B17s grounded. 

Duxford is known for its Warbird displays, and the summer airshow featured "spectacular" displays from numerous Spitfires, the Bristol Blenheim and the Hawker Fury.

Royston Crow: Historic re-enactors took part in the Duxford Summer AirshowHistoric re-enactors took part in the Duxford Summer Airshow (Image: Gary Brown)

Representing the world of jet flight were a pair of BAC Strikemasters and DH Vampire, along with the Jet Pitts special from aerobatics perfomers Rich Goodwin Airshows.

Historic aircraft were also on display from WWI, with planes wheeling through the Duxford skies recreating the dog fights that took place over the trenches.

This was made all the more realistic as the sky was peppered with anti-aircraft gunfire.

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Bringing the show up to date was the first display at Duxford of the Pipistrel Velis Electro - a battery powered training aircraft - representing the potential future of training and private flying.

The familiar wing walkers of the AeroSuperBatic team were among the most popular of performers with the crowds.

Royston Crow: Crowds of families and aviation enthusiasts attended the summer airshowCrowds of families and aviation enthusiasts attended the summer airshow (Image: Gary Brown)

Finally, the summer airshow weekend was closed by the RAF Red Arrows team of eight hawks, much to the delight of spectators who stayed until the end despite extremely high temperatures.

The next event to take place at Imperial War Museum Duxford is 'Flying Days: The Americans' on Friday, July 28, from 10am to 6pm.

The day will honour American and British shared Second World War history with flying displays, living history groups and more.

For more information, and to book, go to https://www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/events/july-flying-day-one.