Historic airport closed for decade set to reopen with spectacular air show

An historic airport that has been closed for 10 years is soaring back to life with a major airshow.

Manston International Airport in Ramsgate, Kent, is planning to host its first event since it shut up shop in 2014.

And organisers for the Manston International Airshow have now unveiled plans for a spectacular two-day event next August.

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Organiser Bill Giles confirmed that the historic airport, owned by RiverOak Strategic Partners, will host a programme of displays both in the air and on the ground.

Mr Giles also confirmed that the airshow will have an educational focus, raising both awareness and funds for a number of national and local charities.

The family-friendly event will celebrate aviation throughout Manston’s history as an airfield from its early development during World War One through its RAF and Cold War years to its more recent commercial and recreational use.

The developing line-up will feature both flying and static aircraft, from First World War replica aircraft, trainers and WW2 fighters to Cold War and modern jets, as reported to by What’s The Jam.

Classic planes like the much-loved Spitfire will be there as the event commemorates the 85th anniversary of The Battle of Britain and marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.

Visitors can also expect to see a range of civilian display teams such as the Bronco Demo Team and flying circus displays, harking back to the Golden Age of Aviation from the 1920s and ‘30s.

The ground-based element of the show will also provide something memorable and educational, with live arenas showcasing thrilling displays covering over 100 years of aviation and transport history.

Attractions will include military vehicles and classic cars, along with a variety of exhibitors and food concessions, live music, a funfair and community stalls.

The two on-site museums – The RAF Manston History Museum and The Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum – will be open all weekend with special activities during the Show.

Gary Blake, General Manager for RSP Manston, said: “We are delighted to be able to host this major event at Manston, which celebrates its long and important history.

“We look forward to working with Bill and the team to help make the airshow a great success for everyone.”

Airshow organiser Bill Giles said: “It has been a long-held ambition to bring a large-scale airshow back to Kent with something for enthusiasts of all ages, from classic aircraft to high energy aerobatics.

“But I also want it to help raise awareness of and funds for a number of charities which are close to my heart and that of the aviation community.

“My aim is for profits from the event to go to local and partner charities and we will be announcing these in due course.

“As an experienced event organiser, I know the critical importance of logistical planning.

“Traffic management discussions have already begun to ensure that travel and parking at the show is as seamless and smooth as possible.

“We will be working with all relevant parties to create accessible public transport solutions and we are also consulting with major event and airshow experts regarding safety and security.”

Manston Airport originally operated as RAF Manston from 1916.

It has also operated as a commercial airport and was known as Kent International Airport and briefly London Manston Airport.

Its single runway is located about one mile from the coastline at 178 ft above sea level.

Since its closure, the airport has been used as an emergency lorry park in the event of temporary cross-Channel traffic problems, a filming location, including for the 2023 Sam Mendes film Empire of Light.

Since 2019, Manston has been owned by RiverOak Strategic Partners and is the subject of a Development Consent Order to be reopened as an airfreight hub.

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