Vulcan's bombing run is highlight of Leicestershire war show
Up to 14,000 people descended on Foxlands Farm, in Cosby, for the annual two-day window on to the 1940s.
Displays from the Red Arrows, as well as Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Lancaster bomber, wowed the crowds. The highlight of the show was the Avro Vulcan, which staged a mock bombing run on Saturday.
The restored Cold War aircraft re-enacted the bombing run on Port Stanley during the Falklands War – flown by the same pilot who flew her on the 1982 mission, Martin Withers.
He dropped 21 bombs on the runway so it could not be used by Argentine planes.
In Saturday's recreation, a pyrotechnic display was rigged to mimic the bombs being dropped, as the Vulcan flew past.
Richard Clarke, spokesman for the Vulcan to the Sky restoration trust, said: "It was a re-enactment of the bombing mission that took place in the Falklands in 1982.
"It all went to plan and, with the pyrotechnics and explosions going off, it looked amazing.
"The show has been great, with some beautiful fly-pasts.
"People were all saying what a great time they'd had. But the highlight of the show was the Vulcan."
The noise was so loud people reported car alarms being set off.
Visitors said they were amazed by the air displays.
David Marr, of Oadby, served in the RAF between 1953 and 1955.
The 74-year-old said: "I've been to the show once before but there were about four times as many people here this time.
"It was very well organised and the flying displays were excellent.
"I'm in another world when I see the Vulcan – I'll travel anywhere to see it.
"Everyone was frightened to death when the bombs went off, but it was excellent."
Other attractions at the show included 200 authentic military vehicles, war walks and a huge army encampment.
Organiser Steve Pepper, who hosts the event on his farm, said: "It's been very busy and we'll probably have had about 12,000 to 14,000 people through the gates over the course of the weekend.
"The Vulcan re-enactment was brilliant and the Lancaster bomber is always special to everyone.
"Everyone has had a great time and that's why we do it.
"After last year's catastrophe with the weather, it was great to get it off the ground this year."
He said the 70th anniversary of the war made the occasion more poignant.
"It's important to keep it fresh in people's minds," he said.
"People need to remember the sacrifices made – and in the present day, with the guys out in Afghanistan."
Among those taking part were a group led by Amanda Crowden, from charity group Support our Soldiers, who camped out in support for British soldiers in Afghanistan.
She said: "It has been fantastic. We wanted to raise awareness more than anything but people taking part in the reenactments near us have been collecting on our behalf.
"The support has been amazing.
"We're living on rations like the boys would and with no change of clothes. It really makes you think about what life is like for them."
Carol Peat, of Wigston, visited the show to see her father, 86-year-old Normandy veteran Ted Utting, who attended in full uniform.
She said: "It's brilliant, very authentic, and there are lots of people who put a lot of hard work into it.
"It means that people don't forget the Second World War."
Tony Hollies, who was organising the vehicle displays and reenactments at the event, said: "It has been an excellent show, with German, American and British vehicles.
"We've had loads of veterans here. It has been absolutely superb."
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