Kirkbride Airfield Open Day and Fly In event featuring rare aircraft

Held in association with Solway Light Aviation and Chris Jones Gyroplanes, the day has previously amassed spectacular collections of aircraft from across the nation.

This year the airfield, 10 miles west of Carlisle, hopes to involve the WWII Yak-3 Russian fighter travelling from Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the Soko Kraguj, an ex-Yugoslavian Air Force ground attack aircraft, scheduled to arrive from Perth in Scotland.

Other attractions will feature a Yak-52 military trainer from Barton Airfield near Manchester and a duo of Yak-18 trainers based in the North East.

Multi-coloured biplane, The Christen Eagle (Image: Supplied)

Organiser Chris Gurney said: "Once again the team has been able to attract a wide range of visiting aircraft from all over the country.

"Of course, while we do try and arrange the more interesting types to try and appear on the day, part of the fun of a fly in is not knowing what may actually turn up.

"Last year had the perfect example when we were visited by a 1934 De Havilland DH87b Hornet Moth biplane.

"We would also like to point out this is not an airshow as such but a gathering of interesting aircraft, many of which are rare and unusual visitors to Cumbrian skies.

"As usual, all participating aircraft are subject to the weather and serviceability on the day, last year we had over 100 visiting aircraft from all over the country and we’re hoping to be just as popular if the weather behaves itself," he said. 

G-YACC a Yakovlev Yak-18T (Image: Supplied)

Visitors can look forward to a display of vintage aircraft, comprising the world's oldest flying DHC-1 Chipmunk based at Bagby Airfield, a Stinson Station Wagon from Scotland and a 1940s Luscombe 8E Silvaire from Barton.

Food vendors and even an ice cream van will be present on-site on the day. 

Gates open at 10am and this year there is a small £5 parking charge, though entry to the event is free.