Duxford's School Report for 2010

[PhilW]

IWM Duxford enjoys soaring summer air show success

Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to announce that a record number of visitors -
over 96,000 - attended the museum’s air shows in 2010. This compares favourably with total
air show visitors of 76,444 in 2009.

In a superb year that commemorated not only the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain but
also the 65th anniversary of B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, visitors flocked to IWM Duxford to
celebrate the iconic aircraft of the Second World War and to honour the bravery of the men
that flew them.

Over 11,000 visitors saw IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain commemorations get off to a flying
start at the Spring Air Show on Sunday 16 May. Demonstrating the breadth and range of
aircraft flown by the Royal Air Force, the Spring Air Show presented aircraft from the RAF’s
inception to the present day.

On a hot and sunny Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July, Flying Legends welcomed over 27,000
visitors who experienced the glorious sight of more than 50 classic warbirds, from across the
globe, performing a number of stunning displays.

The Battle of Britain Air Show on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September was the highlight of a
remarkable year of 70th anniversary commemorative events. 44,000 visitors attended to pay
their respects to the ‘few’ and the aircraft they flew.

In an unforgettable flying display that included appearances by the Red Arrows and the
Patrouille de France, the highlight was undoubtedly the rare sight of 16 Spitfires in formation
over their spiritual home.

This recreation of the summer of 1940 at RAF Duxford, combined with a minute’s silence to
honour those who gave their lives in combat, produced an awe-inspiring moment which will
remain a talking point of the Duxford air show season for years to come.

IWM Duxford’s 2010 air show season concluded with the Autumn Air Show, which saw
12,668 visitors celebrate the 65th birthday of B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. A celebratory
programme of American aviation saw visitors enjoy the sight of a number of iconic US aircraft.
Richard Ashton, Director, Imperial War Museum Duxford, said, “I am delighted that this
year’s air show season enticed so many visitors to IWM Duxford. I’m particularly proud of
this year’s programme of events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
and I’m delighted that so many visitors joined with us in those commemorations. We now
look forward to next year’s air show season and hope that visitors will return to enjoy
another fantastic programme of events in 2011.”

While the air show season has now concluded for 2010, plans are already in place for the
2011 events programme.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is pleased to announce dates for the 2011 air show season:
· Spring Air Show – Sunday 22 May 2011
· Flying Legends – Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2011
· The Duxford Air Show – Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September 2011
· Autumn Air Show – Sunday 16 October 2011
Further information regarding themes and content for each air show will be released in due
course.

[MicrolightDriver]

Obviously a really good season for the IWM.

What a shame that despite such an upturn, they're still having to close down major exhibitions for the winter just to save a bit of money....

[PhilW]

It's hardly surprising that half a dozen or so days can't cover a years' costs.

[DanO1978]

Obviously a really good season for the IWM.

What a shame that despite such an upturn, they're still having to close down major exhibitions for the winter just to save a bit of money....

Imagine how many days they'd have to close to cover the cost of booking the Vu....

[MicrolightDriver]

It's hardly surprising that half a dozen or so days can't cover a years' costs.

Of course not, and I might be out of date a bit, but I believe that airshow revenues account for about a third of Duxford's admissions income, so a good show season isn't insignificant for them - and with an extra 20,000 or so paying customers through the gates as compared to last year, it does beg the question as to what's apparently made the cash situation so tricky for them this winter...

[wv383]

I can't comment on the reasons for the winter closure of other buildings, but I hear that the reason for the closure of the Land Warfare Hall is actually down to structural problems with the building itself. I don't know what the problems are but apparently it's serious enough for the temporary closure to be brought forward.

[MicrolightDriver]

I can't comment on the reasons for the winter closure of other buildings, but I hear that the reason for the closure of the Land Warfare Hall is actually down to structural problems with the building itself. I don't know what the problems are but apparently it's serious enough for the temporary closure to be brought forward.

Ah that would perhaps make a little more sense...

[SEMAE]

I can't comment on the reasons for the winter closure of other buildings, but I hear that the reason for the closure of the Land Warfare Hall is actually down to structural problems with the building itself. I don't know what the problems are but apparently it's serious enough for the temporary closure to be brought forward.

Ah that would perhaps make a little more sense...

At the autumn show I was told it was problems to doing with the flat roof.

Martin

[A380FWWOW]

Its great to see that the IWM has had a good year and has had record attendances at the Airshows despite the 'freeloaders'

[classicaviation]

IWM, Duxford and all the staff and volunteers deserve the highest accolades for what they have achieved - the rise in attendance is the best reward possible.
The combination of the museum, private collections, societies and schemes such as FoD will ensure DX's future.

[AlexC]

At the autumn show I was told it was problems to do with the flat roof.

Flat roofs are a pain in the butt!

[frank]

Obviously a really good season for the IWM.

What a shame that despite such an upturn, they're still having to close down major exhibitions for the winter just to save a bit of money....

Imagine how many days they'd have to close to cover the cost of booking the Vu....

Stop it ....... naughty boy!

[Downes0106]

It's hardly surprising that half a dozen or so days can't cover a years' costs.

Of course not, and I might be out of date a bit, but I believe that airshow revenues account for about a third of Duxford's admissions income, so a good show season isn't insignificant for them - and with an extra 20,000 or so paying customers through the gates as compared to last year, it does beg the question as to what's apparently made the cash situation so tricky for them this winter...

I think its probably got more to do with the reduction in funding from Government than anything else.