Mildenhall has a special place in my heart as my first experience of a 'proper' airshow. It was there in 1982 I realised I could actually see such a diverse range of aircraft from seemingly all over the world, stuff I'd only ever seen in kit model form before! I did have an SLR then, and took it along with me in case there were any photos to be had at an airshow(!), and I guess that set something in motion that I still love as much today.
No photos to share from 82 though, they were on print film and are as yet unscanned. But I will share a few from each year that attended and/or have scanned, between 1985 and 1997.
1985. Took me a little while to get back after the first time in 82. Like then a single day visit, and unlike then the weather was poor. So two shots only, and just because they're Starfighters
1987. I skipped 86 because it was right on top of my A-level exams, as I had done with 84 too. In 87 I stayed locally for the first time and did the full weekend, camping in what was then just a patch of grass by the perimeter fence. John Morley's field would go on to grow over the years into a proper campsite and viewing location. Live side of the runway too, and is my 'history' of being on the naughty side at an airshow, which I'd occasionally go on to do for one show day. In my defence Mildenhall had one or two annoyances, not least of which was that the sun was bang in your face on the crowd line!
close up access to the flight line was a Mildenhall speciality
the perils of a fixed focal length!
There was a parade of DeHav's, and an appearance of the Comet very newly restored, to commemorate the McRobertson Air Race. Story is in this month's Aeroplane.
1988. More shots from John's field creeping in this year, as he'd placed a stack of pallets on top of an old farm trailer for us lads to get a clear view over the fence. Different times.
And for once I will say I really really wish I had my 7D II and 100-400 then. The 500 mirror lens and my excitement hasn't been the best for quality here, but can you imagine being in this position today?
Two RAF Lightnings made a swan song appearance alongside their shiny new replacements in the static park. It was the show's highlight when they departed with gusto on the Sunday
poor quality - sorry!
1989. Never to be the same again, there was no Blackbird in the flying display. I'm biased of course. As some compensation, the B-1B arrived on the scene.
I can always squeeze in a sluf, even if static
1990. I graduated in 89, so Mildenhall 90 was the first spring bank holiday I'd had free of exam stress since I was about 14. I spent much of the show days with a hangover, and resolved to myself not to take any more exams. I've more or less stuck to that too. Can't remember the name of the pub in Beck Row or West Row, but remember the good times!
90 is probably best remembered for this take off by B-52 "Swashbuckler" on the Saturday. Spectacular stuff.
a rare flyer
and a regular flyer
John's field now had a toilet and shower block and was a year-round campsite. It would be hopelessly overwhelmed these days of course. My little white 205GTi just in this shot. Well, the back of it
1991. Memorable for first sight of those pink Gulf War veterans.
how much I miss a Bitburg Eagle
and a Bentwaters A-10 for that matter. With its titanium bathtub.
and a lovely close view of this rattling classic
That was the last Mildenhall that I did as a weekend. My attendance then got patchy, and of my remaining visits I don't have much scanned.
1997, a token handful.
as weird and wonderful now as it was then. To this day I've never heard a cacophony of shutters like that
Mildenhall rather faded away, like my attendance of it did in the end. I very much miss it now. It was a special event. Very cheap, with a flat fee per car and all occupants, it drew enormous crowds. It was heaving. And no 'friends' enclosure to get away from it all, it was at times uncomfortable with that sun in your face. Of course the ice cold beer and delicious barbecue as well as pure unadulterated aviation were more than enough compensation.
Here a handful of the 'brochures', actually calendars, that were given gratis to each car.
and a random pair of the flying display programmes. 85 was chosen as it has an authentic Mildenhall barbecue stain
That was a far longer than usual stroll down memory lane, but hey, it is a bank holiday weekend, and not only that, its Mildenhall weekend. I hope it brought back some memories.
Oh and the 85, 90 and 91 shows were on this day, 26th May. And just look at the weather now
so many classics that it is hard to pick a favourite. thanks for showing 
