Around 15,000 people are expected at the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport this weekend for Europe’s biggest festival of aviation.
Returning for its seventh year, the Aviation and Transport Festival brings visitors to Altrincham from as far away as the USA, Holland, Germany and the Middle East.
The central theme this year will be ‘Ringway in Wartime’, marking the role played by the RAF Ringway in World War Two, before it became Manchester Airport.
Below: The festival will be commemorating the role of RAF Ringway during the war
A giant craft and transport memorabilia fair will be set up beneath the wings of Concorde, which will be open for tours throughout the weekend.
There will also be over 500 classic cars on display, as well as hot air balloons, a Spitfire display team, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, children’s amusements and play ground, a ‘Ringway in Wartime’ exhibition and 1940s entertainers.
A Manchester Airport spokesman said: “The Runway Visitor Park is a unique place to visit and the transport fair is always a great weekend for all the family to enjoy – whether you’re a first time plane spotter or you’re a seasoned enthusiast who just can’t keep away.”
Visitors will also be well-placed to view the 700 daily aircraft landings and take-offs at the airport, with live loud-speaker commentary from Manchester’s (off-duty) Air Traffic Controllers.
Below: The Visitor Park provides a fantastic viewing area for plane arrivals and departures
Car parking is free and admission to the festival is £5 for adults and free for the under-threes, which includes entry to the Concorde Hangar. There will be a collection for Cancer Research.
The Runway Visitor Park is located next to Manchester Airport’s runways, off Sunbank Lane in Altrincham, close to Junction 6 of the M56 motorway (postcode WA15 8X0).
The event runs from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 5.30pm on Sunday.
Below: There will be fun for all the family at the Runway Visitor Park this weekend
