Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome hosts annual airshow

On Saturday, an excited crowd gathered at the world’s largest surviving First World War aerodrome for a stellar collection of historic aircraft and thrilling aviation-themed activities on the ground.

The flying display began with the arrival of the stunning 1944 Mk9 Spitfire, Spirit of Kent, from the Spitfire Heritage Hangar at RAF Biggin Hill. Crowds cheered as the unique growl of the engine reverberated around the listed buildings of the historic Aerodrome.

The Stampe Team continued the action in their open cockpit, aerobatic biplanes, flying in close formation at nail-biting speeds of up to 130mph.

1930s - The Fairey Swordfish was a British torpedo bomber that played a significant role during World War II. (Image: M Johnson) Manoeuvre - The Tiger Moths' pilots showcased their talents (Image: M Johnson) Excitement - Crowds had a closer look at aircraft before they took off (Image: Marc Waller) Iconic - The crowds loved looking at the Fairey Swordfish (Image: Marc Waller) Next came an exceptional flying ‘action scenario’ where historic aircraft whirled and dived in what would have been a familiar sight during the First World War.

The action was led by the magnificent Airco DH-9 bomber, the only one in the world still flying after it was carefully restored following its discovery in an elephant stable at the Imperial Fort and Royal Palace in Bikaner, India.

The DH-9 was pounced on by the German Albatros and Fokker Dr1 Triplane before it was ‘defended’ by the Nieuport 17 and the Se5a, who drove the foes away.

Display - A large crowd watched the aircraft over Stow Maries (Image: Jordan Beighton) Historic - Stow Maries is the last surviving First World War aerodrome in the world (Image: Lyndsey Gilbertson) Thrilling - The crowd were in raptures at the jaw-dropping displays (Image: T Stone) The Turbulent Display Team flew metres from the ground to perform flour-bombing, balloon-bursting and limbo-flying in single-seater D31 Turbulents before the formidable Tiger Nine group, piloting Tiger Moth aircraft in formation.

The Fournier Redhawk RF4D aerobatic motorised glider dived steeply to gasps from the crowd and musical accompaniment, with smoke trails from its wings. It marked the final performance of pilot Bob Grimstead, who previously went from flying jumbo jets to the world’s smallest twin-jet aircraft, after 60 years in the air.

Swansong - Bob Grimstead chose Stow Maries for his final performance (Image: T Stone) Exciting - The large crowd was impressed by the stellar displays (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome) Wonderful - The Stow Maries 2025 Airshow was one to remember (Image: T Stone) Ian Flint, chief executive of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, said: “It was an amazing sight to see these rare and unique aircraft in the skies above Stow, and to have such a great crowd enjoying the day and making the most of everything the Museum has to offer.”

This weekend, the aerodrome will hold its next event, Back to the WW2 Farm, which celebrates the site’s history as a working farm during the Second World War with living history actors, classic tractors and historic military vehicles.

Book tickets on www.stowmaries.org.uk/events.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.