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15
May
Iconic WWII aircraft to feature in flypast over Tractor Fest
One of the Second World War's most iconic aircraft will take pride of place in a flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day at this year's Tractor Fest, near Ripon.
The Douglas C47 Dakota, which is part of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), will fly over the show at Newby Hall on Saturday, June 7.
Originally designed for civil transport, the Douglas C47 Dakota was widely used by the Allies during the Second World War, playing an essential role in dropping paratroops on the eve of D-Day, as well as missions to evacuate casualties and resupply forces.
D-Day, which took place on June 6, 1944, saw a quarter of a million Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen take part in the largest seaborne invasion in history, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi forces.
VE Day, which this flypast commemorates, took place a little under a year later, on May 8, 1945, and marked the victory of the Allies and the end of the war in Europe.
The BBMF maintains the artefacts of the UK’s national heritage in airworthy condition to commemorate those fallen in the service of the country. It operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, which is home to five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft for training.
The plane is part of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photo: SAC Clarke © Crown copyright 2015.
Tractor Fest is the UK’s largest tractor show. Organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association (YVA), the event is held over two days, on June 7 and 8, and is popular with enthusiasts and families.
Kevin Watson, chair of the YVA, said:
We are honoured to be hosting the BBMF flypast again this year as part of Tractor Fest and the wider VE Day commemorations. It’s a magnificent spectacle and makes the weekend even more special for visitors.
Tractor Fest appeals to people of all ages.
Tractor Fest, which is held across more than 100 acres of the Newby Hall estate, will feature over 1,500 vintage and modern tractors and another 1,000 exhibits including stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Other highlights this year are two celebrations: 100 years of the American Caterpillar brand and 80 years of the Fordson E27N tractor. Caterpillar is legendary for its bright yellow heavy machinery – excavators, trucks and bulldozers – used in construction, mining and engineering.
A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer at the show and admission includes access to Newby’s gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Tractor Fest is sponsored by agricultural and machinery auctioneer Cheffins, Econ Engineering and Brockhills. The show is also supported by Ripon Farm Services.
Tickets cost £18 for adults, and £15 for children, but under-4s go free. Family tickets are also available for two adults and two children and cost £54.
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