051798 - RAF MILDENHALL'S AIR FETE 1976 to 2001

By Mick Britton and John Wickenden

Many aviation enthusiasts remember the Mildenhall Air Fetes with real affection. The late May Bank Holiday was the unofficial start of the airshow season for many and the Suffolk base would be the site of a pilgrimage for tens of thousands in need of a jet fix. The atmosphere at the air show verged on that of a big party, with big band music, plenty of burgers / polish sausages and Budweiser.

It has been 20 years since the final Air Fete in 2001 and this book attempts to recapture some of the highlights. It has been written by two enthusiasts and includes approximately 200 colour photos, provided by like minded enthusiasts, covering every show including the first – the 1976 Bicentennial Airshow.

The book’s text combines information on the aircraft participating in the show with personal memories from the authors. Photos include THE “Blackbird flame” incident, the equally famous B52 ‘Swashbuckler’ take off and all of the rare and colourful airframes that attended the show over the years.