Ripon prepares for historic flypast at UK’s largest tractor fest at lovely Newby Hall
An iconic Spitfire is to take part in a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast at a major event near Ripon shortly.
The spectacular but poignant moment had become something of a tradition at Tractor Fest, the UK’s largest tractor festival, which is coming to this beautiful Newby Hall, on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.
Subject to weather conditions, an iconic Spitfire or Hurricane aircraft will fly over the show on Saturday at around 1.15pm, followed by a Douglas C47 Dakota aircraft on Sunday around 3.15pm.
The 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
The aircraft are part of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) which maintains the artefacts of the UK’s national heritage in airworthy condition to commemorate those fallen in the service of the country.
The BBMF 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.
Kevin Watson, chair of Tractor Fest organisers Yorkshire Vintage Association (YVA), said: “It is always a huge privilege to host the the BBMF flypast and we are honoured to be doing so again this year.
"It’s a magnificent and memorable spectacle that is always popular with our visitors.”
Occupying 120 acres, Tractor Fest attracts more than 15,000 visitors annually and features more than 1,400 vintage and modern tractors, and another 2,200 exhibits including stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Other highlights this year include special features on tractors, engines and machines manufactured in Scotland, motor rollers and the Zetor tractor brand.
A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer at the show and admission includes access to Newby’s RHS Chelsea gold medal winning gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Themes for this year’s Tractor Fest include Made in Scotland, showcasing tractors, engines and machines manufactured there
Tickets are available from https://www.newbyhall.com/event/tractorfest-6th-7th-june-2026/
Information from: http://tractorfest.uk/