Flying high as Yorkshire Air Museum reopens

The Yorkshire Air Museum reopened on 4th July, welcoming more than 500 visitors on its first day.

The reopening followed a huge amount of work by a small team of staff and volunteers to prepare the grounds, aircraft displays and exhibitions.

This included the mammoth task of rearranging the aircraft hangars and cleaning the aircraft and engines to create a fascinating route around the aircraft and vehicle exhibits.

The Elvington museum’s unique Halifax MK III heavy bomber, named Friday the 13th after the most successful Halifax bomber of WWII, was given pride of place at the front of the main display hangar - giving the ‘wow’ factor.

The protective wooden barriers were also sanded down and repainted and discretely placed to help guide people around – while still allowing fantastic photo opportunities.

Meanwhile, the team cut lawns, edged paths and planted in the tranquil Memorial Rose Gardens – a peaceful place for visitors to reflect on the service and sacrifice of so many.

While the museum’s usual catering facility remains closed, there are plans for an exciting new space where people can enjoy lunches, snacks and refreshments. Meanwhile, families have been enjoying picnics in the open air.

The museum is now open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm.

Tickets need to be booked in advance - and if booked through Gift Aid, they allow readmission for up to one year.

For more information, visit yorkshireairmuseum.org