Southend Airport to host Vulcan 60th birthday celebration

August 25, 2022

Avro Vulcan XL426 will be celebrating her 60th birthday in style this weekend with a high-speed taxi-run at London Southend Airport.

The aircraft, maintained by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, will take to the runway twice on Saturday, August 27 and deploy her brake parachute on the second movement, subject to availability.

She will then taxi back to the apron area, giving a superb close up view as she taxies in and shuts down her engines.

Aviation lovers are invited to attend the annual event as VIP guests of the Trust. Visitors can see and hear from an exclusive visitor area in front of the airfield hangar, allowing for uninterrupted views across the airport – as well as unrivalled photo opportunities.

Avro Vulcan XL426 made her maiden flight from the A V Roe & Co airfield at Woodford, Cheshire on August 23, 1962 and we’re delighted that 60 years later she is still alive and kicking.

The Vulcan Restoration Trust will also be marking the 70th Anniversary of the first flight of the Vulcan prototype.

They will be joined by special guest Jon Falk, son of Roly Falk, the A V Roe Chief Test Pilot and the first man to fly the Avro Vulcan on August 30, 1952.

Roly Falk became well-known for his quirky attire when test piloting aircraft, specifically his pinstripe suit and tie! John will be taking the ladder up to the Vulcan, just like his father did in 1952, to recreate a particularly famous photograph in his own pinstripe suit and tie.

Vulcan Restoration Trust Events Manager, Jamie Keene, said: “We aim for this to be the best taxi run to date with the added addition of John Falk to recreate his father’s iconic pose on the ladders. “This is definitely a memorable photo opportunity you don’t want to miss! We are very excited to see all our visitors and hope they will enjoy the day just as much as we will!”

Food and drink will be available throughout the day and our merchandise stand will be open for all your XL426 and Vulcan-related memorabilia.

Gates open at 11.30am and the taxi run will start at 1.00pm.

DOUBLE VULCAN XL426 60 TH ANNIVERSARY TAXI-RUN - SATURDAY 27 TH AUGUST, FROM 11.30AM

Tickets are available to purchase from £50 for non-VRT members and £25.00 for current members.

Would you like to book tickets? Visit the website here. https://avrovulcan.com/events/vulcan-xl426-60th-anniversary-taxi-run

Guests are encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, including the Greater Anglia rail service at London Southend Airport Station. Easy breezy parking is also available to pre-book online.

Due to London Southend Airport rules, children under 12 cannot be admitted. No animals are permitted, with the exception of assistance dogs, into the event.

The Vulcan at London Southend Airport is owned by the Vulcan Restoration Trust.

The Trust is a registered charity and it maintains the aircraft in full working order, although it is no longer airworthy. All the proceeds from Vulcan XL426 60th Anniversary Taxi Run will go towards the upkeep of the aircraft.