In a celebration of the recently opened American Air Museum at IWM Duxford, a spectacular American Air Show was held at the weekend, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide.

Royston Crow: Aviation author, Ian Hall, was signing his latest publication. PICTURE: Clive Porter.Aviation author, Ian Hall, was signing his latest publication. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

The air show marked the development of American air power during the World Wars, the Cold War and into contemporary warfare.

Visitors met living history groups representing the United States Air Force during the Second World War and the Vietnam era. They also had the chance to chat to living history interpreters and take a peak at their vehicles and equipment.

Royston Crow: Entertainment from the Bluebird Belles, with authentic war-time musical numbers. PICTURE: Clive PorterEntertainment from the Bluebird Belles, with authentic war-time musical numbers. PICTURE: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

There was also plenty of entertainment for revellers – the Cambridge Lindyhoppers demonstrated 1940s dances as Miss Holliday Swing, The Bluebird Belles and Pete Wayre performed nostalgic 1940s and 1950s songs on the hangar base.

The next air show at IWM Duxford is the Flying Legends Air Show on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10. Tickets can be bought online at www.iwm.org.uk/ and must be purchased in advance.

Royston Crow: The platoon ready for action. Part of the Rolling Thunder Living History team. PICTURE: Clive Porter.The platoon ready for action. Part of the Rolling Thunder Living History team. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: Members of the crew of the vertical lift off American Air Force V 22 inspect their plane before take off. PICTURE: Clive Porter.Members of the crew of the vertical lift off American Air Force V 22 inspect their plane before take off. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: The American Boeing B-17 G Flying Fortress (SallyB) takes to the skies. PICTURE: Clive Porter.The American Boeing B-17 G Flying Fortress (SallyB) takes to the skies. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: A vivid display by the French aerobatic team from the Patrouille de France opened the proceedings on Saturday. PICTURE: Clive Porter.A vivid display by the French aerobatic team from the Patrouille de France opened the proceedings on Saturday. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: Gary Stridom in his Luftwaffe uniform. PICTURE: Clive Porter.Gary Stridom in his Luftwaffe uniform. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)