Southend Vulcan aircraft set for last open day of 2025

The Vulcan XL426 is maintained and displayed by the Vulcan Restoration Trust at Southend Airport and is one of the world’s last ground-running bombers of its kind.

Iconic - The aircraft is maintained by volunteers(Image: VRT)

On Sunday, hundreds are expected to flock to the Vulcan’s hangar for the ever-popular event, which will also feature vintage cars, tanks and emergency services vehicles.

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A spokesperson for the Vulcan Restoration Trust said: “Pop along for your last chance of 2025 to see the former Royal Air Force bomber, Avro Vulcan XL426, at our Visit the Vulcan Day.

“XL426 will be performing a system demo around lunchtime, where you will see the bomb bay opening and closing and the airbrakes, rudder, and elevons working.

Military - A variety of vehicles and historic artefacts will be displayed(Image: VRT)

“We will also have her huge brake parachute on display.

“Whatever the weather, we have lots to do both inside and outside of the hangar.”

 The Vulcan arrived in Southend in December 1986, having been sold to businessman Roy Jacobsen by the Ministry of Defence earlier that year.

Entertainment - Live music will be provided throughout the day(Image: VRT)

When it arrived at Southend, the Vulcan XL426 had amassed a total of 6,236 hours in the air, having made over 1,800 separate flights.

All funds raised from the Visit the Vulcan Days are reinvested in the work the trust undertakes to preserve the heritage and history of the iconic aircraft.

Displays - Emergency services will be taking part in the day(Image: VRT)

In addition to an array of historical artefacts, including examples of the weapons carried by the Vulcan – such as the bombs dropped during the 1982 Falklands War – visitors will also be able to enjoy entertainment from the Essex Yeomanry Band.

For an extra charge, visitors can take a look inside the XL426’s cockpit.

Action - The event will be the last Visit the Vulcan Day of 2025(Image: VRT)

Full details and tickets can be found on the trust’s website at avrovulcan.com