Rare Vampire Jet to Thrill Crowds at Midlands Air Festival 2025
The Midlands Air Festival 2025 is gearing up to deliver an electrifying spectacle for aviation enthusiasts, with the rare de Havilland Vampire jet poised to steal the show. This iconic piece of British aviation heritage, known for its distinctive design and historical significance, will take to the skies once more, offering a breathtaking display that promises to captivate attendees at one of the region’s most beloved airshows.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Midlands countryside, the festival has long been a highlight for those passionate about flight, drawing crowds eager to witness a blend of vintage marvels and modern aerial feats. This year, the return of the Vampire jet—a machine that hasn’t appeared at the event since 2023—adds an extra layer of excitement, making the 2025 installment a must-see for anyone with an interest in the evolution of air power.
Vampire T11 / Midlands Air Festival 2023
The Vampire’s return is particularly noteworthy given its absence from last year’s festival. In 2024, eager fans were left disappointed when engine troubles grounded the aircraft, forcing organizers to substitute it with the Jet Provost, another classic jet with its own storied legacy. That display, while impressive, couldn’t quite match the allure of the Vampire, which had wowed audiences at its most recent Midlands appearance two years prior. Now, with those mechanical woes resolved, the jet is back, ready to reclaim its place in the spotlight.
Developed by de Havilland during the waning years of World War II, the Vampire holds a special place in aviation history as the Royal Air Force’s first single-engine jet fighter. First taking flight in 1943, it entered service just too late to see combat in the war, but it quickly proved its worth in the postwar era. With its sleek, twin-boom tail and de Havilland Goblin engine, the Vampire was a pioneer, bridging the gap between propeller-driven fighters and the jet age. It wasn’t just a technological leap—it was a symbol of Britain’s postwar ambition, capable of speeds topping 500 miles per hour and serving in frontline roles well into the 1950s.
What makes this aircraft’s appearance at the Midlands Air Festival so extraordinary is its rarity. Of the nearly 3,300 Vampires built, only a tiny fraction remain airworthy today. Many surviving examples are confined to museums, their engines silent and their wings clipped. The jet gracing the 2025 festival, flown by the skilled pilot Mark Hooton, is one of these precious few, meticulously maintained to keep it soaring decades after its contemporaries were retired. Its distinctive silhouette—often likened to a bat in flight—remains a striking sight, and the roar of its Goblin engine is a sound that resonates with history.
The Vampire’s journey to the festival this year wasn’t without its twists. Organisers recently announced a last-minute change to the lineup, revealing that Team Niebergall, which was supposed to make its UK debut at the show, had to withdraw due to operational challenges. “Due to operational reasons, Team Niebergall will be unable to display this weekend, however we look forward to welcoming them next year,” the statement read. “Replacing them will be the fabulous Vampire Jet, flown by Mark Hooton who will be conducting a full display on Saturday and Sunday, whilst Lauren Wilson will display her wonderful Pitts Special on Friday.” The news was met with enthusiasm from fans, many of whom see the Vampire’s inclusion as a silver lining to the shake-up.
Mark Hooton, the man tasked with piloting the Vampire, brings a wealth of experience to the cockpit. A seasoned aviator with a passion for vintage jets, Hooton has flown the Vampire at airshows across the UK, earning praise for his ability to showcase its agility and power. His displays are known for their precision, often featuring tight manoeuvres that highlight the jet’s remarkable handling—a testament to both his skill and the aircraft’s enduring design. For Hooton, flying the Vampire is more than a performance; it’s a chance to keep a piece of aviation heritage alive.
Friday’s lineup, meanwhile, will feature Lauren Wilson in her Pitts Special, a nimble aerobatic biplane renowned for its eye-catching stunts. Wilson, a rising star in the aerobatic world, is expected to kick off the festival with a dynamic display, weaving loops and rolls that contrast beautifully with the Vampire’s high-speed passes later in the weekend.
The Midlands Air Festival has always prided itself on offering something for everyone, and 2025 is no exception. Beyond the headline acts, attendees can explore a range of ground exhibits. The Vampire’s presence ties into this broader celebration, offering a living link to the past. During its service life, the jet saw action with air forces around the world, from Australia to Switzerland, and even played a role in early jet training programs. Its versatility and longevity made it a favourite among pilots, many of whom still speak fondly of its responsive controls and distinctive hum.
For those planning to catch the Vampire in action, timing is critical. The organisers have noted that tickets are selling fast, with Saturday already completely sold out. “Tickets continue to sell fast, and whilst Saturday is now sold out, we have a limited number still available for Friday Nightfire and Super Sunday,” they announced. “We look forward to seeing you this weekend!” Friday offers the chance to see Wilson’s Pitts Special under the evening sky, while Super Sunday will feature Hooton’s Vampire alongside other displays, wrapping up the festival on a high note.
The Vampire itself has a rich history at airshows, not just in the Midlands but across the globe. In its postwar heyday, it dazzled crowds at events like the Farnborough Air Show, where its speed and agility were put on full display. Today, its appearances are rarer, making each flight a special occasion. For the team behind this particular Vampire, keeping it airworthy is a labor of love, involving countless hours of maintenance to ensure every component—from its hydraulic systems to its vintage instrumentation—is in perfect order.
As the Midlands Air Festival 2025 approaches, the buzz around the Vampire’s return is palpable. It’s a chance to see a machine that helped shape the jet age, flown by a pilot who understands its legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong aviation buff or simply curious about the past, this is one display that promises to leave a lasting impression. With its engines roaring and its wings cutting through the sky, the Vampire jet will remind us all why flight continues to inspire wonder, more than 80 years after it first took off.
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