THOUSANDS of aircraft enthusiasts celebrated 75 years of Liverpool Airport yesterday.

They descended on Speke Aerodrome for the Jetstream Club’s annual aviation fair.

The club joined forces with the Friends of Liverpool Airport to put on their biggest show yet for the milestone.

But yesterday’s torrential rain meant the hoped-for Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was grounded.

Only a Dakota DC3 was allowed to take off, while the Hurricane and Spitfire stayed behind in Kidderminster.

The RAF had previously said the traditional Lancaster bomber was unavailable and sent the Dakota as a substitute.

Organisers said the crowds did not let the bad weather dampen their spirits.

Jetstream chairman Roy Coates told the Daily Post: “It was sad not to have the Spitfire and Hurricane. But the Dakota did a short display.

“The Huey was the star of the day. It’s got a very professional crew and everybody had access to it.

“That’s what it’s all about – people getting access to things they wouldn’t otherwise.”

The Huey – the iconic Vietnam-era helicopter – made the trip to Speke from its full-time base in Blackpool. It is thought to be the only flying Huey in the country.

Merseyside Police’s helicopter was also at the show, although it had to leave for about an hour to answer an emergency call.

Fair-goers had rare access to the famous Beatles Balcony, where the Fab Four waved to the crowds from the 1930s artdeco terminal building.

Mr Coates added: “There’s been a constant stream of people going up there. It’s got a great view over the whole apron.”

Thanks to Classic Flight, A De Havilland Dove and Dragon Rapide aircraft ran pleasure flights from John Lennon Airport.

There were also a variety of hot rods, racing cars, motorcycles, vintage fire tenders and other vehicles on display.

The old terminal building closed in 1986 when the modern passenger airport opened. It has since been converted into a Marriott Hotel.

Speke Aerodrome opened on July 1, 1933, but aficionados cite July 3 as the actual birthday. That was when the first scheduled flight – a De Havilland Dragon to the Isle of Man via Blackpool – took off.

The Jetstream Club will also host a birthday dinner on July 4 at the Marriott Hotel to formally mark the anniversary.

Proceeds from the airshow will be divided between the Jetstream Club, Marie Curie and the North West Air Ambulance.

benschofield