A FAMOUS RAF bomber is set to be taken on a high speed taxi run at Southend Airport as it celebrates a milestone birthday.

Avro Vulcan XL426 will be celebrating its 60th birthday in style this weekend with the high speed taxi run at Southend Airport.

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

It will then taxi back to the apron area, giving a superb close up view to aircraft enthusiasts as it taxies in and shuts down the 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 photo opportunities.

Avro Vulcan XL426 made its maiden flight from the A V Roe & Co airfield at Woodford, Cheshire on August 23, 1962.

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

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, will join the celebrations as a special guest.

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.”

Gates open at 11.30am and the taxi run will start at 1pm. Tickets are available to purchase from £50 for non-VRT members and £25 for current members.

Under-16s can enter for £15.00. To book tickets, visit the website here.

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.