25/08/2026
Lots of photographic opportunities!
✈️ JUST OVER 3 WEEKS TO GO — EVEN MORE TO EXPLORE AT EHOD 2026!
SATURDAY 12 & SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 10am–5.30pm
Maze Long Kesh, Visit Lisburn Castlereagh
🎟️ FREE ENTRY — NO TICKET OR PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED!
The response to our first European Heritage Open Days announcement was phenomenal — and we can now reveal even more of what will be waiting for you at the Ulster Aviation Society.
🚪 NEW FOR EHOD 2026: BOTH REAR HANGAR DOORS OPEN!
For the first time, we will open the enormous rear doors of both of our authentic Second World War aircraft hangars, extending the visitor experience into our new rear tarmac compound.
This means even more space to explore, additional aircraft outside and an entirely new perspective looking through and around our two enormous wartime hangars.
✈️ NEW AIRCRAFT AND RESTORATION PROJECTS
Among the latest additions waiting to be discovered are:
✈️ Our recently arrived RAF Harrier GR.9 jump jet — one of Britain’s most instantly recognisable military aircraft
🚁 Our Sea King helicopter
🛩️ Our de Havilland Chipmunk
🛠️ Our fascinating Fairey Swordfish and Miles Messenger restoration projects and more
You can also discover the unique Belfast-built Short SB.5 research jet, which helped test the swept-wing configuration developed for the English Electric Lightning.
AND THERE’S MUCH MORE ACROSS THE WEEKEND:
🚙 The Northern Ireland Area of the Military Vehicle Trust will be displaying approximately EIGHT historic military vehicles in our new rear compound.
🚁 Our Gazelle and Scout helicopters will also be displayed outside in the new rear compound with them.
💃 Swing Dance Community NI and The Jenny Thomas Jammers Belfast performance group will bring music, movement and vintage atmosphere to the event between 12 noon and 2.30pm on BOTH Saturday and Sunday
✈️ Many of our 55+ aircraft and vehicles, with extensive indoor and outdoor displays
🎮 Seven state-of-the-art flight simulators and six VR headsets
🎖️ Wartime Living History Association attending with their WWII re-enactors
📸 The 501st Legion NI providing Star Wars photo opportunities on SATURDAY
🎶 Rock Choir NI performing on SUNDAY
👨✈️ Volunteer guides available beside aircraft and exhibits throughout both hangars
☕ Mobile catering companies on site again for teas and coffees, a lunch menu and an ice-cream van
🚑 St John Ambulance on site to provide medical cover
🚗 Extensive FREE car parking, including area for Motorbikes
🌦️ PLEASE DRESS FOR THE NORTHERN IRELAND WEATHER!
We have two enormous aircraft hangars offering extensive indoor cover, but many displays and activities will be outdoors. Please bring a waterproof coat and wear sensible, preferably waterproof footwear.
Parking will involve a walk to the hangars, with a longer walk possible if our overflow areas are required. Please follow the Event Signs and directions from our volunteer parking marshals.
♿ Wheelchair friendly
🅿️ Disabled Parking available
🚻 Multiple disabled toilets
👶 Baby-changing facilities within Family toilets
🦮 Guide dogs ONLY permitted.
📶 FREE Guest Wi-Fi on 1.8Gb Fibre Broadband
There is no need to pre-book. The site is by Vehicle-access ONLY, so simply arrive through Gate 3 and enjoy an unforgettable family day out where history has wings.
📍 Ulster Aviation Society,
Gate 3, Maze Long Kesh, 94 Halftown Road, LISBURN, BT27 5RF
Full visitor information:
https://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/event/european-heritage-open-day-saturday-12-sept
Swing Dance Community NI and The Jenny Thomas Jammers Belfast:
https://linktr.ee/swingdancenorthernireland
Military Vehicle Trust — Northern Ireland Area:
https://www.mvt.org.uk/northern-ireland.html
Which would you head for first — the Harrier, the new rear compound, the military vehicles, the helicopters, the flight simulators or the swing dancing?
TAG the person you’re bringing and please SHARE this post to help us spread the word!
With , , and
