THE 1930s flew into Oxford to launch historical air show Fly to the Past.

Two bi-planes landed at Oxford Airport in Kidlington to launch the 1930s themed show, which charts the history of aviation with flyovers from some of the world’s most iconic planes.

And Oxford Mail readers will get to see the festivities on August 21 at a special price.

As well as the de Havilland Dragon Rapide and Tiger Moth bi-planes, Hercule Poirot, Lana Turner and Biggles lookalikes set the tone at the launch.

The airport is the new home of the show, which was at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, for the last three years.

Festival director Francis Rockliff said Fly to the Past was the only one of its kind in Europe and would offer a nostalgic trip back in time.

He said: “People can expect to have extraordinary good fun.

“We want to give everyone in Oxfordshire a great day out.”

The show will feature four hours of flyovers, taking the audience from early bi-planes, through the fighter planes of the World Wars, to modern jets. Proceedings will kick off with a special fly-over by Christian Moullec, who trains geese and cranes to fly alongside his microlight.

On the ground there will be vintage aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes and Rapides. Historical aviation films will also play on giant screens.

The expected 15,000 visitors are encouraged to don aviation-themed costumes and there will be prizes for the best dressed.

Mr Rockliff said: “We are really excited that we will be able to land and take off aircraft for the first time, as we had no runway at Blenheim.”

Airport business development director James Dillon-Godfray said: “To the best of my knowledge we haven’t had a proper air show at Oxford Airport for a very long time.”

Oxford Mail readers will be able to take advantage of a special £15 discount on the £35 adult tickets - children under 16 go free - if they book before March 26.

Tickets go on sale today. Click the link on oxfordmail.co.uk or by calling 0844 576 0136