Historic aircraft, Harrier, Sea King and more as huge FREE family weekend returns

The Ulster Aviation Society is preparing to throw open its historic wartime hangars for what promises to be its biggest European Heritage Open Days weekend yet, with more aircraft, historic vehicles and entertainment added as visitor numbers continue to soar.

The entirely volunteer-run charity will welcome the public to Maze Long Kesh, near Lisburn, on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with free admission and parking and no need to book in advance.

Running from 10am until 5.30pm on both days, the family event will give visitors the chance to get close to many of the Society’s collection of more than 55 aircraft and vehicles, try flight simulators and virtual reality experiences, and meet the volunteers helping to preserve Northern Ireland’s aviation heritage.

Visitor numbers more than quadruple

The scale of the weekend has grown dramatically in recent years.

Attendance increased from 1,750 people in 2022 to 3,500 in 2023 and 7,000 in 2024, before reaching a record of more than 7,200 visitors last year — despite exceptionally wet weather on the Sunday.

That represents more than a fourfold increase in just three years and has helped establish the Society’s weekend as one of Northern Ireland’s major European Heritage Open Days attractions.

Ray Burrows MBE, Chairman of the Ulster Aviation Society, said:

“EHOD has become a remarkable success story for the Society. The most satisfying thing is seeing families return, bringing children and grandparents together to discover and experience our aviation heritage.”

Wartime hangars open up in a new way

This year’s event will also offer something visitors have not experienced before.

For the first time, the enormous rear doors of both of the Society’s authentic Second World War aircraft hangars will be opened, extending the visitor route onto a new public tarmac compound behind the buildings.

The expanded area will feature the Society’s Gazelle and Scout helicopters alongside at least eight historic vehicles from the Northern Ireland Area of the Military Vehicle Trust, with organisers expecting that number could rise to ten.

Mr Burrows said:

“Opening both rear hangar doors changes the scale of the visitor experience. It gives us more room to tell the story of the collection and allows people to explore aircraft and historic vehicles in a completely new setting.”

Several aircraft will also make their first appearance at the Society’s European Heritage Open Days weekend.

RAF Harrier GR.9 ZD465 on display at the Ulster Aviation Society’s base

They include RAF Harrier GR.9 ZD465, a Sea King HAS.6 helicopter, a globe-trotting de Havilland Chipmunk and the unique Belfast-built Short SB.5 research jet.

Visitors will also get an opportunity to see the Society’s new Fairey Swordfish restoration project.

Seven flight simulators and six virtual-reality headsets will add a hands-on element to the weekend.

Music, dancing and Star Wars characters

The programme extends beyond aviation.

Swing Dance Community NI and The Jenny Thomas Jammers Belfast will provide live music, dancing and vintage atmosphere from noon until 2.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Rock Choir NI will perform on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday’s programme will also feature Second World War re-enactors from the Wartime Living History Association alongside the Star Wars costuming volunteers of Causeway Garrison, representing the 501st and Rebel Legions.

Four mobile catering units will be on site serving burgers and other lunch options, crepes, teas, coffees, traybakes and ice cream.

St John Ambulance crews will provide medical cover throughout the weekend.

The growing popularity of the attraction was highlighted last year when deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly visited during the Saturday programme.

Speaking to the Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office in February this year, she said:

“The Ulster Aviation Society does incredible things, attracting a huge number of people.”

What visitors need to know

The Ulster Aviation Society’s European Heritage Open Days weekend takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, from 10am to 5.30pm each day.

Entry and parking are free, with no ticket or advance booking required.

Access to the site is by vehicle through Gate 3, Maze Long Kesh, 94 Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RF.

Visitors should be aware that parking involves a walk to the hangars and that the distance may increase if overflow parking areas are needed. Drivers should follow event signage and directions from volunteer parking marshals.

As exhibits will be both indoors and outdoors, organisers recommend bringing a waterproof coat and wearing sensible — preferably waterproof — footwear.

Wheelchair access, limited disabled parking, multiple disabled toilets, baby-changing facilities and free guest Wi-Fi will be available. Only guide and assistance dogs are permitted.

Full visitor information is available by tapping the button below.

Visitor Information

With attendance having climbed from fewer than 2,000 people to more than 7,200 in just three years, the Ulster Aviation Society’s Heritage Open Days weekend has become a firm favourite with families and aviation enthusiasts alike — and this September’s expanded event promises even more opportunities to step inside its historic wartime hangars and discover the remarkable aircraft, vehicles and stories being preserved for future generations.