Nostalgia: Do you remember the Bentwaters open day?

The event was one of the biggest in the county's calendar Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

The event was one of Suffolk’s most popular and a huge loss to the county’s calendar when the former RAF base closed in 1993 and the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing departed.

Our pictures here come from the event in 1979 when the public enjoyed a thrilling day at the huge airfield near Rendlesham.

Visitors enjoyed meeting the USAF airmen, taking part in a wide range of American games, food and activities, and the opportunity to see static fighter jets and other aircraft and even climb inside the cockpits.

One of the biggest attractions was the demonstrations and a series of flying displays.

Bentwaters Open Day was a chance to get up close to the aircraft Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Did you attend the event in 1979 or do you recognise anyone in these photos? Share your memories by contacting ross.halls@archant.co.uk

Flying displays were one of the highlights Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Bentwaters Open Day in 1979 Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

There was lots to see and do at Bentwaters Open Day Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Visitors enjoy looking round the planes at the Bentwaters Open Day in 1979 Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)

Bentwaters Open Day in 1979 Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: Archant)