The Spitfire that took the lead in the film The Battle of Britain

The two-day event includes daily flying displays lasting up to six hours featuring modern and war-time aircraft.

Fighter pilots are also being scrambled in their Spitfires and two Hurricanes in a re-enactment of war time days.

Biggin Hill was a key RAF base during the Battle of Britain in World War II. The event opened on the same date as the end of the Battle of Britain.

Upside down

Sir John Mills, 96, reportedly turned down a movie awards ceremony to allow him to open the airshow because of his affection for and connection to this year's wartime theme.

One of the Spitfires at the show starred in the film, The Battle of Britain.

Other aerial action includes a world record attempt at ribbon cutting upside down, and helicopters that fly backwards.

The Red Arrows team in their nine Hawk aircraft are also putting on a display.