Your Complete Guide to the Yeadon Aviation 'Bring Annie Home' Event

Imagine seeing something built in your hometown, a piece of living history, returning after more than 80 years. That's exactly what's happening this June. An incredibly rare, 1943 Avro Anson MK1 aircraft, affectionately known as "Gentle Annie," is making a historic homecoming to Yorkshire. This isn't just any old plane; MH120 was built in Yeadon and is the only airworthy model of its kind left in the entire world. After 83 years away, Annie is flying home, and a special three-day event is being held to celebrate this amazing piece of local history. It's a chance for families, aviation fans, and anyone interested in Yorkshire's heritage to see a true icon up close.

A piece of Yorkshire history returns

So, what exactly is an Avro Anson MK1? Think of it as a veteran of the skies. These planes were crucial during the Second World War, mostly used for training bomber crews. The fact that this particular aircraft, MH120, is still airworthy – meaning it can actually fly – is nothing short of a miracle. It’s a flying, breathing piece of local aviation history. Built by Avro workers in Yeadon back in 1943, this plane has a direct connection to the people and the industry of the area. After its service, it eventually found a new home in the Czech Republic, where it has been lovingly maintained by RAF Station Czechoslovakia. Now, its owner, Richard Santus, has kindly agreed to fly her home for this unique homecoming event.

The "Bring Annie Home" project will see the aircraft land briefly at LBA before making its way to Breighton Airfield, the venue for the three-day celebration. From the 24th to the 26th of June 2026, this airfield will be the place to be to witness the return of "Gentle Annie." This event is a truly rare opportunity for people across Yorkshire and beyond to connect with a significant part of the region's past. The return of this airworthy Avro Anson MK1 is a testament to the engineering skill of the original Avro workers and the dedication of those who have kept her flying.

More than just an old plane

What makes this homecoming so special is the human story behind the machine. This isn't just about admiring an old aircraft; it's about reconnecting families with their own history. The event organisers, a small team of local aviation enthusiasts, have been in contact with the families of the original Avro workers who built and contributed to the creation of MH120. Just think about that for a moment. Grandchildren and even great-grandchildren will have the chance to see and touch an aircraft that their ancestors helped build, an aircraft that is still flying magnificently after all these years. These families are joining the celebration to welcome home this incredible piece of their heritage, making the homecoming a deeply personal and emotional event.

The project, aptly named "Bring Annie Home," is all about this reunion. It's about bridging the gap between generations and celebrating the local history that "Gentle Annie" represents. This unique story has already started to capture the attention of local media, who are keen to share this piece of living history with a wider audience. The passion behind the project is clear; it’s a labour of love dedicated to honouring the legacy of the Avro workers and the significant role Yorkshire played in aviation history. For these families, seeing Annie fly again is more than just an event; it's a powerful reminder of their roots and the incredible achievements of their relatives.

What’s on: the three-day event

The historic return of MH120 is being marked with a fantastic three-day event at Breighton Airfield, running from 24th to 26th June 2026. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard aviation fan or just looking for a unique family day out. Here’s what the schedule looks like:

• Wednesday, 24th June 2026: Homecoming Celebration Meal
  The festivities kick off with a ticket-only celebration meal to mark Annie’s arrival. Guests will be treated to a special two-course meal and a welcome drink. It’s an exclusive opportunity to get an up-close viewing of MH120, listen to fascinating stories from guest speakers, and even try your luck in a raffle with some amazing prizes. This is the official start of the homecoming celebrations.

• Thursday, 25th June 2026: Annie’s Big Day Out
  This is the main public day, with free entry to the airfield for everyone. It’s the perfect chance to bring the whole family and celebrate MH120. There will be fantastic photo opportunities, a chance to meet the crew who flew "Gentle Annie" all the way from RAF Station Czechoslovakia, and official event merchandise to buy as a souvenir. For those wanting an extra thrill, there will be taxi runs (ticket only), allowing you to experience the power of the Avro Anson MK1 on the runway. When you get hungry, the fabulous Jeeves Kitchen will be on hand with lunch and refreshments.

• Friday, 26th June 2026: Farewell Annie Brunch
  Join the team for Annie’s final day at Breighton with a special Farewell Brunch. This is a pre-booked, ticketed event where attendees can enjoy a hot drink and a hot sandwich while listening to a special presentation about the aircraft and her journey. As a thank you, those who book in advance will also receive a free gift. It’s a wonderful way to say goodbye to this incredible piece of local history before she heads home.

A true passion project

What makes the return of Annie even more remarkable is that this entire event is a non-profit initiative, driven purely by passion. It's organised by a small team of just four full-time workers who share a deep love for local aviation and local history. Unlike big, commercial airshows, this project doesn't have a huge budget. The team is funding it themselves and actively looking for sponsorships to help cover the significant costs involved, particularly for essentials like aircraft fuel. Every bit of support helps to make this historic homecoming possible.

This is a true community effort, and it’s about more than just putting on a show. It's a non-profit initiative designed to celebrate a piece of Yorkshire’s heritage and support the organisations that preserve it. All proceeds from donations, sponsorships, raffle tickets, and ticketed events like the celebration meal, taxi runs, and the farewell brunch will be distributed in full to three deserving causes. The beneficiaries are RAF Station Czechoslovakia (the owners of MH120), The Real Aeroplane Company, and the Avro Heritage Trust. By supporting this event, visitors are not only witnessing history but are also contributing to the future of aviation heritage preservation. It’s a project rooted in a passion for local history and a desire to reunite families with a tangible piece of their past in Yorkshire.