Manchester Airport to host Gala dinner at Runway Visitor Park to mark 20th anniversary of Concorde retirement

Manchester Airport has announced a special Gala dinner to mark the 20th anniversary of Concorde’s last flight. The supersonic aircraft caught many people’s attention when it first landed in Manchester back in 1980, and 2023 marks two decades since the iconic aircraft was put into retirement.

Its final commercial flight from Manchester took place on October 22 2003 and just one week later British Airways flagship aircraft down at Manchester one last time, as it was flown in to be put on display at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park.

This October, the park will host the Gala celebrating the aircraft’s anniversary. People at the Gala will be treated to a four-course meal and entertainment. All of this will happen under the wings of the famous aircraft.  

The black-tie event will start with a drinks reception in the Concorde hangar before guests are seated for a four-course meal. Soprano Gemma Ashley will deliver a live performance and guests will also hear from former Concorde pilot, Captain John Tye and Concorde’s most frequent flyer, Fred Finn.

 Guests will get the chance to board the aircraft, and the evening will be rounded off with a demonstration of Concorde’s famous nose droop.

Paul Emblow, manager of the Runway Visitor Park, said: “Concorde is an iconic aircraft and its story is intrinsically linked with the story of Manchester Airport, and of the Runway Visitor Park.  

“For most of its years of active service, Concorde was a regular visitor to Manchester and its iconic silhouette even appeared in the airport’s former logo, such was its resonance with passengers and planespotters.

 “The Runway Visitor Park now provides a permanent home for British Airways’ flagship G-BOAC, which transported members of the royal family among other famous faces and is the perfect setting to celebrate the anniversary of its retirement.”

The event will get underway at 6.30pm on Friday October 27. Tickets are now available for £90 per person and can be purchased through the Runway Visitor Park website.