Manchester Barton Aerodrome — Attraction in Salford

First off, security was poor. Handy for getting in quickly, but from a safety point of view, it's the most lax security I've seen for a midsize gig. Even the Academies have tighter security. No pat downs, no scanners or metal detectors and they expected you to open bags, but didn't even look in. My bag was full of chargers and power banks, so cables all over. Your think you might want a little look at least.

You queue along a main road and then up a muddy dirt track. Once "inside", it's just a field. They've definitely gone for the festival vibe. There's no floor covering, so if it's wet, you definitely want the right footwear. Food stalls are standard and overpriced, expected. The "bar" carried very little selection of cans of beer and cider etc. no draught. You get lots of porta loos. Even when everyone rushed to them when the show was over, there was minimal queuing.

Sound was ok. Not the loudest by far but clear enough.

Getting out took longer than expected. There's choke points as you leave that left sections gridlocked. Lighting was minimal, which isn't great on a dirt track full of potholes and puddles.

There are lots of taxis waiting outside. The £10-15 average price quoted on the website was well off. The got quoted over £40! There are bus stops nearby, they could definitely do with timing a shows end to give you plenty of time to get out and use...

Took the kids to the fair thinking it would be at least good enough for all ages but there is probably 2 rides that are suitable for any child over the age of 10. the beach is just sand tipped in the middle of the fair ground and spread out and there is not a drop of water in sight. if you are planning to take any children over the age of 10 I wouldn't bother and save your money. the food is stupidly over priced we paid 6 pounds for a small portion of chips with a ladle of chicken curry I think 3 stars is quite generous in the circumstances. and there is still paid things that are not included in the price...

Barton is a lovely old airfield with some quite notable art deco architecture around the hangers and the control tower (which I understand to be the oldest operational control tower in the country - don't quote me on that though) With a decent cafe and a nice relaxed old-fashioned atmosphere, it's certainly somewhere that would be of interest to any aviation enthusiast, including the rotary wing gang, as there is a heliport at the airfield. As such, you never know what may arrive next, from a DeHaviland Rapide to a military Lynx or some kind of fancy Airwolf looking thing. If you're in the...