Aviation nut Sir Peter Jackson took a break from filming his Lord of the Rings prequel to show off his toys at the 10th anniversary of the Classic Fighters Airshow in Blenheim yesterday.

Jackson is a regular spectator at the fundraiser for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, and chief executive Jane Orphan said he had once again been "exceptionally generous", putting his private collection on display at the centre's museum.

Jackson chairs the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, which furnished the Omaka centre's Knights of the Sky exhibition.

Orphan said Jackson's collection "must be one of the best in the world".

The airshow is held every second year and sees replica and original aircraft from World War I and II take to the skies during the three-day festival.

"We have replicas from World War I, our oldest is the Albatross, which dates back to 1916.

"There's just a wonderful array of aircraft.

"The show not only raises money for the centre, but it's done a huge job in raising awareness of historical aviation," he said.

The show attracts huge crowds and the 2009 event saw 35,000 people turn out.

Planning for this year's event began at the start of 2010 and Orphan says this year's attendance should be even bigger.

"We don't have exact numbers for this year but it's looking like a huge crowd, probably close to 40,000."

There were also ground re-enactments, a classic car show, a Taste Marlborough marquee, children's stalls and two music stages.

The aviation centre museum is open year round, displaying aircraft dating back to World War I.

- Sunday Star Times