Archive for August, 2015

The B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B joins the Wings & Wheels line-up

Friday, August 28th, 2015

Sally-B

We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of the B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B to the Wings & Wheels line-up. The last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe will display on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August at the aerodrome near Guildford in Surrey.

For 39 years Sally B has been maintained and flown as a memorial to the 79,000 Allied airmen who lost their lives in Europe during the Second World War. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft is an important educational and heritage project, representing a chapter in our history when formations of B-17 Flying Fortresses of the United States Eighth Army Air Force flew daylight missions out of British bases.

Since 1982, Sally B has been operated by Elly Sallingboe of B-17 Preservation with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and the backing of one of the largest supporters clubs of its kind in the world – the Sally B Supporters Club. Sally B is maintained by Chief Engineer Peter Brown and his team of volunteers, and flown by volunteer experienced professional pilots.

Sally B is permanently based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford where she is on static display when not flying. However, the aircraft is not part of the Museum’s own collection and relies solely on charitable donations, sponsorship, sales of souvenirs, and the loyal support of her working team of volunteers and 8,000 Sally B Supporters Club Members, one of the largest clubs of its kind in the world.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, MIG 15, B25 Mitchell, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays to wander around.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Tickets start from £22 for adults, £50 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £7 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Help for Heroes and Brooklands Museum Trust.

Blue Skies And Farewell Flight Bring Award-Winning Festival To A Close

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

With a record-breaking 1300 boats in the bay on Saturday alone and total numbers topping 3/4 million, the award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Kier, enjoyed its eighth year (20-23 August) in spite of weather extremes – welcoming new displays from the MiG 15 and Hawk T2 Role Demo Team as well as an emotional farewell from festival favourite, the Vulcan against a backdrop of a flotilla of Royal Navy ships.

Two glorious days on Friday and Saturday and unexpectedly clear skies on Sunday attracted wide eyed visitors to the UK’s largest free festival, to enjoy displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Chinook, Tutor, Black Cats, Twister Duo, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Eurofighter Typhoon, B-17 Flying Fortress, Blades Aerobatic Display Team and Sea Vixen. While the world-renowned Red Arrows stole the show as usual performing on all four days, 2015 also saw the welcome return of the Matadors Display Team and Patrouille Reva. The keenly awaited Vulcan XH558 gave two star turns in her spectacular final farewell to mixed emotions from South Coast fans on both Saturday and Sunday.

Kenneth Aarkvisla, flying the MiG 15 in her first appearance at Bournemouth, said: “It was fantastic to see such a huge crowd here! It’s a beautiful place to fly. We would definitely like to come back!”

RAF Typhoon Display Pilot Flight Lieutenant Jonny Dowen, said: “Bournemouth is the biggest show of the year – it’s been awesome!”

This year’s new and improved Night Air programme kept the festival flowing into the evening with a host of musical entertainment over three nights at Wave105’s Boscombe Seafront stage. Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood headlined on Thursday with a special, sea-inspired proms-on-the-beach performance. Friday welcomed a pop music extravaganza with performances from Alesha Dixon, Fuse OGD, Scouting for Girls, Sarah Harding and Lawson. Saturday took crowds on a jet-propelled journey through 25 years of dance music, with live sets from Artful (Mark Hill from Artful Dodger), K-Klass, Black Box, Livin’ Joy and Karen Harding.

The musical entertainment was accompanied by thrilling night-time air displays from the Red Devils Parachute Team, Aerosparx – a brand new pyrotechnic and LED display team – and a debut performance at Bournemouth from the Fire Flies displaying alongside O’Brien’s Flying Circus.

Building on support from the military in previous years, the Royal Navy increased their presence in Bournemouth for 2015. As well as the armed forces’ villages, featuring recruitment stands and meet and greet opportunities, the Royal Navy displayed more ships than ever before including HMS Iron Duke, offering ship visits to hundreds of members of the public and organising one of their largest practical training weekends of the year. Royal Marines Commandos entertained crowds with beach assault and unarmed combat demonstrations as well as the atmospheric Beating Retreat Sunset Ceremony performed by HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood.

Admiral Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said: “Bournemouth’s wonderful seafront has provided a magnificent stage for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to demonstrate what we can do at sea, in the air and over the land. None of this was just for show – it’s indicative of what our sailors and marines are doing right now, on operations at home and around the world. Britain is an island nation, a trading nation, with global ambition. So the Royal Navy is working to keep the maritime motorways flowing, to keep British citizens safe, and to protect and advance our interests in this age of global opportunity. I would like to thank the Council, local businesses and the entire community for making us so welcome. We’ve had a wonderful time – we hope you did too – and you can count on us to be back in 2016!”

Recently awarded VisitEngland’s UK Tourism Event of the Year, Bournemouth Air Festival creates an estimated 500 full-time jobs and brings over £30million to the local economy. In addition, the festival receives support from business sponsors including Festival Partner, Kier. It has also built Bournemouth’s profile on an international stage.

Dale Wood, Kier Partnership Director for Bournemouth said: “We’re proud to have been part of this year’s spectacular Air Festival and credit is due to the organisers who put on such a great show for both local residents and visitors. The festival brings a lot of value to the town and supports our commitment with Bournemouth Council to boost local economic growth. We would encourage more companies to support the festival next year – whether it’s as a sponsor or patron – it’s an incredible event for us all to be part of.”

Mark Smith, Director of Tourism said: “The Air Festival has received recognition at a national level with the 2015 VisitEngland Best National Event award and we know that Bournemouth residents are proud to be the hosts for such a popular, World Class event. It’s always wonderful to see local families and visitors alike enjoying the breathtaking displays and on-the-ground entertainment. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the amazing work by the dedicated and highly professional Bournemouth Tourism Events Team, to extensive Council backing and to all the local emergency services and armed forces. We are extremely grateful to Festival Partner, Kier, for their financial support and long may the resounding success of the event continue. Confirmed dates for 2016 are 18-21 August – we hope to see you all again next year!”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Reach for the skies on board historic planes

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

Bristol type 188

Date: 18-19 September

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Cost: £12.50 per person

Calling all future pilots and aviation fans….if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to sit inside a military aircraft that’s seen action around the world, or marvel at the advanced technologies on unique airframes, wonder no more. The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be giving visitors the rare chance to climb on board a selection of aircraft and sit in the pilot’s seat during the ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ event taking place next month.

Over 450 visitors attended the event held in May and organisers are confident that the September event will be just as popular with an exciting line up of aircraft available on the night.

Aircraft confirmed for close viewing include the Bristol Type 188. Built mainly of stainless steel, this aircraft was designed to investigate the effects of heat on aircraft structures at very high speeds. To protect the pilot against heat build-up a special cockpit refrigeration system was installed. Nicknamed ‘Flaming Pencil’, only two Bristol 188s ever flew, a third being used for ground tests.

Other highlights include access inside the Hawker Siddeley Gnat T1, made famous by the Red Arrows. The Gnat was intended to replace the Vampire as an advanced trainer for pilots who would fly jet fighters and bombers, combining high performance with the handling qualities required for effective instruction. A total of 105 Gnats served with the RAF and its aerobatic qualities led to the formation of the Yellowjacks aerobatic team in 1964, leading to the foundation of the world famous Red Arrows the following year. The team flew their red Gnats for fourteen years until they were replaced by the British Aerospace Hawk at the end of the 1979 season.

Visitors to ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ will also have the rare chance to view inside the cockpit of Supermarine Spitfire 1. The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history. It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. From the beginning pilots recognised it as a thoroughbred, combining a perfection of design with superb handling characteristics. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination of the British public and enemy alike. 1,566 Spitfire 1’s were built and this machine is the world’s oldest surviving example of its type.

The event, which now runs on both a Friday and Saturday evening, allows twice as many budding pilots to enjoy some of the world’s most iconic aircraft. Just 300 tickets per evening are available for this exclusive event, ensuring visitors have plenty of time to get a feel for what it was like to fly the aircraft, ask lots of questions and take photos as memento of their visit.

RAF Museum Cosford Event Manager Abi Betteridge said:

“Museum visitors are always keen to see inside the aircraft we have on display and events like these are the perfect opportunity to make a visit to the Museum extra special. We try to offer a real mix of aircraft type for visitors to climb on board during ‘Open Cockpits Evening’, so whether it’s a fast jet to spark interest in the younger generation, or a nostalgic wartime aircraft that brings back memories for our older visitors, we have everything covered.”

Visitors will have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum which displays a collection of over 75 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artefacts within three wartime hangars and the award-winning National Cold War Exhibition. As an added extra, visitors can experience the thrills of powered flight on board the Flight Simulator and 4D Experience at a special discounted rate.

Tickets for the popular event are now on sale through the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford, with just 300 tickets available per evening. The Museum will close at 5.00pm on each ‘Open Cockpit Evening’ in order to set up for the event and the evening will commence at 6.00pm and finish at 9.00pm. Admission is by advance ticket only; tickets cost £12.50 per person (Lightning Members price £10.00 per ticket – please note membership cards will need to be shown on entry to the event). Parking charges are included in the ticket price. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply.

Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain at IWM Duxford

Thursday, August 20th, 2015

A new exhibition telling stories of the people who served

Opens to the public on Friday 21 August

Marking the 75th Anniversary, Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain is a new exhibition which presents the personal experiences and mementoes of seven people who served at RAF Duxford, a pivotal fighter station during the Battle of Britain.

The people represented in the exhibition are David Whitley (Pilot Officer, 264 Squadron), Maria Blewitt (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force), Gordon Sinclair (310 Squadron), Guy Mayfield (Chaplain at RAF Duxford), James Coward (19 Squadron), ‘Woody’ Woodhall (RAF Duxford Station Commander) and Peter Howard-Williams (19 Squadron).*

The exhibition was officially opened today by Chas and Liz Bazeley, cousins of Maria Blewitt and Gordon Sinclair’s son, Alan.

Maria Blewitt was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at Duxford. Her letter home to her mother, which features in the exhibition, was written by Maria on 11 September 1940, the day that the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, gave a speech stating:

“‘…a heavy full-scale invasion of this Island is being prepared…it may be launched now… Therefore we must regard the next week or so as a very important period in our history.’

Maria’s letter shows how real and frightening was the threat of imminent invasion. In it, she says: “I have just been listening to Winston. Brilliant, inspiring but just a tiddly bit frightening. He seems quite sure invasion will come within the next week or so. If not I shall be home for 48 hrs on 17th…”

Gordon Sinclair joined 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford on 27 November 1937. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 25 June 1940 and in late June became ‘A’ Flight Commander of 310 (Czech) Squadron, which became operational on 17 August. Gordon Sinclair was awarded the Czech Military Cross on 24 December 1940.

The exhibition also contains transcriptions from the diary of Guy Mayfield, Duxford’s Chaplain during the Battle of Britain. It was to him that pilots would turn when they were feeling the immense pressures of the battle. One diary entry reads:

“19 Squadron were night flying after dinner… [Pilot Officer Horace Trenchard] crashed while we were there…he had crashed at Whittlesford…he was killed at once. Peter appeared with a beer and questions following on Trenchard’s death. It was a relief to be able to talk realistically to him, not about Trenchard, but about the things which we keep concealed for the most part beneath the surface. What happens when you die? Is it wrong to be frightened of dying? How should you live if you are twenty and will be dead by the end of the summer?”

James Coward’s Pilot’s Flying Log Book, in which he recorded every flight he made with beautiful drawings, also features in the exhibition, turned to the page upon which he has drawn an illustration of the flight on which he was shot down and wounded.

Many of these objects on display in the exhibition have not been previously seen by the public.

Alan Sinclair said: “It is wonderful that these personal items are on display. It seems slightly ironic that the last time I saw it [Gordon Sinclair’s flying suit] he was sitting on a lawnmower wearing it.”

Chas Bazeley said: “It is wonderful to see what Maria was involved in during the war and it’s wonderful to know that she has been chosen as the only woman amongst all those handsome chaps. She would be delighted.”

RAF Duxford was pivotal in the Battle of Britain. The first Spitfires flew from Duxford. Douglas Bader was based at RAF Duxford and it was the home of the controversial ‘Big Wing’ flying tactic. It is through the very different personal stories of the men and woman featured in the new Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain exhibition that we discover what it was like to work and serve at an RAF Fighter Station in the relentlessly demanding days of the Battle of Britain.

Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain is a contemplative exhibition in which visitors can learn about people who were instrumental at RAF Duxford, before they visit the Battle of Britain Exhibition to view the aircraft that fought the battle from the skies.

Entry is included in general admission to IWM Duxford.

www.iwm.org.uk

Air Festival ceremony opens with a big bang!

Thursday, August 20th, 2015

A breath-taking historic flypast, commando crushing Royal Marines, daring Black Cat display, Royal Marine buglers and Army canon announced the fantastic opening of the much anticipated 2015 Bournemouth Air Festival, sponsored by Kier.

The ceremony, announcing the start of the UK’s Tourism Event of the Year, was attended by Major General Martin Smith, RAF Group Captain Sanger-Davies, Brigadier Bennett and the Mayor of Bournemouth Councillor John Adams with guests treated to first class performances by all participating forces.

Bringing a host of land, sea and air assets including a stunning flotilla of ships and hosting the first Proms on the Beach, Major General Martin Smith said; “I’m delighted that we are able to support this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival. It presents a marvellous opportunity for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to demonstrate some of our capabilities to such a huge audience.”

He added; “I hope you will take time to speak to our sailors and marines, both regular and reserve, and find out more about the Royal Navy. We want you to hear the roar of our helicopters and feel the salt spray from our landing craft as the Royal Marines storm ashore. We belong to you and we are very proud to be able to show you what we get up to when we are protecting UK interests worldwide.”

The RAF, ever present with a stunning line-up of full allocation of aircraft at the festival including the new Hawk T2 Role Demo Team, Typhoon and world famous Red Arrows, welcomed the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane and Spitfire to the launch ceremony. Group Captain Sanger-Davies said; “The Air Festival is one of our annual flagship events. Its sheer size and scale makes it a fantastic stage for us to showcase what the RAF does on a day-to-day basis and hopefully entertain you with some incredible aerial displays. There’s a fantastic allocation of RAF assets here and we look forward to showing you what we can do in the air and on the ground. For those considering career options or ready to make the commitment, there’s a great opportunity to find out more about the exciting range of careers available in the Royal Air Force, both full-time and spare-time. ”

The ceremony was also an opportunity for guests to watch the Royal Marines Commando Recruiting Team perform their unarmed combat demonstrations. Dale Wood, Kier partnership director for Bournemouth and Air Festival Partner sponsor said; “It’s incredibly exciting to be sponsoring this year’s Air Festival and we’re looking forward to enjoying the displays with residents and visitors. We’re now in our third year of sponsoring the event and are very proud to be helping to bring value to the town through the festival and ultimately boosting local economic growth.”

Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder added; “To have such superb support and ongoing commitment from the Armed Forces, and to be welcoming back the First Sea Lord, really shows how far we have come over the last seven years. We are the National Tourism Event of the year and I can’t wait for the next four days!”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Countdown to Wings & Wheels Begins!

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

Yak 52 by Rob Sambles

The skies above Dunsfold were filled yesterday (Tuesday 18th August) as The Blades, MiG 15, and Aerobility’s Yak 52 signalled the start of the 10 day countdown to Wings & Wheels.

The Blades touched down to show off their new livery and take three brave journalists for the ride of their lives. The MiG 15, back in the UK for the first time since the 90s, demonstrated why it will be starring at the airshow – just one of a number of new displays this year. The Yak 52 dropped by to talk about its integral role to the Glider display and hinted at a heart stopping new trick visitors won’t want to miss. They also sent four lucky passengers loopy with some daring aerobatics.

It wasn’t just the sky that was filled; the Wheels Zone showcased 19 of its top cars that will be at the Show over the August Bank Holiday. Brooklands Museum brought down some classic examples from the Museum including the 1907 Berliet Curtis, 1926 Frazer Nash “Boulogne Vitesse”, 1928 Bentley 4.5 Litre, 1957 Jaguar D Type (replica), 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Sport and more modern examples from the 1995 DAM 4100 (a re-bodied Metro 6R4 rally car)to the 2012 AC 378 GT Zagato (a unique AC GT/supercar).

Auto Vivendi demonstrated some of the world’s best supercars including the Lamborghini Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ford GT, Noble M600, Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Not to be outdone, the Stunt Zone was smokin’ as drift teams Scrape ‘n’ Skid and Team 1340 showcased their winning formula and drivers from Mission Motorsport showed that nothing holds them back in their stunt MX5 cars.

The eagle eyed won’t have missed the purple Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II that is travelling the country this year promoting Together for Short Lives, a leading UK charity for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who support, love and care for them. The car was donated to the charity by Simon Cowell in June and will be one of 300 cars at Wings & Wheels for visitors to view.

The day was rounded off with the roar of the VC10 which fired up and taxied down the runway.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “The launch was just a teaser for all the exceptional air and motoring action that will be happening at the Show. Each year we work hard to improve everything on the ground and in the air and we have so much for visitors to see and do that they might not be able to fit it all in in one day! Tickets are selling fast so pre-book now at www.wingsandwheels.net.”

Organisers were joined by Help for Heroes and its Band of Brothers as well as Brooklands Museum Trust and Age UK Waverley, all charities that the Show is supporting through a variety of initiatives.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, MIG 15, B25 Mitchell, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays to wander around.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Tickets start from £22 for adults, £50 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £7 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Help for Heroes and Brooklands Museum Trust.

Super Saturday Brings Biggest Ever Crowd to Airbourne

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

The sun came out for Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow over the weekend with the show’s busiest ever day in its 23 year history.

The free four day airshow welcomed its biggest ever audience on Super Saturday as hundreds of thousands watched the Vulcan bomber fly for a final time over the town, along with the first ever free-to-watch flight of the world’s only flying Blenheim bomber.

The culmination of the 12-hour Super Saturday extravaganza saw stunning twilight pyro-aerobatics, Scouting For Girls on stage and a new Saturday night firework display. 12,000 watched the chart topping band from the managed beach stage area alone, with thousands more lining the seafront to see the firework spectacular, sponsored by Ansvar and Frontier Fireworks.

The Airbourne souvenir programme had its best ever sales day on Saturday, over a third more than the previous best on Vulcan day in 2012, and by the end of Saturday, parking was already 22% up on previous years with more cars than ever before using the car parks and Beachy Head Park ‘n’ View areas. On the sea on Saturday, over 150 boats passed through the locks to view the displays, with late night queues at the locks on their return.

Friday proved popular too and many stayed into the evening to watch De’Vide on the Airbourne Live stage, sponsored by TJ’s Nightclub, or to see Toyah at the Bandstand, which proved to be a sell out success.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism and Enterprise, Phil Evans said “After a damp start, Airbourne certainly caught up after the rain with three awesome days of flying. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the show and many more around town dining into the evening. The atmosphere on Super Saturday evening was amazing, we’ve never seen the seafront look so vibrant!”

More than 200 volunteer bucket collectors were in force during the show, with collections organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, along with support from the clubs of Eastbourne, Eastbourne AM, Eastbourne Sovereign and Beachy Head.

Airbourne returns from 11 – 14 August, and exclusive seating is available to book now. In the meantime work continues throughout the week to count in all of the bucket collections, which will help to fund next year’s flying displays.

Airbourne fans can still donate at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre in Cornfield Road, at the Seafront Office or online at www.eastbourneairshow.com

Cold War Classic Jet at Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, August 12th, 2015

Mig-15

For the first time since the late 1990s the MiG-15, a Cold War classic jet fighter belonging to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, will be displaying in the UK and will be thrilling visitors to Dunsfold Wings & Wheels on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich, MiG-15, was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, and achieved fame in the skies over Korea, where, early in the war, it outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in most applications.

The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made. In excess of 12,000 were manufactured and licensed foreign production may have raised the production total to over 18,000. Some among them were Polish-built variants of which the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s example is one. The MiG-15 is often mentioned, along with the North American F-86 Sabre, as the best fighter aircraft of the Korean War, and among the best fighter aircraft of all time. The MiG-15 remains in service with the North Korean Air Force as an advanced trainer.

The MiG-15 which will be displaying at Wings & Wheels wears the markings of the aircraft flown by famed Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin before he became the first man to visit outer space in 1961.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The sight of the MiG in the UK skies is a rare one so we are thrilled to be able to bring this display to our visitors at Wing & Wheels. We have a host of fast jets at the Show and equally fast supercars on the ground. 2015 is definitely shaping up to be our most spectacular show yet.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 11th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2015, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Spitfire soars into action at Wings & Wheels for worthy cause

Monday, August 10th, 2015

Spitfire Ale

Wings & Wheels has more cause for celebration this week as the air and motoring Show renewed its partnership with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale. For its eleventh consecutive year, Spitfire ale will be at the 2015 Show supporting the team through ale supplies and sponsorship of key air displays and facilities for veterans.

That’s not all though, Spitfire is also offering visitors the chance to win a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: flying an historic Spitfire aeroplane.

The exclusive prize is up for grabs as part of a year-long campaign by Spitfire to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Limited edition bottles of Spitfire Ale featuring the heart roundel of the RAF Benevolent Fund on their crown instead of the traditional RAF roundel, will have promotional bottle collars inviting drinkers to enter the special anniversary competition.

The Aerolegends Spitfire that the winner will fly will be at Wings & Wheels where visitors will get the chance to check out the plane and enter the competition.

The winner will join a pilot for a tandem flight in the iconic British fighter aircraft, with an opportunity to actually take the controls. And their memorable day will also include flying two other historic Second World War planes – a Tiger Moth and a Harvard.

Consumers simply have to enter their details at www.spitfireale.co.uk/win to be included in the competition, which runs from July 1 to September 30.

The back label of every bottle will also encourage drinkers to donate £3 to the RAF Benevolent Fund by texting the word SPITFIRE to 70660.

Spitfire is also producing limited edition RAF Benevolent Fund Spitfire t-shirts priced £10, which will be available at selected airshows and events throughout the year, and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop. There will also be 75th anniversary wristbands, priced £2, available from selected Shepherd Neame pubs in London and the South East.

Spitfire Ale brand manager William Upfield said: “The chance to fly a Spitfire is an experience that money can’t buy, and we are delighted to be able to offer such a special prize to our customers. Spitfire Ale is a proud partner of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and an official partner of the RAF, and we hope that as many people as possible will support us in our year of fundraising to mark this significant anniversary and support those helped by the charity.”

Jamie McAllister, Wings & Wheels Event Director comments: “As the airshow has evolved and continues to grow in strength and reputation, Spitfire has been with us every step of the way. We’re delighted they are joining us again and offering our visitors the chance to win such a fantastic prize.”

www.wingsandwheels.net

Explosive Hawk demo will set Wings & Wheels on fire!

Saturday, August 8th, 2015

Hawk Role Demo

We have not one but two Hawk T2s in the line-up at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. And, as if two Hawks weren’t enough, the team will delight crowds with an explosive demonstration of fire power.

One of only a handful of shows to have the Hawks’ full display, pilots Flight Lieutenant Ben Polwin and Flight Lieutenant Toby Keeley will be flying Ninja 1 and Ninja 2 respectively.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, comments: “With the Hawk’s historical links to the aerodrome, it’s always a pleasure to see the team back in the skies over Dunsfold. The display they are planning is not only loud and visually impressive, but the skill with which the pilots handle their jets will ensure it’s a display our visitors won’t want to miss!”

The role demonstration aims to present the dynamic capability of the Hawk T2 and provide an insight into UK Military Flying Training System, giving the public and future generations of pilots an idea of what to expect during RAF fast jet flying training.

The display will showcase a variety of manoeuvres, from close formation to simulated attacks and basic air combat; exactly the type of flying students practice to set them up for their future careers in the Typhoon, Tornado GR4 and eventually F-35.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 11th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2015, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.