Archive for July, 2017

Live your Dreams at Brooklands Museum this Summer

Wednesday, July 26th, 2017

Concorde at Brooklands

An Extraordinary range of FAMILY Fun until 25th August

Build a giant tower from everyday objects, or a Bellman Hangar from paper while watching the real thing being refitted; ride the famous Brooklands Banking in a vintage-style car or tour the area in an iconic Routemaster London bus; take a “Kids Special” experience on Concorde; get a special deal on Brooklands Top Trumps. These are just a few of the things that families can tackle this summer at Brooklands Museum – and their souvenir photographs of the day could win younger visitors prizes in the Brooklands Young Photographer 2017 competition.

Weekday workshops running in this period will explore themes connected to Brooklands’ exciting past. Youngsters and parents will be able to participate in a variety of activities from archaeological digs in the sand and pendulum painting to helping the team with the Great Brooklands Build-Off to create a giant structure using a variety of shapes and materials. Sessions run from 11.00am to 12.00pm and from 1.00pm to 3.30pm; all materials are supplied and no extra charges or booking apply – just turn up.

From 24th July to 24th August, the now-legendary Brooklands Car Rides* will run every Monday to Thursday, allowing visitors to experience a blast up Test Hill and a cruise along the Banking in an open top vintage-style car, courtesy of the Car Rides Team volunteers. There are morning and afternoon sessions and the minimum donation of £1 per passenger offers exceptional value for this exhilarating experience. Alongside the car rides, the resident London Bus Museum will be offering tours of the local area by Routemaster or other historic bus every day*.

For youngsters who like flying, Kids Tours on Concorde* run every weekday until August 25th. The tour has been specially tailored for our younger visitors with participation encouraged, making this half hour virtual supersonic ‘flight’ experience something not to be missed. For those who are excited by all the amazing machines on display at Brooklands, the Museum is offering a special summer deal on Brooklands Top Trumps, with packs available at just £4 each for the holidays.

Any or all of these activities could provide inspiration for budding photographers entering The Brooklands Young Photographer Competition. Children are invited to get their cameras out when they visit the Museum with a chance to win a prize. There are three age categories from 3-16 years and theme of the competition this year is ’Built at Brooklands’. Entries need to reach competitions@brooklandsmuseum.com by 8pm on Friday 1st September 2017. For details of categories, prizes and other information, see the ‘Summer’ page at www.brooklandsmuseum.com.

For those who want to really experience speed and exhilaration without leaving their seats, there are three fantastic rides running in the 4D Theatre* EVERY day including weekends. Sit behind the driver of the Napier-Railton and race around the banked circuit, join the RAF Red Arrows in the cockpit with the display team as they embark on one of their breath-taking aerobatic routines or go back to 1956 with British racing legend Mike Hawthorn for a lap at Le Mans in his Jaguar D-Type.

The Sunbeam Café will be open for refreshments all day, Bertie the Brooklands Bear will be making guest appearances and the Museum Shop will be selling games, toys, books and Brooklands-related memorabilia. So, bring your camera, take a ride, take a flight and hold on to your seats as Brooklands Museum offers a day out that is like no other! Certainly, there is so much to do at the Museum this summer that visitors might find themselves wanting to return, in which case they will find our annual Membership packages very attractive.

Admission prices for Brooklands Museum (including London Bus Museum) are:
Adults £11, Seniors & Students £10, Children (5-16 yrs) £6.00, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £30. Under 5s are FREE. The Concorde Experience is £5 for adults, £3 for children. Rides in the 4D Theatre are £4 for adults, £2 for children.

For full details of events, directions and general Museum information, please visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com or telephone 01932 857381. The Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm during the summer (last entry one hour before closing).

*Extra charges and restrictions apply. Car and Bus Rides are subject to weather, Track and operational conditions.

New exhibition plots the Fleet Air Arm’s post Cold War role around the world

Wednesday, July 26th, 2017

Harrier GR9

Four iconic aircraft and nearly 40 years of changing world tensions are the focus for a new exhibition opening on July 19 at The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Yeovilton-based Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Key aircraft include a Sea King (ZA298) two Harriers FRS1GR9 and ZD433 and a Lynx (XZ720) all of whom have experienced front line action in conflicts such as the Falklands, Gulf Wars, Bosnia and Afghanistan. They will be used to help explore how the Fleet Air Arm has operated in the theatre of war including some of the most difficult terrains on the planet and to tell the stories of the men and women who fly such aircraft and keep them airborne.

It will also examine the perhaps less obvious roles of the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm including humanitarian assistance, civilian evacuations, anti-piracy and anti-drug patrols where the focus is on saving lives and upholding the rule of law.

Marc Farrance, General Manager from The National Museum of the Royal Navy, which owns the Fleet Air Arm Museum said: “The ending of the Cold War did not mean an end to the vital role played by the Fleet Air Arm. Instead it had to adapt and develop to meet the new demands made upon it in a constantly changing world. This exhibition tells the story of the part played by the Fleet Air Arm as the world moved from the era of Cold War politics in 1989, driven by the fear of nuclear war, into one dominated by international tensions, globalization and terrorist action.

“All in all, this exhibition will show how, in the post-Cold War era, the Fleet Air Arm has continued to provide air power from the sea in hazardous, diverse and complex operations around the world.”

Tickets are available on www.fleetairarm.com and include a 20% discount when purchased online.

An American Giant comes to Wings & Wheels 2017

Monday, July 24th, 2017

Monster Truck at Dunsfold Wings and Wheels

Wings & Wheels are thrilled to announce that the beautifully decorated American Kenworth W900L truck will be displaying in the Wheels Zone on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Imported to the UK in 2002, the Kenworth W900L is a true giant of the road standing at over 13 feet tall and an impressive 33 foot in length. In its first five years of work, the W900L travelled to the moon and back, covering an astonishing 700,000 miles. Powered by its gigantic 12.6ltr engine, averaging 5-8mpg it could cover over 2,000 miles before it would need to refuel its family sized hot tub fuel tanks.

Trucks play a major role within the US market, delivering over 80% of all communities from fuel to clothing and medicine across the vast country. This privately owned, immaculate example will be on display at Wings & Wheels for everyone to see.

Ed Lowman, Wheels Zone Manager comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome this jaw dropping road giant to Wings & Wheels. It’s an impressive piece of machinery and a welcome addition to our Wheels line-up.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires & Lancaster) air displays. Supercars, classic’s and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular, in our Motoring Demonstration. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as wells as four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

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 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, 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 £155 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 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Balloons over Lincolnshire… Lighter than Air

Monday, July 24th, 2017

Balloons over LIncolnshire

Saturday 30 September to Sunday 25 March 2018

An exhibition exploring the vital role airships and hot air balloons played during World War I and the involvement of the Light than Air Section at Cranwell.

See their development over time including which types of balloon operated from Cranwell; learn about the working life of an airship crew, find out about Zeppelin raids on Lincolnshire as well as the early career of Barnes Wallis, a designer of airships.

www.cranwellaviation.co.uk

Typhoon set to #bringthenoise2017 at Wings & Wheels

Thursday, July 20th, 2017

Typhoon by Pete Gardner

The unmissable Typhoon will #bringthenoise2017 to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August at the historic setting of Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Guildford in Surrey as the team joins the air display line-up.

Flight Lieutenant Ryan Lawton will be demonstrating the incredible agility and power the aircraft has to offer, and which allows the Royal Air Force to deliver combat air power wherever and whenever it is required. It’s definitely a crowd and team favourite!

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Typhoon is no wall flower and the display at Wings & Wheels will be an incredible mix of noise and power. Ear plugs are a must for this unmissable addition to the air display line-up!”

The Typhoon’s performance is the culmination of months of hard work, detailed preparation and concerted effort by the team behind the display. The display pilot cannot do his job without the unfaltering commitment and backing of the dedicated group of professionals that make up the Typhoon Display Team.

Every member of the team has been hand-picked from what is already an elite cadre of skilled personnel at RAF Coningsby. This year’s team, from 29(R) Squadron, comprises a specialist from every aircraft trade along with support and management teams to assist both the pilot and the trades, all of whom work closely together to bring the dazzling spectacle that is the Typhoon Display.

The Typhoon Force, at Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth, is responsible for the defence of UK airspace, known as Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). The Force also maintains QRA in the Falkland Islands. The Typhoon is a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of performing the full spectrum of air operations: from air policing, to peace support through to high intensity conflict. The Typhoon Display aircraft is used by the Typhoon Force element of the RAF to demonstrate the utility of the multi-role Typhoon.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, Blades, B25 Mitchell and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two 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 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, 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 £155 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 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

USAF anniversary show a spectacle at Royal International Air Tattoo

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Fairford from the air

A series of spectacular flypasts and jaw-dropping displays ensured the USAF’s 70th anniversary was celebrated in style at a sold out Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The airshow, which took place over three days (July 14-16), attracted a record crowd of 160,000 people who enjoyed thrilling flying demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots.

Among the aerial highlights were the USAF Thunderbirds, whose highly-choreographed pre-flight routines were as entertaining as their flying display.

Flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, the team was joined on the Friday by nine Red Arrows’ Hawks for a colourful joint flypast to launch the airshow.

Joining the Thunderbirds to celebrate the USAF anniversary were vintage American warbirds including a B-17 and P-51D Mustang, a state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor and a dramatic flypast by a number of UK and European based USAF aircraft.

On the Sunday, visitors were treated to a surprise flypast by a stealth B-2 Spirit bomber that was taking part in an epic 23-hour transatlantic “Global Power” training flight from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The aircraft was escorted by two F-15 fighters.

Other flying display highlights included the French Air Force’s Couteau Delta team flying two Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft; the Midnight Hawks, Finland’s aerobatic display team who last performed at the Air Tattoo back in 2004, an RAF Typhoon demo flown by Flt Lt Ryan Lawton and a Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’ from the Ukrainian Air Force, which offered enthusiasts a rare opportunity to view this aircraft in British skies.

In total, 246 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo from 32 air arms representing 26 nations.

Highlights among the 115 aircraft in the static park included a US U-2 spy plane, a Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force and a Royal Canadian Air Force Boeing CH-147F Chinook Helicopter which had been airlifted over in the back of a giant Boeing CC-177 Globemaster airlifter.

The show also bought together the five new aircraft types which will eventually go on to form the Royal Air Force’s new training aircraft fleet including the Grob G120TP Prefect, the Embraer 100 Phenom and the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II to be provided by Affinity Flying Training Services, as well as the Airbus H135 Juno and H145 Jupiter helicopters being provided by Airbus Helicopter. It was the first time all five aircraft have appeared together in public.

Special guests included HRH the Duke of Gloucester, the Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and the US Ambassador to the UK Lewis Lukens.

Among a large number of industry guests were BAE Systems’ Chairman and CEO Sir Roger Carr and Charles Woodburn; Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson; Dave Perry, Chief Global Business Development Officer at Northrop Grumman and the CEO of Boeing Defence Leanne Caret. Military guests included Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and USAF Chief of Staff General David Goldfein. In total, a record 63 military delegations attended the airshow, representing air arms from around the world.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the airshow was a great success, with the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary celebrations exceeding everyone’s expectations.

“The Air Tattoo already enjoyed an incredibly strong relationship with the US Air force built up over the past 40 years but following this airshow I think that bond has become even stronger.

“Though a few of the flying displays were affected by the weather on the Saturday, most of the flying over the three days took place in dry, warm conditions. Thanks to my team which includes an incredible army of over 2,000 volunteers, we’ve staged a safe and thoroughly entertaining event that UK plc, and the world of aviation, can be proud of.”

Airshow visitors were keen to express their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the event. Pam Alexander, from Kemble in Gloucestershire, said: “I regularly attend the Air Tattoo because I love aircraft and the atmosphere at the airshow is incredible. It’s really well organised.”

Samantha Rowles, from Taunton, said: “This is my first time ever at the Air Tattoo. It’s amazing – loud and full of aeroplanes. It’s been a great show.”
Jeffery Toomey, from Evesham, said: “I have been coming here for years and it simply gets better and better. I can’t wait for next year when it’s the RAF’s 100 anniversary – what a show it will be then.”

www.airtattoo.com

B2 stealth bomber wows crowds at Royal International Air Tattoo

Sunday, July 16th, 2017

B2A Spirit and F15 at RIAT

The United States Air Force’s bat-like Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and UK-based F-15 Eagle fighters wowed the crowds at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire with a flypast during an epic transatlantic “Global Power” training flight on Sunday 16 July, flying in from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

The show is marking the 70th anniversary of the formation of the U.S. Air Force with flying displays by the Thunderbirds air demonstration team and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighter.

www.airtattoo.com

Israel Air Force returns to RIAT after 15 years absence

Sunday, July 16th, 2017

Israel Air Force at RIAT

After a 15 year absence, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has returned to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford.

The 40-strong crew arrived in a Shimson C130J Hercules after an eight and a half hour flight before appearing on the static display.

The team, which includes aircrew, technicians, media, foreign affairs, security and specialist paramedics, is at the airshow demonstrating the 669 Squadron’s specialist operations capabilities.

Providing humanitarian assistance across the world, the aircraft carries specialist equipment for medical support, turning the aircraft into a flying hospital with staff who have been through extensive training, from scuba diving to taking blood and carrying out CPR.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, Head of Israel Air Force Foreign Affairs, said: “It is our 70th birthday and we are discovering common interest and values with the British military. We are pleased to be part of such a big air show and are enjoying every minute of it. We are definitely enjoying the cooler British weather as it is 40C in Israel at the moment!”

Lt Col Hecht is no stranger to Great Britain as he was born in Glasgow. His family moved to Israel when he was eight years old and he still has a strong Scottish accent. “It is great to be back here and just be part of a world famous air show,” said Lt Col Hecht.

Throughout the years, the IAF has deployed to many countries around the world providing humanitarian aid. Aid delegations that include search and rescue teams, equipment and food are sent rapidly to disaster areas in order to assist local teams.

www.airtattoo.com

Public lecture on 20th century icon Concorde

Thursday, July 13th, 2017

Concorde at Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum

The fascinating history of Concorde continues to capture the imagination and the Society of Friends of the Fleet Air Arm Museum is holding a lecture by senior BA Concorde captain, John Hutchinson on Thursday 27th July at 7.30pm.

He says of his distinguished flying career “I have never worked in my life. I’ve been paid to enjoy my hobby in the company of some of the finest people I have ever met – my fellow aircrew.”

The iconic supersonic airliner was the love of his aviation life and Concorde fans will find the tales from the sharp end fascinating.

Having spent 15 years flying at 23 miles per minute, he describes being overtaken by family cars on the motorway below as ‘rather humbling’. Retiring from professional flying hasn’t meant slowing down though, he is much in demand internationally as an aviation consultant, expert witness, broadcaster and speaker.

John has always given back to the profession that gave him so much pleasure and his contributions to aviation over many years were recognised in 1999 when he was elected Master of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. He remains an active, highly respected and very popular ‘Past Master’ of GAPAN.

Although best known as a senior BA Concorde captain, John Hutchinson started his prolific flying career in the RAF and has flown more than 70 types of aircraft.

He served from 1955-1963 (Harvard training in Canada, Shackleton pilot in Singapore, QFI/IRE) and was a corporate pilot for three years before joining BOAC in 1966. He was, successively, a 707 and 747 co-pilot and then a captain on the VC10 before being selected to be a Concorde captain. He remained on the Concorde fleet until retirement, and was a Route Check Captain. The magnificent supersonic airliner was the love of his aviation life and Concorde fans (like me) will find the tales from the sharp end interesting, informative and enjoyable.

Tickets cost £10 and include light refreshments. The talk starts at 7.30pm in the Swordfish Conference Centre at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. Tickets are available in advance from www.historicdockyard.co.uk/concorde For any queries please contact the ticket box on 01935 842617.

Apache set for explosive Display at Wings & Wheels

Thursday, July 13th, 2017

Apache at Dunsfold

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team will be exploding onto the aerodrome this August Bank Holiday when the solo display joins the Wings & Wheels line-up on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Guildford, Surrey.

Whilst treating visitors to heart stopping aerobatic manoeuvres, the team will also be demonstrating the might of the helicopter’s fire power. In a series of simulated air to ground missile attacks using the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun, this display is not for the faint hearted as it culminates in fire balls and explosions!

The team will also be demonstrating the helicopter’s ability to high hover, twist, pedal turn and wingover tied together with fast action flypasts. Drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, the team is not on permanent assignment like other display teams and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “This is an explosive display that not only demonstrates the incredible skills of the pilots but also the capabilities of the helicopter and its fire power! It’s definitely a thrilling addition to the Wings & Wheels airshow line-up.”
Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades, B25 Mitchell and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two 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 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, 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 £155 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 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.