Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Lancaster and two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be displaying on both Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August, at the historic setting of Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Guildford in Surrey.
Commemorating those who have fallen in the service of this country and displaying priceless artefacts of our national heritage, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fill the skies over Dunsfold.
The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two and is a legend that lives on today. It could carry a maximum bomb load of 22,000 lb, its maximum level speed with a full load at 15,000 feet was 275 mph and it could cruise routinely at altitudes above 20,000ft at a range speed of 200 mph. With a full bomb load the aircraft had a range in excess of 1,500 miles. The Lancaster’s performance, its ruggedness, reliability and to many its sheer charisma, endeared it to its crews who were proud to fly this famous thoroughbred.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris, the Commander in Chief of Bomber Command, said of the Lancaster: “I would say this to those who placed that shining sword in our hands: Without your genius and efforts we could not have prevailed, for I believe that the Lancaster was the greatest single factor in winning the war.”
The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other British combat aircraft before or since the War. 20,341 Spitfires were built in 22 different variants (excluding the navalised Seafire) and the aircraft remained in production for 12 years. Spitfires fought in every operational theatre of the War and remained in RAF front-line service up to 1954.
The Spitfire played a major part in achieving ultimate victory in World War Two and deserves its place as probably the most successful fighter design ever, and certainly as the most famous and charismatic of all time.
Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The BBMF is always an emotive display and, with the connection and history to the Aerodrome, are a fitting and welcome display in our five-hour airshow.”
The motto of the BBMF is ‘Lest We Forget’ and the team more than live up to this by flying the most famous RAF aircraft of any decade, ensuring we do not forget the ultimate sacrifice made by the young men who went into battle. The display team consider themselves a “museum without walls” and a “living and breathing tribute” to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including show favourites the Red Arrows, Chinook, the Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades, Jet Provost, Hurricane, Strikemaster, O’Brien’s Flying Circus and Fireflies Aerobatic Team, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots.
The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’, 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 popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.
The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors in a living history zone and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six 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 go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, 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 tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts and a vintage village.
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 20 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 14th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th August 2018, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.
Advanced rate tickets from £24 for adults or £55 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £8. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £199 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 2018 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.