First Aircraft to Land at Dunsfold Aerodrome Joins Wings & Wheels Line-up
Friday, April 26th, 2019Wings & Wheels are excited to announce that a Westland Lysander, the first aircraft to ever land at Dunsfold Aerodrome, will return to the aerodrome and display for the first time at the Show.
During the Second World War, Westland Lysander crews flew highly classified clandestine missions from England over Axis territory. As the aircraft will demonstrate during the Show, its wooden, fabric-covered wings taper gracefully, but it alights and takes off at extremely slow speeds on great, bulbous, fixed landing gear.
The Lysander could land in and take off from places that no one would normally recognize as an airfield. It could operate comfortably from pastures, fields and even clearings in the forest. This unique ability meant the Lysander was used primarily to drop off and pick up secret agents deep in enemy territory. Most of the operational record on this unique airplane remains tightly locked in official secrecy.
Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “Wings & Wheels has always sought to celebrate, commemorate and acknowledge the incredible history of Dunsfold Aerodrome. Our air displays aim to reflect the Second World War planes that flew from the aerodrome and so we are thrilled the Westland Lysander is joining the air display. The Lysander (nickname the “Lizzie”) is a very special aircraft and, with its unique look and history, will delight our visitors.”
The sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Aerodrome, will be celebrating its 15th and final Show with a change in date to Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June. Famous favourites in the air and on the ground will blow your mind, whilst the attractions and Zones in the Arena will keep you entertained and buzzing with delight the WHOLE weekend.
Eyes to the sky as the ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 5 hour air displays include show favourites the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires), Chinook, Hurricane, the Tigers Parachute Display Team, The Blades, Strikemaster, O’Brien’s Flying Circus, Richard Goodwin, The Turbulent Display Team, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B 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 and Brooklands Museum’s VC10 in the ‘Wings Park’, both 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 included displays from Koenigsegg Agera R, 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 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, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 60 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.
As the last aircraft 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 18 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 15th annual Wings & Wheels will be held on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June 2019, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 20:00.
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.