The most iconic aircraft of the Second World War will take to the skies in a moving tribute at the Battle of Britain Air Show and festival, at Cotswold Airport.The Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) are set to play the starring role at this year’s show, on September 17 and 18.

Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a steam fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides. Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “Last year’s event was a sell out and we want to build on that huge success and create a real festival atmosphere.

“As always, we want to ensure the show is a fitting tribute to all those who fought so gallantly for our freedom in the Second World War.

“But we also want local people to become more involved and really feel like an integral part of the event.”

The BoB Airshow will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire and the BBMF are one again set to thrill the crowds.

The flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, serves as a flying tribute to the many courageous pilots, some still in their teens, who took to the skies against an enemy German air force that had vastly superior numbers of aircraft.

Along with Europe’s only flying Lancaster bomber, the flight operates no less than five Supermarine Spitfires of various marks (one of which actually fought in the Battle of Britain), two Hawker Hurricanes and a Dakota.

Other performers will include the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team.

An AN2, Dragon Rapide and a Chipmunk, representing the airport-based fly2help charity, will also take to the skies.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “It’s always a delight to see the BBMF return to the skies above the Cotswolds and this year’s show has added significance in that it marks a true milestone for the Spitfire.

“We’ve got a beautiful setting here at Cotswold Airport and, because the BoB Airshow will be based on the north side, around the control tower, it gives the event a very intimate and atmospheric feel.”

Cotswold Airport will continue to support the charities fly2help and the RAF Benevolent Fund during the weekend of the show.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury; from The Crown public house, Cirencester; and via telephone 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

Tags: 2011, Airport, Airshow, August, Battle, Britain, Cotswold, News, of