Major new event encourages folk to be patriotic
A major new event aimed at celebrating the best of everything British is to be staged at Cotswold Airport next year.
Aviation, the motor industry, food, drink, wildlife, and traditional crafts, are just some of the areas to be covered at the Best of British Show, which will take place during the August Bank Holiday weekend (26th and 27th).
The annual Cotswold Airshow and Battle of Britain Airshow are to be merged and will form part of the major new event, which will also include a concert featuring talented UK bands and individuals.
It is hoped the show will become established as a ‘must visit’ date on the events calendar.
Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We wanted to create a unique new event and what better than a show which celebrates the best of what our fine nation has to offer.
“It will come at a time when national pride will be on a natural high too, due to the Olympic Games being staged in the UK during the summer.
“In keeping with our proud aviation heritage, a British-themed flying display will form a key part of the proceedings, but there will be so much more for people to see and do as well.”
It is hoped that the RAF’s world famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team – who were based at Cotswold Airport (formerly RAF Kemble) for many years – will make their now annual return to their ‘spiritual home’, along with the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
They will be joined by other famous British aircraft such as the Typhoon, Tucano and Tiger Moth.
On the ground, military vehicles will be joined by a large number of classic cars, with everything from Minis to Bentleys grabbing the public’s attention.
A dog show, lurcher racing, birds of prey and ‘The Lamb National’, will be among the acts entertaining in the show arena.
There will be music to suit every taste later on both days too when bands and solo artists from all over Britain take to the stage to perform.
A traditional funfair and a trade village, showcasing everything from beautifully hand-crafted items to the finest in traditional food and drink, will also give visitors plenty to enjoy.
Miss Harvey added: “We’re still in the planning stages but the show really seems to have captured the imagination as we already have confirmed bookings from organisations and individuals we have contacted.
“We are offering some great sponsorship packages and would also love to hear from any traders interested in coming.
“The Best of British Show is not purely an air show and it isn’t solely a country fair; the event is a celebration of Britain as a whole and includes both those aspects and more.
“Our aim is to offer something for everyone and we truly hope that people will feel patriotic and come along to enjoy the fun.”
Tickets for the event are priced at £15 (adults) and £5 (child aged 5 to 14), in advance.
For more information, visit www.bestofbritishshow.co.uk.
