Airshow visitors offered rare chance of flight in vintage aircraft

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Air Show are being offered the rare opportunity of a flight in a vintage airliner.  The event, at Cotswold Airport, on September 17 and 18, will feature some of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).  

However, crowds will also get the chance to take to the skies themselves, courtesy of Classic Flight and its beautifully restored de Havilland Dragon Rapide.  The 1940s-built twin-engined airliner was one of the most successful British commercial short-haul passenger aircraft of its time.   

And Classic Flight will be offering pleasure flights throughout the air show weekend.  Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “The Dragon Rapide is a beautiful aircraft and a flight will surely live long in anyone’s memory.  “Classic Flight have been to Cotswold Airport on several occasions and we’re delighted to be welcoming the Dragon Rapide back and offering visitors a fantastic opportunity.”  In addition to the Dragon Rapide, Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights.   Crowds will also get the chance to visit the various flying clubs and organisations on-site, which specialise in everything from flying lessons to Top Gun aerial combat experiences.  Other performers will include the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team.  An AN2 and a Chipmunk will also take to the skies.  Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure air show, the 2011 event will also feature a traditional 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: “We’ve already had a great response from local businesses and are extremely keen to attract even more participation from the surrounding community.  “We want to show everyone exactly what the Cotswolds has to offer, as well as provide an event that caters for all the family.”  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); at The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencesrer; from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and also by telephoning 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