Countdown to Windermere Air Show
The countdown to the Windermere Air Show, taking place on July 24 and 25 in Bowness-on-Windermere, the Lake District, is now on and, with less than a week to go, excitement about the feast of aerial acrobatics and displays is at its height.
Some of Europe’s best aerial display teams and pilots will be helping to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary. Set against a spectacular scenic backdrop of Lakeland fells and Lake Windermere, this family occasion will thrill everyone from the ardent aircraft enthusiast, to the eclectic tourist or day-tripper wanting lots of different things-to-do.
This year’s line-up includes the RAF Falcons who will be performing their non-contact parachute stack of 11 canopies, and the Aerostars Yaks Display Team who have a simply awe-inspiring six aircraft aerobatic display comprised of complex verticals, figures and gyroscopic manoeuvres.
Equally breathtaking are the formation loops and rolls performed by the Team Breitling Wing-Walker planes. The internationally famous team has its planes looping, rolling and performing rollercoaster manoeuvres at speeds of up to 150 mph, whilst wing-walkers perform acrobatics on the wings of the Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 Bi-planes.
A balletic display set to music will be performed by Bob Grimstead in his beautifully designed Fournier RF-4 Redhawk, as it trails wing-tip smoke, to paint the sky.
As the 10th birthday of this brilliant event coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, there will be a display from two Spitfires and a Dakota, to bring a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings.
Add to this a Twist Duo display, the Huey helicopter widely used to transport troops during the Vietnam war, the Tucano and Sea King helicopter and the exciting Red Arrows display team visit and all eyes will find it hard to resist the skies.
During the 30-minute slots between displays, visitors can enjoy a fun fair, flight simulators, model aircraft flying displays, birds of prey, miniature train rides, Civil War re-enactments and military displays, the only issue relates to deciding what to do first.
There will also be a fun cycling challenge, tethered hot air balloon rides, archery, a coconut shy and a football target practice game, Harley Davidson motorcycle displays, brass band music, balancing and martial arts acts and a display choreographed by ‘One Man And His Dog’ presenter Gus Dermody, which is performed by his sheepdogs and Indian Runner ducks and geese.
The aerial entertainment is all free-of-charge, whilst entrance to the showground costs £2.50 per day. The best deal to opt for is the purchase of a £10 anniversary programme, which includes two adult admissions to the showground and free entry for children. It also includes vouchers to the value of £50 in total, which can be used in local shops.
The 2010 Windermere Air Show promises to be a stunning spectacle, so make arrangements to make a weekend of it and see the action on both days. Accommodation options in and around Bowness-on-Windermere can be found at: southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism
More information about the Windermere Air Show can be found at: windermereairshow.co.uk
