”PRESS RELEASE
The show must go on – although the weather delays things for a day.
Aviation fans are being urged not to let the weather dampen their spirits, as this weekend’s Great Vintage Flying Weekend (G-VFWE) at Cotswold Airport is set to get back on track tomorrow (SUNDAY).
Strong cross winds and driving rain have greatly affected today’s event, with very few aircraft managing to arrive for what is traditionally Europe’s largest annual fly-in of historic vintage aircraft.
However, people planning to attend the event are being urged not to lose hope, as the weather forecast for tomorrow is much improved.
And any tickets for today’s event will also be valid for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, airport-based Fosse Event Services are offering guided tours of the airport to give visitors the chance to photograph some of the aircraft already based at Cotswold Airport.
G-VFWE organiser Glen Moreman said: “It’s obviously been hugely disappointing that the weather has played such a major role in the proceedings today.
“However, by the very nature of vintage aircraft, many are lightweight and the winds, in particular, make it virtually impossible for them to land here.
“That said, we are very optimistic that tomorrow will be much better and that we will see a steady stream of historic machines flying in. We are also confident of putting on a good display.
“We have told anyone who has arrived today that their tickets are also valid for tomorrow but we have also tried to keep people occupied with the tours.”
Although a DC3 Dakota and Hornet Moth are the only aircraft now due to display today, other machines due to perform tomorrow, weather permitting, include a Dragon Rapide, a 1948 Chrislea Super Ace, a 1935 Miles Hawk Speed Six, Yak 50, Harvard, Tiger Moths, and lots more wood, fabric and string aircraft.
In addition, pilots fly in from all over the UK in a wide variety of vintage aircraft, further adding to the atmosphere of the event.
Tickets are £10 on the day and under 16s are admitted free.
People taking advantage of the tours are being asked to make a small donation to airport-based charity fly2help, which supports people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses; families who have suffered some form of tragedy and those who are working to recover a sense of self-worth and need a life-boost.
fly2help also unveiled its new mascot Douglas the bear at today’s event and he will also be at the show tomorrow to meet children and families.”