The old saying goes that one swallow does not make a summer. But in the case of the UK, slowly emerging out of lockdown after over 12 months of COVID-19 restrictions, it seems that many airshows do make a summer.
And with what is hoped to be the final lift in the UK Government's roadmap set to go ahead on 19th July, Airfields all across the UK are preparing to welcome back visitors and host their first public aerial displays in over a year.
One of the most notable that's returned is actually one that's been away for much longer than the last year. Middle Wallop Aerodrome in Stockbridge, Hampshire, hosted their Wallop Wheels and Wings show last weekend, on what is the largest grass airfield in Europe, for the first time in nearly two decades.
On display at the Aerodrome - which is also the home of the Army Flying Museum and the Army Air Corps airfield - were a whole host of Vintage Aircraft and Biplanes, together with many Classic and Heritage Cars. Up until 2000, Middle Wallop was well renowned for its annual airshow, which attracted up to 40,000 visitors a year at its peak.
Whilst ongoing restrictions meant that the total attendance last Saturday (3rd July) was substantially less - 2500 seems to be the agreed number - the tickets for the event sold out quickly, and organisers are confident they'll be able to welcome back more visitors for next year's show.
Overall, it is definitely a positive sign that many Aerobatic and Vintage displays are returning to our skies once again. A glance at the calendar on the British Airshows website shows that the rest of the summer is quietly shaping up to be a busy one.
Amongst the events set to take place at some of our venues are the Vintage Aircraft Club Fly-in at Bodmin Airfield in Cornwall on 24th - 25th July, a Charity Fly-in in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance at Cardiff Airport on 7th - 8th August, and the Bournemouth Air Festival - not too far from Bournemouth International Airport - on 2nd - 5th September.
If you fancy getting the chance to perform the same jaw dropping aerial displays or flights in Vintage Aircraft you see at an airshow, you can do so. Visit our Aerobatic Flights and Vintage Flying pages on the FlyDays website today to view all our available packages which you can purchase with our Gift Vouchers!
