SEVERAL hundred aircraft will be flying into Kemble Airport this weekend as the annual celebration of classic aircraft comes to the Cotswolds.
The Great Vintage Flying Weekend (G-VFWE) is Europe's largest celebration of vintage aircraft but the organisers are looking to the stability of a permanent home at Kemble with its tradition of great flying events.
As well as two days where visitors can see several hundred vintage aircraft, there will be a lunchtime display showing some of the most influential vintage aircraft in action. It is expected to feature the Dakota from the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on the Saturday.
An Air Atlantique Rapide will be doing pleasure flights along with the Mayfair Dove over the weekend. Members of the public will be able to book flights on the day.
As well as the huge collection of aircraft there will also be entertainments for kids and full catering and bar facilities, making it more than just a Vintage Flying weekend.
The basic structure and approximate timings of the day will be: 8.30am-1.30pm - Arrival Slots for Aircraft 12.30pm-2.30pm - Vintage park open to the public 1.30pm-2.30pm - Flying display featuring vintage aeroplanes Aircraft departures will start as soon as the flying display ends.
There will also be some some entertainment - at the AV8 Restaurant there will be Paragon Jazz - "The Jazz Badgers" to entertain visitors throughout Saturday and Sunday followed by an evening party on the Saturday to include a hog roast.
The Great Vintage Flying Weekend (G-VFWE) will be held on the North Side of Kemble Airport with the entrance signposted off the A433 via North Gate (Sat Nav GL7 6BA).
This was the site used very successfully over the previous G-VFWE events at Kemble and also last year for Kemble Open Day. There will be no access from the A429 Main Gate.
Tickets cost £8 in advance of £10 on the day Saturday and Sunday, while for children aged six to 16 the cost is £5 on the day. Children aged five and under enter free.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here