ABOUT FLYWHEEL
Historic aircraft and competition cars, classic road cars and military machines will converge on Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire for the weekend of July 2nd and 3rd 2016, when Flywheel returns to the UK’s best-preserved Second World War bomber station.
Showcasing the best in aviation, motorsport, motoring and military history in a uniquely atmospheric and intimate setting, this family-friendly nostalgia-fest brings together a fantastic range of entertainment to appeal to all ages.
The first Flywheel - held in June 2015 – was a huge success, drawing thousands of spectators who thoroughly enjoyed outstanding displays in the air and on the motorsport demonstration track, and the chance to get up close to an exciting range of military vehicles, aircraft and rare racing cars.
Highlights included the return to the former RAF Bicester of the Blenheim bomber for the first time in over 70 years, spectacular air displays from the iconic Spitfire, WW1 dog fight demonstrations from the Great War Display Team, a flame-throwing Bentley-Packard special with a 41-litre engine, a historic Sherman M4 tank, the ex-Stirling Moss C-type, exhilarating performances from the aircraft-engined 1905 Fiat land speed record car, while vintage glider rides, a ‘pop-up’ period fashion shoot and military re-enactors really brought the history of the site alive.
Having established a firm footing with the inaugural event, the Flywheel organisers now plan to surpass it for 2016, with more displays and some exciting new content. www.flywheelfestival.com
Among the added attractions are the club stands and we will have ours with, I hope, a good many of your cars. It would be a big bonus to have a few TA14s and TF21s to show in order to continue the 70thand 50th birthdays of these great models. If anyone has ideas for the weekend or would like more information please contact Paddy Steel ()
DOG-FIGHTING RETURNS TO BICESTER
The first two flying displays have been announced for Flywheel at Bicester Heritage. The prestigious event, now in its second year, will be showcasing displays from the Great War Display Team, with its exciting dog-fighting routine, as well as the Tiger 9 group, which will perform flying displays in various formations.
The Great War Display collection includes a Sopwith Triplane, the first triplane prototype; a BE2c, Britain’s first-ever military aircraft; and a Fokker Dr1 triplane, a favourite of German aces such as Werner Voss. The aircraft, among others, will perform a dog-fighting routine, including pyrotechnics, that is unique with aircraft of this period.
The Tiger 9 group features nine vintage Tiger Moths flying in sequence. With its rich military and civilian history, the Tiger Moth is an iconic aircraft and the squadron, with the contrasting liveries, creates a thrilling visual display. The Tiger Moth was designed in the 1930s and has no electrical system, so must be started by hand. Its simplicity and stability made it an ideal training aircraft throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere.
Flywheel takes place at the UK’s best-preserved Second World War bomber station, Bicester Heritage, in Oxfordshire. The airfield is one of the last in the country to retain a circular, into‐wind, grass take‐off and landing area with no marked runways. The norm in the earliest days of flying, this makes it the ideal location for the almost 100 year‐old designs which have no brakes and rely on a wooden tail skid for retardation.
Differing from regular air shows or motorsport events, Flywheel allows visitors close access to the aircraft and participating vehicles. Visitors can enjoy displays of historic cars, aircraft and military vehicles from the World War One, Inter‐War, World War Two and early 1960s periods. Additionally, there will be live music from singers and bands representing the various eras to add to the atmosphere, as well as a vintage trade fair offering period costumes, accessories and souvenirs.
Adult (16+) single-day advance discounted tickets for Flywheel 2016 are £23, and adult two-day weekend tickets are available for £41. All adult tickets include a copy of the official Flywheel souvenir programme, worth £5.
Child (aged 5-15) advance tickets are £7 for a single day and £12 for the weekend. Single-day family advance tickets (two adults and up to three children aged 5-15) are just £52, while a family weekend ticket is on offer for £92. Children under five are admitted for free.
Parking on site is free for ticket holders, and visitors arriving in a pre-1966 vehicle can also book a free display parking space.
Advance discounted tickets are available now online, visit: www.flywheelfestival.com.
For further information regarding club stand Please contact Paddy Steel ()