Thousands flock to air day (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Thousands flock to air day

5:25pm Monday 19th June 2006 in Malmesbury By Gordon Simpson

THOUSANDS of people cast their eyes to the skies on Sunday to witness a spectacular aerial display at the 2006 Kemble Air Day.

The tenth anniversary of the show attracted over 20,000 people, breaking all previous attendance records.

Event organiser Glen Moreman was thrilled. "It was fabulous, it was a great show," he said.

Pilots from around the world delighted enthusiasts with stunning manoeuvres.

One of the most impressive sights was an enormous Boeing 757 from the Royal New Zealand Airforce, making only its second appearance in Britain.

"The New Zealand Airforce's 757 was probably the highlight of the day," said Mr Moreman.

"Normally you're inside those metal tubes going to Malaga on holiday, but you don't usually see one getting thrown round like a fighter plane.

"Everyone has their favourite and a lot of people like the Red Arrows, the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers and the Harrier, but the 757 really caught the eye."

As is tradition, the world-renowned Red Arrows, who used to be based at Kemble Airfield, took to the sky. They were joined by the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers daredevil wing-walking team and the Kemble-based Delta Jets.

The show also paid tribute to the Spitfire, with this month marking the 70th anniversary of its first flight, and a Second World War plane, performed a routine.