Red Arrows to star at Kemble (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Red Arrows to star at Kemble

12:48pm Tuesday 13th June 2006 in Wiltshire By Gordon Simpson

THE Red Arrows will be just one of the many spectacular sights in the sky this Sunday at the 2006 Kemble Air Day.

Over 20,000 enthusiasts are expected to watch the stunning displays and, yet again, there will be a number of special treats for those visiting.

A Boeing 757 from the Royal New Zealand Airforce will be making only its second ever appearance in Britain.

This month also marks the 70th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight and to honour the occasion one of the World War Two fighters, owned by Rolls Royce, will perform a full aerobatic routine.

Event organiser Glen Moreman said it should be another memorable year.

"There are a few special events again this year," he said. "We are expecting to top the 20,000 people we had last year and ticket sales are slightly up.

"We've sold tickets to people in Europe and from up and down the country.

"I hate to call it a big show. We prefer to call it small, but perfectly formed.

"We try and do the personal touches here, which a lot of the big shows can't.

"All the flying displays operate from inside designated public areas and you really do find yourself immersed in the midst of all of it.

"All the kids get to see pilots climbing in and out of their planes and they can clap and cheer them.

"It's just something you don't see at other shows and that's why we do it like we do."

No Kemble Air Day would be complete without a display from the world renowned Red Arrows, who used to be based at the airfield, and, yet again, they will be delighting onlookers.

"We always go very heavily on the Red Arrows because of the history and link with Kemble," said Mr Moreman. "They are always a very important part of any Kemble Air Day."

The Polish Navy have provided an AN28 plane and the Belgian Airforce will also be performing.

The daredevil wing-walking Utterly Butterly Barnstormers, based at Rencomb Airfield, just north of Cirencester, will be in the skies.

The Silver Stars free-fall parachute display team will also be dropping in at some stage.

One of the day's other main features is the Kemble-based Delta Jets Display Team.

The vintage jet operator has been at Kemble for over a decade and their pilots will be darting through the air in some pristine examples of Britain's aviation heritage.

A C130J Hercules from RAF Lyneham will also take part in the flying display, which will be in two sections.

The first runs from 11am until midday, and the second from 2pm until 5.30pm and tickets are available on the day, or in advance from most tourist information centres.