Shuttleworth Collection Family Air Show
Sunday 11th August 2024
The Shuttleworth Family Air Show was scheduled to take place during the middle of the school summer holidays. With a line-up that potentially included some very special warbirds that have never been seen at Old Warden before, the show really needed the fickle summer weather to play ball - and that it did.
Returning to Old Warden for the first time since last year's Flying Proms, reports for UKAR.
As the name suggests, the Shuttleworth Collections Family Airshow is probably not aimed at the hardened airshow enthusiast but rather young families looking for a great day out. To that end you would be forgiven for thinking that the typical lazy morning and flying afternoon format that airshows at Old Warden follow wouldn't keep children entertained however, credit where credit is due - Shuttleworth used this to their advantage. Throughout the morning, each hangar featured a themed exploration zone including 'what does it take to become a secret agent' hosted by the Military Intelligence Museum Chicksands. The showground was also dotted with 'have a go' stands from museums, model clubs and displays from the army plus a stage where the RAF hosted STEM displays which literally went off with a bang. Couple this with a free fun fair and there was plenty for kids to do before the stars of the show took to the sky.
That said, there were some morsels mixed in with the locals advertised to appear in the flying display that could and did attract the enthusiast; including Spitfire XIV RN201 displaying for the first time away from Duxford since 2006, the Norwegian Historic Flight's Vampire FB.6, Fighter Aviation Engineering's Electra Junior and flypasts from the BBMF's Lancaster. Unfortunately, in the days shortly before the show, the Electra Junior withdrew, however Shuttleworth were able to replace it with Spitfire Vc EE602 and Mew Gull G-HEKL. The show also suffered a cancellation on the day when the AeroSuperBatics Wing Walkers had to withdraw at short notice.
Kicking things off was the warbird segment designed to commemorate the battles in the Mediterranean through a formation of the Collection's Spitfire Vc AR501, visiting Spitfire EE602, plus the Collection's Sea Hurricane and Gladiator. This section did not go to plan due to the Sea Hurricane having to land shortly after the first somewhat disjointed flypast. The highlight of this segment was left to both Spitfire Vs performing a duet for the assembled crowd. Both of these aircraft share a mutual connection in the fact that both had escorted B-17 Memphis Belle during its illustrious 24 combat missions.
The Global Stars were another visitor who performed their typical tight formation display. This appearance however was unusual thanks to the team's standard aircraft currently being in transit back from displays in India and the Philippines earlier this year. Therefore, the team borrowed aircraft from friends and colleagues in order to take to the skies over Bedfordshire for a unique sight.
In amongst the usual Shuttleworth roster of First World War, inter-war and barnstorming aircraft came the first star of the day; the BBMF's Lancaster. Its appearance at the Family Show was significant due to this being the Squadron's first public display weekend following the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Mark Long in May and the Lancaster being subject to an extended maintenance period to allow for the tailplane to be replaced. Those hoping for something special were in for a treat - in glorious sunshine that appeared right on cue, Seb Davey performed a trio of superb tight flypasts making full use of the bend triggering a spontaneous applause - the only time that occurred all day.
Two other stars of the day were unusually paired for formation flypasts with Old Warden's de Havilland DH.88 Comet. Representing the history of de Havilland; the Comet first flew in formation with the Norwegian Historic Flight Vampire. Then, after a few formation flypasts, the Vampire proceeded to give a full, if high, aerobatic display - something not seen at many inland airshows these days. This was quickly followed by Spitfire XIV RN201 joining the Comet to mark the history of post war air races. RN201 is painted in the bright silver and red markings of a 41 Squadron Spitfire which was planned to take part in the 1947 Blackpool air race. Flown by John Romain, RN201 performed a very energetic and dynamic demonstration which was easily up there with the best Spitfire displays I have ever seen.
Sadly, the Edwardians could not fly because of the wind conditions which was a personal disappointment being as this was my only planned visit to Old Warden this year. I used to attend this aviation mecca as many times as possible throughout the season but in recent years, the flying display has lost its attractiveness. In my opinion, the show could benefit from more variety from a greater number of visiting display and less based aircraft at each event - spreading out the collection over the season. That by no means detracts from the importance and beauty of the Collection but after a while, attending a show to see the same flying acts time and time again in a short afternoon flying display can somewhat dent your enthusiasm.
Variety is the space of life, and dare I say it, increased ticket sales.