Midlands Air Festival 18th-20th May 2018, Ragley Hall, Warks

[IP1960]

I see this event has just been announced.

From the website :- "The 19th & 20th May will be packed with an exciting air display, with classic WW1 & 2 fighters, high energy aerobatics, classic jets, flying circus, parachutes, helicopters and gyrocopter. There will also be a full hot air balloon festival with up to 50 balloons expected"

Low on details so far, and looks to be heavily pushing the balloon aspect of it, but any event almost within walking distance of my home involving an aircraft gets a vote from me

[speedbird2639]

Just 10 minutes down the road for me as well. As long as they keep away from Alcester and Bidford they shouldn't have any issues with e CAA and their new draconian rules. The only issue I can see is the potential for secondary crowds as the site is 'boxed' by roads so may be an issue with freeloaders parking on verges - will they be able to close some roads like at DUX or prevent parking on verges?

Potentially interesting addition. A launch of 50 balloon would be a great photographic opportunity.

[IP1960]

Yes the "old" Evesham road gives some lovely elevated views across the Ragley estate! Certainly have to travel a good few miles to see anything of interest normally (I'm just outside Redditch), so shall look forward to it. Lets hope they can make a success of it and make it a regular thing, as I know Ragley are keen to get more events held at the Hall.

[melvyn hiscock]

Yes the "old" Evesham road gives some lovely elevated views across the Ragley estate!

<snip>

Lets hope they can make a success of it and make it a regular thing, as I know Ragley are keen to get more events held at the Hall.

So, you want them to succeed and are suggesting watching over the fence?

[Cole]

Looks good, will have to keep an eye out for this

[zigzag]

I can walk to this too, and given the lie of the land there could be interesting photo opportunities depending on the display line used.

But a clash with tigermeet will rule it out for me, so I'm hoping it's a success and there's another event next year.

[pbeardmore]

http://www.midlandsairfestival.com/

[Stagger2]

Not giving themselves very long to assess the response/viability & bin it??

[IP1960]

Yes the "old" Evesham road gives some lovely elevated views across the Ragley estate!

<snip>

Lets hope they can make a success of it and make it a regular thing, as I know Ragley are keen to get more events held at the Hall.

So, you want them to succeed and are suggesting watching over the fence?

No, poor choice of words on my part, was agreeing that the roads around Ragley do rather box the place in and give vantage points across the estate. As a regular visitor to Ragley I will certainly support the event from inside.

[Witchcraft24]

No new location is always welcome. Does anyone know if this is this likely to become an annual event (if it succeeds) and what the anticipated attendance figure might be?

[Chris G]

Nice big update for this event on their website including Beech 18, Fournier RF-4, Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang, Buchon, Hawker Fury II, TRIG team, Lauren Wilson Pitts Special, Turb team, Vampire and Strikemasters. Looking like a good event!

[vulcanshammer]

Nice big update for this event on their website including Beech 18, Fournier RF-4, Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang, Buchon, Hawker Fury II, TRIG team, Lauren Wilson Pitts Special, Turb team, Vampire and Strikemasters. Looking like a good event!

Excellent!

[Mr Benn]

Thanks for the heads up on this show. Theyve certainly picked a bad weekend though with the royal wedding and the FA Cup final as well that Saturday.
I'm from the Redditch area as well...nice to see some locals on here !

[IP1960]

Thanks for the heads up on this show. Theyve certainly picked a bad weekend though with the royal wedding and the FA Cup final as well that Saturday.
I'm from the Redditch area as well...nice to see some locals on here !

Sadly for those of us who may go to Ragley to escape those, they are showing them on a big screen!

[IP1960]

Latest updates show the Catalina now appearing, together with Richard Grace flying the Hawker Fury.

[Comet102]

It looks like the event is shaping up nicely.

I'm waiting for a provisional schedule before ordering though.

[IP1960]

75 hot air balloons taking part apparently, as said above will provide some interesting photo opportunities. Looks like an enjoyable weekend - nothing earth-shattering and certainly more "family-friendly" than "enthusiast" but a nice selection for a new venue.

[bigcrow]

I live in Evesham so on my doorstep as well. Looks a good event already , but I would imagine any access outside i.e "Naughty Fields" will be stopped & heavily policed?

[Mr Benn]

Only a couple of weeks before this show.
Surprised no signs out yet advertising it as drive near there yesterday.

Anybody else think £27 is a lot of money for the show ?
If I go, I certainly won't buy a ticket till a few days before..depending on weather

[Comet102]

Only a couple of weeks before this show.
Surprised no signs out yet advertising it as drive near there yesterday.

Anybody else think £27 is a lot of money for the show ?
If I go, I certainly won't buy a ticket till a few days before..depending on weather

It is a lot, it was only £20 per adult at Sywell four years ago and that had aircraft on the ground as well. Ragley hall itself isn't cheap though.

They have announced their will be a P-47 and that the schedule should be out soon.

[Jakub.Zurek]

I'd consider making a long trip to this show, if I knew what the set up is like, how close the flying will be etc.

[rob68]

For work I received today from the local authority notification of road closures around the site, it specifically has an impact on the 247 bus route which will be diverted. Unsure if of any use to anyone but amused me as cannot go as away

[Comet102]

I'd consider making a long trip to this show, if I knew what the set up is like, how close the flying will be etc.

Might be worth asking over on Facebook.

[jamyt123]

The 'full lineup' has now been announced, which I make out to be:

Friday Night Only:

Solo Twister (Pyro)
Otto the helicopter
Airborne Pyrotechnics

Saturday & Sunday:

Bristol Blenheim
Mk1 Spitfire
P47 Thunderbolt
Hawker Fury
Gyrocopter
Pitts special (Lauren Richardson)
Turbulent Display Team
Fournier RF4
P-51 mustang
Westland Wasp helicopter
Stampe Formation Flying Team
Strikemaster
Auster
Great War Display Team
Harvard
Otto the helicopter
Beech 18
Catalina WW2 seaplane
de Havilland Vampire

[Frogfoot]

The 'full lineup' has now been announced, which I make out to be:

Friday Night Only:

Solo Twister (Pyro)
Otto the helicopter
aeroSPARX glider display team

Saturday & Sunday:

Bristol Blenheim
Mk1 Spitfire
P47 Thunderbolt
Hawker Fury
Gyrocopter
Pitts special (Lauren Richardson)
Turbulent Display Team
Fournier RF4
P-51 mustang
Westland Wasp helicopter
Stampe Formation Flying Team
Strikemaster
Auster
Great War Display Team
Harvard
Otto the helicopter
Beech 18
Catalina WW2 seaplane
de Havilland Vampire

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Aerosparx will not be appearing at the show. However, I believe Airborne Pyrotechnics will be.