If you missed out on the Battle of Britain Spitfire formation on Tuesday lunchtime, there’s a chance to see a Spitfire from Biggin Hill and even hear the iconic roar of the Avro Vulcan B2 XH 558 over the airfield on Sunday.
The two day event takes place on Saturday and Sunday (22nd‐23rd August 2015) when the airport will be welcoming visitors to join in a celebration of the ending of hostilities following World War II.
Organisers say,
“It will recognise the joy and relief that peace brings after the long years of wartime hardship. It will remember the loss of so many loved ones fighting on various fronts in all of our armed services for the freedom that we continue to enjoy today.”
Free entrance
The airfield will be open to the public from 10am until late on both days and entrance is free with a car parking charge of £5 per vehicle.
The event is being organised by the Isle of Wight Flying Club in its 80th year of operation and all proceeds will be used for the upkeep of the airfield, which is also known by its airport designator ‘EGHN’.
What you’ll see
Organisers say,
“You can expect to see military and civilian aircraft both on the ground and in the air over the celebration weekend and you will be able to view some at closer quarters. We are hoping that we will be visited or flown over by World War Two fighters like the Spitfire and Mustang together with Yak’s, Harvard’s and the Boeing Stearman.
“As some readers may know, Airframe Assemblies Limited are based on the northern side of the airfield. They supply rebuilt Spitfire fuselages, tail planes and wings to enable complete restoration to flight of original crashed World War Two aircraft. A regular visitor to Sandown is Peter Monk, from Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and The Spitfire Company who will hopefully be bringing along an example for people to see.
“On Sunday we expect to hear the iconic roar of the Avro Vulcan B2 XH 558 over the airfield.
This is the last example of a British four engine military aircraft flying today. This will be the last chance to see this flying legend on the South Coast in her final flying season before her retirement at Doncaster’s Robin Hood International Airport (formerly RAF Finningley).”
Dr Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust said
“We have set out at the start to create a lasting legend legacy for the Vulcan by planning for the day when the aircraft will have to cease flying. We hope now she will help inspire a new generation of people into the aviation industry by connecting them with the achievements of the past.”
Sunday parade
On Sunday, you can expect to see a parade of four Standards by the Royal British Legion, attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Lt Col David Langford DL, as well as some Island veterans who saw service on land, sea and air.
The Guest of Honour is Mary Ellis, who served as a First Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary and the Commandant of Sandown Airport for twenty years from 1950.
Also on the agenda are the wonderful Bunker Girls, who’ll be performing a repertoire of period songs on Sunday afternoon.
Entertainment and refreshments
There’ll be plenty of tempting food and drink on offer including a barbeque, fish and chips, sandwiches, ice cream and candy floss. Hot and cold drinks and beer.
There’ll also be Militaria and Trench Art on display as well as a Vintage Fun Fair.
As this is a celebration, visitors may dress in period clothing if they wish to get into the spirit of the event! The Isle of Wight Airport Sandown is run entirely by volunteers.
