GALLERY Thousands of people took advantage of the glorious summer sunshine and flocked to an annual show featuring death-defying aerial displays, giant engines and a selection of classic vehicles.

Will Clarke

THOUSANDS of people took advantage of the glorious summer sunshine and flocked to an annual show featuring death-defying aerial displays, giant engines and a selection of classic vehicles.

The two day Wings, Wheels and Steam Country Fair was held over the weekend at Rougham Airfield, near Bury St Edmunds.

Organiser John Agnew said around 8,000 people attended the event, which is sponsored by the East Anglian Daily Times.

“We had lots of people here and lots going on so there really was something for everyone,” he said. “For the last three years we have had bad weather so the sunshine is a big help this year.

“Right from day one people have been pouring through the gates to see the air displays, steam engines, motorbikes, excavators and 4x4s.”

More than 100 private planes lined the airstrip over the weekend while yesterday saw a special mini air show with an acrobatic display of vintage aircraft featuring a Slingsby T67 Firefly and YAK 52 Aerobatics.

On the ground miniature and full sized steam engines gave an insight into what the countryside would have looked like when steam power was in its heyday.

There were also displays and parades of classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and military machines.

In addition there was a large contingent on Landrover 4x4s, which were on show to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic country vehicle.

For animal lovers there was dog displays and terrier racing while there was also lessons in circus skills, classes in how to make the ultimate paper aeroplane and a Punch and Judy show for children.

Visitors also poured into the picturesque Pakenham Mill near Bury St Edmunds for its annual Vintage Power Day.

Organsier Brian Aket said: “It is probably a record number of visitors for this event. It was very successful and the weather helped.

“We've been selling bread made from mill flour and the Haughly Hoofers morris dancing has gone down well too.”

The main event was a large gathering of pre 1958 vintage cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and tractors all in the setting of the historic water mill.