Gallery: Wonderful flying machines and cars celebrated

MACHINES of land and air were out in force over the weekend as crowds flocked to Rougham Air Field.

Officials estimate around 12,000 people attended the Heart Air Display and Classic Car Show, which combined demonstrations of aircraft from the past with an assembly of vintage and modern classic cars as well as de-commissioned army vehicles.

Lancaster bombers and members of the Red Arrows display team flew low over head while car enthusiasts looked under bonnets and admired paintwork. In temperatures nudging 30 degrees centigrade, other visitors were content to simply enjoy the fun fair and stroll through the many souvenir and food stalls.

Display director Peter Eager said he had devised an air show that, he hoped, would appeal to everyone.

He said: “The theme of the display is nostalgia through the ages. We have planes from both the World Wars as well as Korea. There were also some unusual displays such as ones by a gyrocopter and another by a team of glider pilots.”

Other highlights included a fly-over by Messerschmitts and Spitfire airplanes and an exhibition of daring-do by a Sabre jet fighter.

Commentating over the loudspeaker on the aerial performances was Ken Ellis, editor of FlyPast magazine, who praised the organisers of the event.

He said: “This is one of the best regional air shows in the country. The team have done a remarkable job to fit so much into the programme. Not just the planes but the full range of vehicles on display here today.”

On the ground proud owners showed off their vintage Jaguars, Mercedes and Rovers.

According to Graham Babcock, a member of the Essex Austin Seven Club, the show offered an opportunity for enthusiasts to meet and share their passion.

He added: “It's a lovely show. I'm dividing my time between answering questions about my car and taking my grandson around to look at everything. It's a good chance to get together with other car people and we couldn't have asked for better weather.”