The Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop are in the last throws of their preparation for their annual fundraising event, Wallop Wheels and Wings which will take place on both the Museum site and the historic adjacent airfield on Saturday 13 July.
New for this year, visitors are in for a real treat as weather permitting, a number of air displays are planned throughout the event. The amazing parachute display team, the RAF Falcons, will be making a first visit to Wallop Wheels and Wings. Their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120mph, and their famous 'hybrid' display which includes the Heart and Crisscross Carousel, is sure to captivate all spectators. Other displays include the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight and Navy Wings, along with a breathtaking display from the Gazelle Squadron, when four Gazelle Helicopters will take to the skies.
The event is a great day out for the whole family, not just for car, bike and aircraft enthusiasts and will see a full programme of entertainment running throughout the day including inflatables, craft activities, laser tag and circus skills, for all ages to get involved in. This year, sponsors GKN Aerospace will also provide some great activities to keep young minds whirring in the Discovery Den. Younger visitors will also have lots of fun with the classic pedal planes and little tanks. The event village will showcase local artisan traders including River Test Distillery, New Forest Shortbread, Downton Brewery and many more and is a great chance to support local independent traders and pick up some unique gifts.
Along with over 300 classic/super cars and motorcycles, the event will also showcase the Model Aircraft Club, Military Vehicles and a special D-Day Display including a Horsa fuselage and living history re-enactors Ham & Jam. Visitors will be encouraged to vote for their favourite car from those selected for the Concours D’Elegance which include an Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and a 1927 Austin Seven – Gordon England Cup.
For those with an interest in photography, there are only limited tickets available for the photography enclosure which gives exclusive access to aircraft arrivals and prime positioning to capture some amazing shots on the day.
Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are also thrilled to have a number of air displays included in the event this year. The Museum is an independent charity and relies on fundraising activities to support the work we do in preserving the history of Army aviation, so the proceeds from this event are vitally important. But it’s also a brilliant day out for the whole family and we hope you can join us!”
All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 14 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum.