Spectacular Show Set For Kemble (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Spectacular Show Set For Kemble

SPECTACULAR stunts are set to wow the crowds at Kemble Air Day this year.

Nearly 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual event being held on Fathers' Day (June 20).

Attractions will include world famous RAF aerobatics team the Red Arrows, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The Belgium Air Force is also sending a Fouga Magister aircraft, and the RAF Falcons parachute team is dropping in from Brize Norton.

RAF pilots will be demonstrating their talents in a number of fast jets, including the Harriet, Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk and Tucano.

Wing Commander Guy Stockhill, 44, flies a Jaguar based at RAF Coltishall, Norwich, where he is officer in command of the 16th squadron.

He said: "We give up at least 25 of our summer weekends to do displays.

"I choose a new volunteer each year to help me and we start training at 5,000ft for safety reasons, eventually flying at 500ft at supersonic or slow speeds.

"It can be frightening when you're up there, but there's something special about flying upside down at 500ft. It gets the heart running."

RAF Hawk pilot Jon Killerby, 30, based in Anglesey, said: "We practice three displays and choose one depending on the weather - a loop the loop at 5,000ft, a rolling display if there are clouds and a flat display involving a fly past."

The daring aerobatics Utterly Butterly team, based in Rendcomb, will also be returning to Kemble this year.

Utterly Butterly wingwalker Helen Tempest, from Chalford, said: "This is the job of my dreams.

"One of my favourite stunts involves one bi-plane turning upside down with me harnessed to it while another bi-plane flies underneath creating a mirror image."

Pilot Martyn Carrington, from Perrots Brook, added: "I've been flying since I was nine and I joined the Utterly Butterly team five years ago. It's fantastic and very exhilarating."

Visitors will also have the chance to discover the history of the Spitfire and Hurricane which are involved in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and a World War Two American P51 Mustang.

Tickets are priced £15 in advance or £20 on the day. Children aged 15 and under will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult.

The air day information hotline is 09063 023320 or visit website www.kembleairday.com.