Shuttleworth Edwardian Pageant-

July 2017

Shuttleworth's Edwardian Pageant is the fourth addition to the airshow calendar this year. It looked set to be the busiest day of the year so far with the flight line and car park being full far before the flying display had begun. The pageant is the only event on the Old Warden calendar which the Red Arrows attend. Along with a packed flying programme, the afternoon looked set to live up to high expectations.

The early 20th century theme was evident with many visitors dressing up in period dress. Adding to the authentic atmosphere that the Oxfordshire airfield never fails to offer. The collections selection of vehicles was also on show prior to the flying display. Varying in shape, size, age and style. Those in period dress took a seat in a vehicle of their choice as each set off in turn to take part in the vehicle parade to start off the afternoon's proceedings. Something never seen before at Old Warden to accompany the parade was the example of a horse drawn fire engine, a real rarity among shows in the UK.

A packed flying programme began at two o'clock. The Auto Gyro kicking off the show. The machine being a regular and exciting occurence at airshows over the UK season, displaying some technical aerobatics for the onlooking crowd. The Percival Provost taking off next. Stamping it's authority with it's deep pitched radial engine tone. A former RAF trainer the Provost flew with ease, Paul Shakespeare at the controls.

A selection of planes followed in the flying programme. The first of the Miles Magister's completed an impressive display of aerobatics, considering the aircraft is now 80 years old. Beneath this display the Avro 621 tutor and De Havilland DH51 so called "Miss Kenya"took many fly pasts. along with the second, collection owned Magister. The often break of sunlight through the thick cloud glinting off the 621's fuselage. Their slot ending as the three aircraft took formation together, displaying numerous breaks and intimate flying.

After the four aircraft had landed and taxied in, the Bucker Jungann complimented the earlier displays with some more aerobatics. It's light blue livery seemingly blending in with the blue skies that had managed to break through.

Up to follow was the first of the day's nineship formations, Tiger 9. Having only seen this display a number of years ago, I was pleasingly surprised when the formation took off in formations of three, replicating the modern day equivalent of the Red Arrows which we would see later in the afternoon. The light and basic construction of these aircraft meant the blustery conditions were keeping the pilots on their toes as the Tiger Moths flew with intimate accuracy, the often dip or rise from the planes as the wind took them. In a similar fashion to their counterpart the formation split up into two. Leaving the "synchro pair" of two aircraft and the remaining 6. A variety of flypasts, aerobatics and formation flying insued. The display finale was another example of precision. Each aircraft lined up with impeccable accuracy to then simoultaneously shut their engines down, a cheer from the crowd to finish.

Several collection aircraft followed. The Westland Lysander and Polikarpov highlighting this slot. Before long the Breitling Wing Walkers were beginning their display. Combining electrifying noise, groundbreaking aerobatics and fascinating showmanship, the two orange planes never fail to stun the crowd.

Images and Text by Alistair Wells

As the afternoon drew on, the wind failed to cease and it became obvious the Edwardian's display would not go ahead. Instead, the DH88 Comet and Mew Gull completed a textbook Old Warden flight. Their racing characteristics evident with each flypast as the DH88 flew numerous low passes from crowd right. So called "Grosvenor House" is Shuttleworths poster child, appearing at almost all airshows across the season it never fails to impress the crowd with it's stunning exterior and exciting flying.

Saving the best until last, the highlight of the days proceedings was arriving very soon. The RAF's Red Arrows need no introduction. Mike Ling (Red 10) had arrived earlier and was introducing the renowned display to the fans. Everyone looking over their shoulders, trying to find the symbolic diamond nine formation. To the second the nineship of Hawk Jets approached the airfield from behind. Their patriotic red, white and blue smoke making an immediate impression. Flying in such a neat and perfect formation bought the crowd to silence as everyone admired the sight of one the most evocative sights and sounds in the UK airshow scene. The team covered the skies above Old Warden with fascinating close formation flying. Splitting into the two groups "Enid" and "Gypo" the display was full of fast passes, colorful breaks and high aerobatics. The sun setting gave way to the end of the Edwardian pageant as the "Reds" took their last fly past. Over the crowds heads heading back to their base at RAF Scampton. It was a fitting end to the day.