Middlezoy Aerodrome have partnered with Navy Wings Heritage Flight to host Bridgwater’s first ever air display at their annual Somerset Aerofest, an exciting event for the whole family. Navy Wings will be displaying most of their collection, including the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world, W5856, which saw service in WWII with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet in 1941. Also flying will be Seafire XVII SX336, the naval version of Britain’s beloved Spitfire. SX336 is a local, having been built in Yeovil by Westland in April 1946. Aerofest is on the 29th and 30th July, tickets are £15 adults, under 16’s free, at: mzaero.co.uk/aerofest or limited tickets on the gate.
Aerofest organiser Simon Childs said “We started our volunteer-run airfield in 2019 at the old RAF Westonzoyland site and wanted to find a way of involving everyone, not just pilots. We wanted to share the history of the airfield as it’s one of the oldest in the country, established in the early 1920s, and both the RAF and the USAF were based here during WWII.”
“Initially starting as a fly-in, Somerset Aerofest has grown to a bigger, family friendly event. Visitors enjoy being able to get close to the aeroplanes and talk to the pilots, it’s more interactive than most airshows. Then Navy Wings suggested a flying display, which is absolutely fantastic. The logistics of organising a display are phenomenal, we can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm.”
Weather permitting, the flying display will also include Wasp Helicopter XT420, which evacuated casualties with HMS Hecla during the Falklands War.
Chipmunk
It will also feature flying from Stinson Reliant N69745, Chipmunk T.10 WK608 and Harvard T-6 G-NWHF, which trained both RAF and USAF pilots, so apt for this airfield.
“This year we also have aircraft cockpits, artwork and an aero-jumble to browse through. There will be local craftspeople and independent artisan stalls in our market village as well as a variety of local food and drink suppliers. We have a children’s area with bouncy castle, assault course and super-slide. As well as aeroplanes, over 75 classic cars and motorcycles will be on display and will perform a rally around the airfield.”
Somerset Aerofest promises to be a fantastic weekend for both enthusiasts and their families.