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Tens of thousands expected to Fly To The Past, present and future as festival of flight returns to Blenheim
April 2007: Oxfordshire's air space will once again fill with the sights and sounds of flight when the critically acclaimed and popular FLY TO THE PAST show returns to Blenheim Palace this summer.
More than 35,000 spectators enjoyed the air and ground entertainment when the unique event was last staged in 2003 and 2005 - and this year's show promises to be even more spectacular when it opens at the Palace on Sunday July 22nd.
For 2007, the festival will present the history of flight with an exhilarating day of flight-themed entertainment on the ground and a four-hour display in the air.
The intention is to take visitors on a journey through time from flight mythology to aviation fact and from space travel to science fiction - building on the success of 2005's show which was Europe's largest 1940s commemoration of the 60th anniversary of VJ Day.
The new show aims to create a world of flight-themed, theatrical exhibits and flying displays where the culture, creatures, historic characters and machines of flight or fancy will be brought to life.
From a Battle of Britain parade to an Aliens' Fashion Show - and with a choreographed flying display by Christian Moullec's Geese contrasting the Breitling Jet Team - the day will unfold the history of flight.
At the centre of the day will be a four-hour flying show by more than 40 aircraft with Sopwiths and Fokkers introducing historic piston aircraft in a Great War dog fight leading to a Battle of Britain display by Lancasters, Hurricanes and Spitfires. Jet propelled flight will open with Hunter, Sea Fury and Sabre fighters ahead of the.
John Hoy, Chief Executive at Blenheim Palace, said: “This is the third time that Blenheim has hosted an event of this nature for the show's organisers and we are delighted to have the event back for 2007.
“We trust that this year's 'Fly to the Past' will tempt back those who have enjoyed the previous events while attracting newcomers alike. We, at Blenheim, are certainly looking forward to another exciting event.”
With an exceptional multi-media sound and vision production supporting the ground and air show, the event has been billed as “the way forward” by experts in the air show and live events industry.
Once again, visitors to the show will be invited to play their part, dress in flight-themed costumes and enter the best dressed competition with prizes including trips to the Virgin Galactic spaceport in New Mexico and worldwide tickets with Virgin Atlantic donated by Sir Richard Branson.
Event Director Francis Rockliff said: “In 2005 we were overwhelmed by the effort so many people put into their costumes on the day, it really helped to bring the festival to life to see so many visitors of all ages in costume with our mingling historic character actors.
“This time around we have given people a much broader scope and I hope everyone will continue to embrace the fact that they are a vital ingredient of the event rather than simply spectators.”
Tickets can be purchased via the event website at www.flytothepast.com or by telephone on 01993 822822.
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