Following a successful Donington Historic Festival, VR‘s European team will be heading to the Flywheel Festival, Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire, on the weekend of June 24-25. In recent years Bicester Heritage has become the epicenter of excellence for businesses associated with historic motoring, motorsport and the aircraft industry.
“Those who attended the Flywheel event are a little more diverse audience than we experience at usual historic motor racing meeting and motor shows,” commented European Editor Mike Jiggle. “However, if last year was anything to go on, it was both successful and productive. Of course, Bicester being the former home to March Engineering always brings out some of those who worked on many of the competition cars produced by the company — it’s really fascinating to hear their stories. So, we’re all looking forward to another thrilling weekend.”
The former 1920s RAF base at Bicester is the best preserved in the UK. The base has become home to the Sunday Scramble held regularly throughout the year where the public can stroll around the grounds and be transported back to a bygone era. Since 2015 the annual Flywheel Festival has drawn many thousands of people to the venue with an exciting program of events to engage the whole family, from the elderly to the very young, by featuring a unique mix of splendid live action and static displays, showcasing aviation, motorsport, motoring and military history. Many of the businesses will open their doors, allowing the public access to catch sight of some of the projects they’re renowned for, including trimming, detailing, engine building, full ground-up restorations, and so forth.
The Flywheel Festival will be welcoming more than 100 competition cars, bikes and dozens of aircraft. Bringing together the best in live action cars, motorbikes, aircraft and military vehicles, the festival allows visitors to get close to the drivers, riders and pilots while enjoying the festival’s relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
The organisers have released the following timetables:
Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25
09:00 Car parks open
10:00 Public gates open
10:30 Motorsport demonstration course and tank display arena open
11:30 Live music marquee performances commence
12:30 Flying displays commence
16:30 Flying displays end and aircraft departures commence
16:30 Live music marquee performances close
17:00 Motorsport demonstration course and tank display arena close
18:00 Public gates close
Flying displays – Please note all aircraft and vehicle participation is subject to availability, serviceability and the weather conditions on the day. This air display timetable is provisional and is subject to change at short notice.
Saturday June 24
13:00 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire display
14:00 Sioux/Scout helicopter pair
14:30 Tiger 9 Aeronautical Display Team
15:00 Pitts Special
15:30 Great War Display Team
16:00 Spitfire IX MH434/Hispano Buchon pair
Sunday June 25
12:45 Pitts Special
13:20 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota display
14:00 Great War Display Team
14:30 Sioux/Scout helicopter pair
15:00 Tiger 9 Aeronautical Display Team
16:00 Spitfire IX MH434/Hispano Buchon pair
Entrance – Prices for advance tickets for Flywheel at Bicester Heritage start from just £23 per adult and £52 per family. Adult tickets include free parking as well as a complimentary souvenir program, while admission for children under the age of five years is free. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.flywheelfestival.com.
Hospitality – A hospitality package is also available with guests gaining access to the Atalanta Motors Flightline Enclosure, prices start from £99 per person. For more information please visit www.flywheelfestival.com/hospitality/
