The Flying Proms

Saturday saw us all heading to Shuttleworth for the Flying Proms, an annual event about an hour's drive from here in Northampton. Jessica spent most of the day before preparing picnic food for all seven of us and we set off in plenty of time.

 

 

Once we secured our spot and enjoyed our picnic lunch, we headed off to look at the various exhibits and sites. The boys looked at the hangers/aviation museum and the girls went to walk around the Swiss Garden.

The Swiss Garden was created between1824 and 1832 by the wealthy baron Lord Ongley after doing 'his Grand tour'. Typically during this period these aristorcats returned with many ideas from afar for their gardens, each one trying to outdo the other. Hence the Swiss Cottage, the Indian Kiosk, the chapel, the fernery and grotto as well as lakes, bridges and many paths to walk. It was a lovely garden to explore and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

The boys enjoyed looking at the collection of planes ranging in age from the Bristol Boxlite (1910) to the 'Perfect Spitfire'. Many of these planes performed in the skies for us.

Check the link to see their collection: http://www.shuttleworth.org/the-collection/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Late afternoon we enjoyed some light refreshments while watching the crowd. Some of the crowd go to such lengths to set up their 'patch' with flags, bunting, and elaborate table settings. We even had our NZ flag fluttering beside us.

 

 

 

At 6:30 the pre show entertainment started with Perfect Vintage singing mostly 1940s vintage songs. While we listened to this duo we enjoyed our second picnic for the day, a feast no less.

 

 

At 7pm the concert and airshow started with the music being performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Some of the aircraft were the Muscle Biplane, a glider, a trio of spitfires, Gloster Gladiator and the Avro Triplane and Bristol Boxkite.

 

Next on the programme was the orchestra. Some of the programme included two vocalists doing such numbers such as Jerusalem, Rule Brittania and of course Land of Hope and Glory. The evening finale was Pomp and Circumstance to a grand fireworks display.

 

 

 

It was a wonderful event that we will remember for a long time.

 

 

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