Essex Skies to Come Alive with the Roar of Vintage Aircraft at the Stow Maries Air Show

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has released details of some of the exciting aircraft that are expected to appear at The Stow Maries Air Show on Sunday 16 August.

The Air Show, one of the registered charity's major fundraising events of the year, celebrates the history of aviation with a fantastic flying display that looks set to be a sell-out for the third year in a row. While all air activities are subject to last minute change for weather and operational reasons, the event is expected to kick off in magnificent style with a display by a 1943 Mk9 Spitfire, the only one of its kind still flying that was originally painted in desert camouflage, and the only Spitfire flying in the world with a Rolls Royce Merlin 63 engine.

Legendary World War One aircraft, including a Fokker Dr.1 Triplane painted in the colours of the Red Baron, will represent the earliest days of military aviation, while the nine historic Tiger Moth aircraft in the Tiger Nine Display Team will wow the crowds with their display of precision flying in the 1930s aircraft that World War Two RAF pilots were trained on.

The World War One Aerodrome and Accredited Museum also expects to welcome the Red Sparrows, a display group of de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft.The Chipmunk, which is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its first flight this year, was a tandem-seat training aircraft that replaced the Tiger Moth biplanes after World War Two, so visitors will be able to compare the performance of the two from the ground.

The programme also features the ever-popular Turbulent Team, who carry out nail-biting low-level manoeuvres including flour-bombing, balloon-bursting and limbo-flying in their classic D31 Turbulents. These single-seater, open-cockpit aircraft first came on the scene in 1953. Meanwhile, representing more modern aircraft, is the Vans RV-8 – a high-performance, two-seater kit-built aircraft known for its fighter-like feel, superb handling and aerobatic capability. Trailing a plume of smoke behind it and capable of reaching 220mph, the RV-8 will be demonstrating its speed and agility above the WW1 aerodrome.

A variety of other special flying guests will make this a day to remember for aviation fans and families alike.Plus, for a small extra charge, bookable only in person on the morning, Flightline Walks allow visitors to get right up close to some of the aircraft and discover more about what makes each one special, as well as take photographs at close range.

2/… The event will welcome traders with aviation-themed artwork, models and books, and visitors can mingle with real aircraft on the ground, parked up with their pilots on hand to talk about learning to fly and much more. Admission tickets include full access to the museum's hangars of vintage aircraft and exhibition galleries, along with interactive cockpits and pedal planes for the younger eager pilots.

Tickets to The Stow Maries Air Show must be booked online. Adult tickets (16 and over) are £25, children 5-15 £12 and under 5s free (booking fee applies).For more information visitwww.stowmaries.org.uk.