WINGS & WHEELS 2025

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SUNDAY 25 MAY sees the return of Wings & Wheels, one of the highlights of Essex calendar at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, when vintage aircraft will take to the skies to perform exciting displays while hundreds of gleaming classic cars are exhibiting on the ground.

Crowds will throng to the popular event – with tickets traditionally selling out before the day - so visitors should pre-book to be sure gaining entry.

Planned air activities include demonstrations from a range of World War One and World War Two aircraft (weather permitting). Being Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, the classic warbirds will be displaying at low level, to the cheers of the crowds. Meanwhile, up to 200 classic, vintage and unusual vehicles will provide plenty of entertainment on the ground.

Visitors can enjoy bacon rolls, burgers and hotdogs from our barbecue, washed down with a cold aviation-themed beer from local favourite and long-term collaborator Datum Attitude brewery, The Airmen’s Mess café will be on hand too, supplying even more hot and cold meals, snacks and cakes throughout the day.

Aviation enthusiasts will relish the chance to get within touching distance of some of the amazing aircraft in the show with our Flight Line Walks. Led by our resident experts, they will get you up-close-and-personal with some of the rarest aircraft in Britain, sharing their history and marvelling at their engineering. Flight Line Walks can only be booked on the day and are first come first served, so get there early if you want to be sure of a slot!

Aircraft hoping to be on show (weather/operational issues allowing) include resident World War One fighter the Albatross DVa, a stunning Nieuport 17, a trio of golden age light “Hoppers” led by the rare Ercol Ercoupe, a Russian Yak-52 and the gut-wrenching antics of the Turbulent Team.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments:

“Wings & Wheels is one of the highlights of the region’s social calendar, and for good reason. We have classic aircraft flying just above the field, whirling dogfights in the sky and nail-biting close formations, along with a fantastic selection of classic cars on the ground. Add in the rare chance to go airside and see these amazing machines up close, and enjoy some excellent food and drink, and you have the perfect family day out.”

Head to www.stowmaries.org.uk/events to book. Adult (16+) ticket: £20, Child (6-15): £10, Family (2+2) £49.99, Infant (0-5) Free (booking fee applies). In the unlikely event of tickets being available on the day, these will be available at £25/£15/£69.99. Flight Line Walks cost £7.50 per person.

All proceeds from our events directly fund the ongoing work to preserve and protect Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and support its battle for survival.

The museum opens to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Private bookings are available on other days. To plan your visit on a regular opening day, go to www.stowmaries.org.uk. For details of other exciting events at the museum in 2025, see www.stowmaries.org.uk/events.

Situated between Chelmsford and Maldon in the Essex countryside, the site hosts the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world. It was the base of 37 (Home Defence) Squadron Royal Flying Corps, which was tasked to protect London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman’s Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN is open from 10am until 4pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. www.stowmaries.org.uk