40,000 flock to RAF Cosford Air Show
Almost 40,000 people flocked to the RAF Cosford Air Show, delighted organisers said today.
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Almost 40,000 people flocked to the RAF Cosford Air Show, delighted organisers said today.
And despite the turnout, there were no issues with traffic jams or parking problems, with visitors praising the organisers for the smooth running of the show.
Onlookers also gathered on roadside verges and nearby fields to catch a glimpse of state-of-the-art planes, as well as the iconic Spitfire and Lancaster bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
More than six hours of aerobatic stunts, historical dog fights and flypasts from military and civilian pilots thrilled spectators, who came prepared for rain but ended up basking in sunshine.
The world-famous Red Arrows stole the show, while an explosive display by two Tornado jets left huge plumes of smoke over the airfield yesterday.
Earlier, an RAF Typhoon jet had stunned the crowd and made the earth shake with the noisiest display of the day.
Wing Commander Mike Wilson, Air Show Chairman, said: “We are delighted that despite the unsettled weather leading up to the day, our supporters turned out in good numbers for the event.
“Thankfully, the weather allowed us to provide a full flying display programme. Also all the ground displays have proven very popular with visitors.”
Mr Wilson added: “I know that this year there are a lot of competing demands on the time and the pockets and hence we are very appreciative of the enthusiasm brought by people who attended the show.
“Such support is most welcome to the personnel from Cosford, and other military bases, who work so hard to produce an air show that shows some of the work of the RAF and which aims to thank the local community for their support.”
On a day of good news for the Red Arrows, it was revealed that they are to stay at their current base at RAF Scampton, allaying fears of a move.
See more Cosford Air Show coverage in today's Shropshire Star