Historic cars and aircraft including a Bristol Blenheim Bomber and Tiger Moth will bring a former wartime RAF base to life this summer with the Flywheel Festival. This event will celebrate the rich motoring and aviation heritage of the location, drawing enthusiasts from across the country.
Event Highlights
The 2016 Flywheel Festival will feature an impressive array of vintage and classic vehicles, both on the ground and in the air. Attendees will be treated to the sight of a 1901 Toledo Steam Carriage, a rare vehicle with only 15 known survivors worldwide. The motorcycle line-up included notable models such as a 1924 Harley-Davidson Two Cam Racer and a 1930 Peugeot with a modern replica of a WWI aircraft radial engine.
Aviation Displays
In addition to the classic cars and motorcycles, the festival will showcase around 30 historic aircraft performing live demonstrations. Highlights include a 1914 Be-2 biplane replica, a 1916 Sopwith triplane replica, and a 1917 Fokker Dr1 triplane replica. The Great War Display Team will execute dramatic aerial dogfights complete with smoke effects and simulated gunfire. The Tiger 9 display team, featuring restored Tiger Moths, will also perform daring manoeuvres.
Additional Attractions
The festival wasn’t just about vehicles; it also features period music bands, food and drink stalls, a silent cinema, and a large vintage trade fair. Visitors arriving in pre-1966 vehicles can park in a special show enclosure, adding to the vintage atmosphere of the event. The Bicester Home Guard will provide live demonstrations, further immersing attendees in the historical ambiance of the site.
Future Prospects
Bicester Heritage continues to leverage its unique setting for such events, blending historical preservation with engaging public displays. The Flywheel Festival remains a significant event on their calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and contributing to the site’s ongoing legacy as a hub for vintage motoring and aviation.
