Thousands set to enjoy 2014 RAF Cosford Air Show
Thousands of people will be heading to the RAF Cosford Air Show today for an action-packed flying display.
Over 50,000 people attended last year’s show making the event one of the busiest in years.
This year’s air show will feature many favourites such as the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Vulcan. RAF Cosford is also welcoming the Belgian Red Devils Aerobatic Display Team to the Air Show for the first time. In addition two RAF transport aircraft, the Voyager and C17 will be making an appearance.
The jet line up includes the classic Hunter T7 and at the other end of the scale will be the distinctive Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Boeing Stearman biplanes with the Breitling Wingwalkers and the classic aircraft of the Great War Team. The Blades and the exciting four ship Yakovlevs will also be displaying at the show.
Ground displays at the RAF Cosford Air Show will be joined for the first time by a Royal Navy Sea Harrier on loan from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. The aircraft joins three other Harriers on display at this year’s Air Show, a GR3 and two GR9’s each with a unique configuration. The exhibit is part of a special display to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Kestrel, the prototype for the Harrier.
Carol Vorderman will be returning for the second year running to help promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. RAF Cosford is home to state-of the-art training schools for RAF Engineers and Technicians with a variety of specialities and many of them will have their own displays showcasing the skills and offering hands-on opportunities to visitors.
A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase the gate at £25 per adult (subject to availability). There’s free admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.
Highways Agency advises drivers to allow extra time
Motorists heading to the show and those using local roads in the area are being warned of congestion as the annual air show gets underway.
Frank Bird, Highways Agency Events Planning Manager, explained:
“Motorists are likely to experience congestion from 7:30am onwards, with the bulk of the attendees using the M54 from junction 2 to 3.
“To ease pressure this year, the event organisers have opened an additional entry point to the event and have a new team controlling the internal car parking. As in previous years, some local roads will be made one-way for inbound and outbound journeys.
“Our advice to all motorists, including people going to the show, is to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We have been working with the event organisers to sign a number of routes into the air show and we urge people to follow these signs.”
The Highways Agency will be using electronic message signs on approaching motorways to provide drivers with real time traffic information on any diversions and delays.
Radio Cosford 87.9 FM will be providing the latest traffic bulletins throughout the day.
