What a fabulous afternoon/evening we had at the Shuttleworth Flying Proms.
Starting with a prompt 3pm departure from St Ives we had a very pleasant drive through the countryside to the air museum. After setting up our chairs and picnics we enjoyed a wander through the beautiful gardens, then a look at airplanes from the beginning of air travel. Back to have a leisurely picnic in the sunshine accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra playing music from the musicals, at one point conducted by Debbie Wiseman, the well known composer in residence on ClassicFM.
At 7pm the Flying Proms kicked off with the star of the show. The Avro Lancaster is one of only two remaining, the other in Canada, and it flew overhead to the stirring music of the Dambusters March. Everyone stood and cheered and waved Union Jacks and we all felt proud to be British. Four laps with a final one, very low over our heads, dipping his wing before heading home to Coningsby. We were then treated to Spitfires, de Haviland, Gladiator, Avro Triplane and many more, flying with appropriate music. All very exciting.
The 2nd half was musicals: Queen, Colonel Bogey and many more to sing along to, finishing with Rule Britannia, the Hornpipe and Pomp & Circumstance as befits any Prom.
An emotional and stirring evening which will stay in our memories for a long time.