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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:41:54 GMT 1
Mersey River Festival Flying Displays This thread first appeared on the ‘xs orbit’ incarnation of nwan forum, but was lost when the host closed down overnight near three years ago! It has taken a while to get around to re-entering the information, together with illustrative photographs. Trust that you enjoy a short trip down memory lane.FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN,
LIVERPOOL FESTIVAL, 1951 The ‘Liverpool Festival’ over a three week period in July & August 1951 was Liverpool’s contribution to the nationwide ‘Festival of Britain’ year of events. Two aviation displays formed part of the Liverpool Festival, one an air display off Otterspool Prom, the other a mass fly-past and dog-fight display by the Fleet Air Arm. Here I’ll record the ‘River Regatta and Air Display’ of Saturday 4th August here, while on the ‘Flypasts over the Mersey’ thread details of the Royal Navy event. The following description is adapted from a report in the Liverpool Daily Post (held on microfilm in the Liverpool Reference Library), so is not necessarily a complete list of the participants. The first part of the event was yacht racing involving ‘Firefly’ and ‘Clipper’ class yachts. From the newspaper account a spectacular, but often distant affair, rather confusing for the spectator. During the Regatta an initial crowd of 5,000 swelled to 10,000 by the time of the Air Display. The air display commenced at 3 pm and finished at 5.30pm. It was a fairly still hot day, which threatened rain that held off while the event was in progress. The air display commenced with formation flying by members of the ‘Liverpool Flying Club’, the formation consisting of a Tiger Moth, Magister and four Austers. The Tiger Moth then flew a ‘breath-taking’ sequence of solo aerobatics, flown by Sqdn Ldr G.C.Wright, Chief Instructor of the Club. Next, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force with an imposing formation of No. 611 (Hooton) Squadron Meteor fighter jets, followed by solo aerobatics by a Meteor and a Chipmunk, with formation flying by Chipmunks of No.19 Reserve Flying School from RAF Woodvale. The afternoon ended with a “learning to fly” display and the balloon bombing of a river launch by the Liverpool Flying Club. These photos were amongst a bundle of Aero Club photos kindly passed on by Cedric Flood. I am only guessing that these are the 1951 'River Regatta and Air Display' these shots certainly fit the event description in the newspaper report. The event included a formation flypast consisting of a Tiger Moth, Magister and four Auster aircraft.  Solo aerobatics by a Tiger Moth followed.  The railings holding back the spectators certainly look like those at Otterspool Prom, with the river beyond what look like barges for the fireworks display. Could be during the 'bombing' of a river launch mentioned above. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:43:42 GMT 1
MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL,
1983 The River Mersey Festival billed a number of flying displays during the fortnight of the event, spread across three weekends. On Sunday 26th June and aerobatic display along Otterspool Prom involved three Cheshire Air Training School (CATS) Cessna 150s formation flying (G-BBCF, G-BAYO and G-FAYE), along with their Cherokee G-GCAT, Texan G-BHTH, Akro (Pace Spirit) G-OODO. I was not there, but noted at the time that Tomahawk G-BGET may have been involved too. Helicare (using Air Kilroe’s) Jet Ranger G-TKHM provided pleasure flights. Zlin Z.50L G-ZSOL was scheduled to appear, but burst a tyre at Liverpool Airport so could not participate. On Saturday 2nd July the ‘Red Arrows’ performed over Otterspool Prom, with Gazelle HT.3 XW858/C providing a lift for the commentator. RAF Valley Wessex HAR.2 XR497 provided an ASR demonstration, while Helicare Jet Ranger G-BCWM plied a pleasure flight trade. The following weekend, on Saturday 9th July, the ‘Falcons’ parachute display team dropped from a Hercules C.1, XV299, over Birkenhead Docks. I.G.F. RIVER FRONT AIR DISPLAY,
1984 During the I.G.F.(International Garden Festival) year at Otterspool, summer of 1984, there were a number of small scale flying events off the promenade, over the River Mersey .These proved to be quite a crowd-puller, on Sunday 1st July a small scale air display drew the crowds to see: G-OODI Pitts S-1D G-AVLW & G-AVNZ Fournier RF-4D aircraft, together as the “Fournier Pair" performed a superb routine to the music of Pink Floyd "Shine on you crazy diamond". G-BAVO Stearman flown by Jim Keen G-BHTH T-6G Texan also flown by Jim Keen G-ZSOL Zlin 50 MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL,
1985 Over Otterspool Prom, along the Festival Gardens section of riverside, a number of aircraft performed before a ‘sail-past’ of vessels as part of the “Mersey River Festival” on Sunday 23rd June. 1415-1425 The ‘Fournier Pair” G-AVLW & G-AVNZ (both operated from Liverpool Airport) 1430-1439 Richard Goode in Ultimate Pitts S-1D G-OODI 1441-1446 Royal Navy Historic Flight Sea Hawk WV908 1447-1455 Royal Navy Historic Flight Sea Fury WG655 The RAF “Falcons” free fall parachute team jumped out of Hercules XV297, which made a low run before landing at Liverpool. 1600 A 22 Sqdn Wessex HAR.2 was due for a rescue demonstration, but cancelled. On Saturday 29th June, the ‘Marlboro’ Pair’ with their two Pitts aircraft performed their display sequence at 1200-1210. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:44:36 GMT 1
MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL,
1986 From the MAS ‘EGGP’ magazine, by my current standards, quite a brief piece:Sunday, 14th June, will be remembered as the day that summer ’86 started, with cloudless skies and a blazing sun from dawn till dusk. The perfect weather for a display, despite a strong easterly wind. Over the past few years, this display, as part of the ‘Mersey River Festival’ has built up into a highly enjoyable event. Centred on the Britannia Inn section of Otterspool Prom, there is a wide area for a large crowd to disperse around and still get a clear view. The display line being roughly north to south, out over the river, parallel to the waterfront. The display started at 3.00pm prompt with Brian Lecomber putting ”Toyota” Pitts G-WILD through a tightly flown aerobatic outine with many flick rolls, stall turns and outside manoeuvres. At the end of an energetic 10 minute routine, he departed away for Barton. The ‘Royal Iris’ then cruised past heading southwards towards Garston, while the Stearman G-BAVO held over to the west. The great growl from the large radial engine on the Stearman is certainly an attention getter. A wider, but generally lower display than the Pitts, the Stearman bi-plane is certainly a most attractive aeroplane when displayed in sunshine. With the Stearman departing southwards to land at Liverpool, a short gap before the next aircraft appeared over the cranes of Garston. Without doubt, the prize participant, Widgeon N444M nicely linked the water and themes of the “Air & Power Boat Display”. This is the first amphibian to appear in the ‘Mersey Festival’ display, and after a number of low passes it became the first aircraft to intentionally touch down on the River Mersey since a Piaggio P.136 Gull 12.03.58! N444M performed a ‘touch and go’ (or perhaps more correctly a ‘splash and go’) on just one pass at around 1529 hours. As the Widgeon departed northwards, the Royal Iris cruised past, heading towards the Pier Head. There then followed the very polished displays given by the Fleet Air Arm Historic Flights, flying their Firefly and Sea Fury aircraft. The delightful Mosquito flown by British Aerospace showed off its graceful lines to perfection, to be followed by the Liverpool based Stinson L-5c N8035C which was flown low and slow, in contrast to the fighter displays preceding. To complete the flying part of the display, the “Unipart” team of two Fournier RF.4Ds flying synchronised aerobatics set to music. There then followed power-boat and water-scooter displays. A most enjoyable display, made all the more attractive not only be the fine weather, but by the waterfront setting. I look forward to the display next year, and trust that the organisers will once again have the backing to provide such a fine, free display. PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT, 1986
1500-1510 G-WILD Pitts S-1T “Toyota”, f&t Barton
1514-1520 G-BAVO/26 Stearman US Navy colours f&t Liverpool
1525-1537 N444M/1411 G.44A Widgeon yellow & orange colours Liverpool to Newtownards
1543-1547 WB271/204:R Firefly RN period colours, RNHF
1543 & 1548-1551 WG655/910:GN Sea Fury RN period colours, RNHF
1556-1604 RR299/HT-E Mosquito RAF period camouflage, BAe, to Hawarden
1609-1615 N8035H/N Stinson L.5C US Marines colours f&t Liverpool
1620-1631 G-AVWY & G-AVNZ Fournier RF.4D “Unipart” team Biggin Hill to Liverpool These photos are far from my best. In defence I'll state that in the mid '80s I was still using a fabric blind model Practica camera, while it had TTL metering, the information had to be entered in manually. The glarish sun right in your face did not help either. Less of the excuses, some images to stir the nostalgia for those present. "Toyota" sponsored Pitts G-WILD opened the show   This was followed by local Stearman G-BAVO flown in a spirited manner by Jim Keen.    Next item featured the first water touch down on the Mersey since the late 50s. A "splash and go" by Widgeon N444M operating from Liverpool Airport.  The Royal Iris on a special Air Display cruise seen with Widgeon turning in behind, commencing a final pass along the crowd line before clearing northwards.   Following the Firefly, Sea Fury and Mosquito, came Jim Keen again, this time in N9035H a Stinson L-8c Sentinel  The flying display was closed by the "Unipart Duo" flying Fournier RF-4D aircraft in a close routine set to music. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:45:37 GMT 1
MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL,
1987 From FoLA’s ‘09/27’ a much longer piece from myself. I’ll edit it down a little as I re-type it here.The Mersey River Festival has over the past few years become a welcome part of the MDC drive to bring visitors and publicity to Merseyside. This is the fifth year that the River Festival has included a major aviation element. In earlier years, shows have been along the Otterspool Prom/IGF section of the east bank, however ’87 sees a break in this pattern, with a move across the river to New Brighton. The event was tied-in with power boat racing earlier in the afternoon – a great crowd puller, and an event which attracted much pre-event media publicity. It, however, seemed a rather distant and confusing event to the casual observer, although the growl from the 3-litre boats certainly out-decibelled the small aircraft of later in the afternoon! June ’87 has gone down on record as one of the wettest ever recorded Sunday 14th June proved no exception, with much rain around the country, except over Merseyside – well nearly! It was dry for the morning and during the power boat event, however at 2.30pm as the flying display commenced, it began to ‘weep’ gently out of slightly broken cloud, with a base at around 2500-3000 feet. By 4.30pm, however, the cloud had broken up sufficiently to allow hazy sunshine – this was not to last, as at 5.00pm, as the crowd made for their homes, low black clouds and heavy rain swept in on a rising NW wind. This was the second Merseyside air display in which I had played a small role on behalf of FoLA. For the August ’84 display at the Airport, I had been involved in advising (and largely being ignored by) Paul Billinge. Through personal attendance at FoLA meetings Rob Green kept involved of progress, and invited me to view the activity of the day with the organising team from a roof-top commentary position. It certainly gave me a new insight into the complex organisation required. First flying item, although not strictly part of the flying display, was by the Keenair Cessna 172, which made three passes overhead at the conclusion of the power-boat racing. It was towing a banner, picked up at Haydock, declaring “MDC – AT THE HEART OF MERSEYSIDE- MDC”. The MDC and Wirral Borough Council had put up the £6000 sponsorship necessary for the air display, so why not a little self-publicity? The air display proper was due to commence at 2.30pm, however the first item had to be cancelled. The Fleet Air Arm Historic Aircraft Flight, which have put on such a good display for the previous two years, failed to arrive. The Sea Fury being grounded with a small technical fault at Yeovilton and the Fairey Firefly was stuck at Linton-on-Ouse in dreadful weather, and also failed to attend Church Fenton and Cosford. A disappointment, but prudent, given the rare historic value of the 38 year old, Merlin powered aircraft. The poor weather around the country was to cause the cancellation of other anticipated display aircraft later in the afternoon as well. First aircraft in the display was the Saab 340 of Manx Airlines, on a brief flight from Liverpool between passenger schedules. Excellent publicity for the airline and promotion of its services from Liverpool. The superb lines of the aircraft must have made a very favourable impression on the large crowd. In contrast the next item was the colourful Stearman bi-plane daringly flown by Martin Keen in a thrilling sequence, punctuated by throaty bursts of power from the large, uncowled radial engine. The turns over the Mersey at the south end of the one and a half mile long display line, framed the aircraft above the twin Liverbirds at the Pier Head for photographers. Out in mid-river, but clear of the flight-line, the Royal Iris cruised, giving passengers an alternative view of the display. Also present, at the ready, were several inshore rescue lifeboats of the R.N.L.I. Although in position for the power boat racing, I am sure that their presence was comforting knowledge for any of the pilots should anything have gone wrong. Seabirds, which are a possible hazard at coastal flying displays were much in evidence – possibly due to the event being timed to coincide with high tide. Once the Stearman had cleared the display area, there was a brief lull due to the withdrawal of the promised DH Devon, due to CofA papers being withheld by the CAA). Next, the star of the afternoon. Having flown through heavy rain to reach Merseyside, the magnificent Flying Fortress “Sally B” appeared, flying a sequence of banked passes. “Sally B” may well be 43 years old, but the display sequence belied her age. In 12 years of display flying, this was only her second official appearance over Merseyside. In contrast to the size of “Sally B”, the ‘Fort’ was followed by the WAR half-scale replica of the Focke-Wulf Fw.190 fighter. Rod Dean (who managed over 13 hours in the air that week-end between displays!) flew a lively sequence, deliberately giving a good view to the public, estimate at over 40,000 in total, spread out between Seacombe and Wallasey. After re-fuelling at Liverpool Airport, Rod went on to make an unscheduled appearance at the RAF Cosford display, as they had had so many ‘no shows’ due to the weather. Meanwhile at New Brighton ther was a gap caused by the Cranfield Chase aircraft being grounded at Cranfield by the weather. It also missed an aerobatic competition at Sleap. Next on was Martin Keen again, this time in his ‘warbird’ Stinson L-5c. The slow passes showed off the U.S. Marines blue colours to advantage. This was followed by another veteran aircraft, the wonderful de Havilland Mosquito, which is kept in full flying condition by British Aerospace at Chester. She is no stranger to Merseyside flying events, and once again provided a marvelous display routine, flown by test pilot John Saddler. There is little that can beat for nostalgia the sound and sight of this twin Merlin powered fighter-bomber. The Mosquito was also scheduled to appear at Church Fenton, however it was imprudent to tackle the foul Pennine weather. Final event of the day was an aerobatic sequence flown by Roger Hincliffe in a diminutive Pitts. Half-way through his ‘aerial ballet’ routine, a bracing wire worked loose and caused Roger to break-off his display and sedately head for home. A somewhat anti-climax ended to the day. Especially so, as Arnold Glass’s former Red Arrows Folland Gnat was stranded at Cranfield with a flooded runway. Right upto the last moment he had hoped to get away, yet despite sitting in his cockpit for 40 minutes, he failed to get away to close the show at New Brighton – where ironically the sun was shining! Throughout the afternoon the ATC at Liverpool (who used the ‘Radar’ frequency 118.45 to control the display aircraft) worked hard, not only with the full normal Sunday afternoon workload, but with the air display on the edge of their controlled airspace. Without the cooperation of the CAA and of the IAL controllers, the event couldn’t have taken place. The new portable (now a little smaller than a car battery) BT Vodaphones certainly made the vital communication between Air Traffic at the Airport and Rob Green at New Brighton much easier than would have been the case otherwise. At New Brighton the commentator was Iain Kavanagh – his lack of local aviation knowledge made up for by extensive notes supplied by myself and Keith Crowden, although a little more homework by Iain before the event would have given the commentary a smoother flow. The main organiser of the event was Rob Green, who despite all the let-downs this year already has great plans for ’88, with a move back to Otterspool Prom and a three hour long display. PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT, 1987
1400-1410 G-ENII Cessna F.172, Keenair f&t Liverpool banner towing
1435-1440 G-HOPP Saab SF.340A Manx Airlines f&t Liverpool four passes
1446-1453 G-BAVO/26 Stearman Keenair/Martin Keen f&t Liverpool thrilling
1502-1512 G-BEDF/G Boeing B-17G B-17 Ltd Conningsby- Duxford magnificent
1518-1526 WAR Fw.190 Rod Dean Church Fenton-Liverpool lively sequence
1536-1541 N8035H/N Stinson L-5c Keenair/Martin Keen f&t Liverpool low and slow
1555-1604 G-ASKH/RR299/HT-E DH Mosquito B.Ae/John Saddler f&t Hawarden excellent
1608-1613 G-BIRD Pitts S-1D Roger Hincliffe to Halfpenny Green cut short
‘no Shows’ by billed items: Sea Fury, Firefly, DH Devon, Cranfield Chase and Folland Gnat.
 Before the display Keenair Cessna 172 G-ENII reminded everyone asembled who who sponsoring the event.   The clean lines and 'airliner' look of the Saab 340 impressed as it appeared in the display to promote Manx Airline's London service.     This was followed by local Stearman G-BAVO.    The American WWII trainer, was followed by a WWII American heavy bomber, in the form of B-17 Flying Fortress "Sally B".  The WAR Fw.190 scale replica was too small to capture a decent photo of, however Keenair's Stinson Sentinel was once again flown superbly to show of its slow flying ability.  Why just the one image of the Mosquito RR299 over the Liverpol skyline I just don't know usually I take more of this aircraft than any other at a display! |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:46:47 GMT 1
MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL,
1988 The text comes from FoLA’s ‘09/27’ magazine, once again the original is by myself and is of ‘magazine length’. I’ll edit some out on re-type here.Unlike the conditions at this event a year ago, the weather was moderately kind, producing a clear, dry day. There was a bracing, cool, on-shore breeze of upto 20 knots from the North West which kept the temperature down to a ‘wrap-up’ 14 degrees, especially so on the occasions when high cloud obscured the sun. This free air display is now in its sixth year, and the second organised by FoLA Chairman, Rob Green, on a voluntary basis for the Merseyside Development Corporation. For the past 12 months, Rob has been busy co-ordinating the event. Arranging and booking aircraft appearances is just a minor part of the arrangements to be made. As the event takes place close to Liverpool Airport and well within the Special Rules Zone there is much liaising with both the C.A.A. and I.A.L. As the event takes place over water, the Coast Guard are involved, as are the R.N.L.I. Commercial organisation are contracted to provide specialist rescue expertise, County Rescue and Salvesen Divers. On land public address facilities are required, a commentator’s caravan, signposting, car parking all need attention, and traffic flow has to be agreed with the Police. On the day, not only are the Police involved, but also the Fire Service and St. John Ambulance Brigade. Sponsorship from the MDC and appearance rates juggled so as to provide as much interest as possible. Rob managed to book 13 ‘acts’ to appear in a space of three and a half hours on Saturday 4th June 1988. The first aviation item of the afternoon was based on the arena of the Festival Park. Here ‘R Company’ of the Royal Marine had set a display which included a demonstration of an abseiling assault descent from a Lynx helicopter. Although the helicopter did climb to 2000 ft to test the conditions, the winds were too strong for a para-drop. In addition to the demonstrations around the Central Arena, the helicopter flew a lively display for the gathering crowds along the Otterspool waterfront. A gap in programme followed as British Aerospace had been unable to provide the Chester based Mosquito, which is still receiving attention following winter overhaul of its aging Merlin engines. First aircraft of the afternoon were the Marlborough Duo with their pair of Pitts Special aircraft. Despite the strong Wing, blowing right to left along the display line, aerobatic experts Nigel Lamb and Richard Manning flew a spritely sequence of synchronised maneuvers. A rather different aircraft followed, with Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire 19, flown from RAF Coningsby by Sqdn Ldr ‘Paddy’ O’Flynn. He showed off the classic lines of this 1946 built aircraft, which once served with the THUM Flight at Woodvale in the 1950s, but is now painted in camouflage as a ‘D-Day’ 91 Sqdn aircraft. Another gap of around 15 minutes, before the diminutive Folland Gnat jet trainer of Arnold Glass appeared, resplendent in its genuine ‘Red Arrows’ colours. By virtue of its speed, passes were spaced apart as the aircraft used the full length of the designated flight line distance. Unfortunately, Arnold could not loop the aircraft as he required airspace upto 500 ft, which is controlled by Manchester. The highest any aircraft can go in Liverpool controlled airspace is 2000 ft. Due to its somewhat slower speed, the Royal Navy Historic Flight Fairey Swordfish which followed was able to fly closer to the crowds. Indeed the ability to fly slowly, coupled with a strong headwind produced some very sedate flypasts, showing off the lines of the 1943 torpedo equipped bi-plane to great advantage. It was delightful to see this aircraft display over her designated environment, the water. Another slow aircraft followed, this one rather more actively flown and somewhat noisier, with its powerful 450 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine – the Max Holste Broussard. An aircraft built for the French Military as a liaison aircraft, it is a rare sight in Britain, and the first time this Keenair Warbirds West aircraft has appeared in the Mersey Festival flying display. It was also its last, as the following Tuesday the aircraft dramatically crashed on the M62 near Barton. The mid-50s Broussard was followed by a late-40s design, the de Havilland Dave. This particular aircraft was built in 1956 and is now owned by enthusiast Rodney Small. He showed off the classic lines of this beautifully looked after small airliner. An aircraft with local connections, as it was built by de Havilland at Chester and in the early 60s was a regular visitor to Liverpool Airport when it served as an executive transport for Ind Coope Breweries. Then something a little different, a rescue demonstration by ‘C Flight’ of 22 Sqdn operating out of RAF Valley. They truly entertained the crowd for over 15 minutes, together with an RNLI inshore rescue craft. With the strong wind up the Mersey, the choppy conditions made the transfer of personnel from the winch strop onto the rescue craft an interesting sight – and a bruising one for those involved! The yellow Wessex completed the pick-up and drop-off sequences with several spirited passes, showing off the manoeuvrability and flying qualities of the large helicopter. The five-eighths scale WAR Fw-190 replica was put quietly through its paces by owner Rob Dean, who was performing at the River Festival for the second successive year. Another small aircraft followed, after a further pause in the events. This was the Ultimate Pitts of Richard Goode. He flew a competition sequence of flick turns, stall turns and rolls, all performed within a very tight area of airspace. Next, descending from 2000 ft in a stall descent appeared martin Keen, this time in the immaculate blue and yellow Stearman bi-plane. As always a colourful and delightful aircraft to watch as Martin put it through its paces. The final item of the afternoon was of a similar age to the Stearman, but somewhat more aerodynamic in profile! This was the 945 built Spitfire 14, G-FIRE, unusual in that it has an all red colour scheme, rather than camouflage colours. Like the earlier Spitfire, this too has local connections, firstly by flying with No.610 (County of Chester) Sqdn R.Aux.A.F. at Hooton Park in the late 1940s, and then as a derelict airframe, as in early 1966 it was imported from Belgium by Hoylake car dealer ‘Bunny’ Brooks, who had purchased it for £250and stored it in his petrol station forecourt. After 25 year grounded, the aircraft reflew in mid-March 1981, owned now by a consortium, collectively called ‘Classic Air Displays’. The pilot, Mike Blee, is a Merseysider, and as his was the final display slot, he flew an extended sequence, being only too delighted to fly it over home territory, rather than Oxfordshire. The crowd was difficult to estimate, being strung out over several miles from Mersey Road to the Albert Dock. Probably some 10 to 15,000 in number, it was a great deal less than the 40,000 hoped for. This despite the sunny conditions, although admittedly it was rather a cool day. Unfortunately much of the publicity was swamped by other aspects of the Mersey Festival. Really effective publicity is something the organisers of the ’89 event need to sort out, as the free display deserves to be seen by many more people. While Ray Thilthorpe (anag. ‘Harry the Pilot’) did a far better and informed job as commentator than Iain Kavanagh last year, he could only be heard around three relatively small areas of the promenade. There were perhaps too many diminutive aircraft quietly parading up and down (largest aircraft participating was probably the Swordfish!), how I missed something larger like the Flying Fortress last year. How about the Catalina landing on the Mersey in ’89? Although difficult because the display is out of sight of Liverpool ATC, slicker changing from one item to the next would help retain crowd interest. Rob though deserves much praise for his initiative and organisational powers – I know that I couldn’t have done it! Thanks are also due to the MDC for their financial backing, and to Dave Mobbs, Deputy SATCO with IAL Liverpool. PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT, 1988
1340-1356 XZ215/- Lynx AH.1 Royal Marines f&t Liverpool Airport
1420-1433 G-BGSE & G-WREN Pitts S-2A Richard Manning & Nigel Lamb ‘Marlborough Duo’
1437-1442 PM631/DL:E Spitfire PR.19 BBMF Sqdn Ldr O’Flynn f&t Coningsby
1500-1509 G-GNAT/XS101 F.Gnat T.1 Arnold Glass f&t Cranfield
1513-1518 LS326/L2 Swordfish II RNHF Roger McDonald Yeovilton-Woodvale
1520-1528 G-BKPU M.H. Broussard Martin Keen f&t Liverpool Airport
1534-1539 G-ARDE DH.104 Dove 6 Rodney Small f&t Liverpool Airport (based Cranfield)
1541-1558 XV724 Wessex HAR.2 C Flt, 22 Sqdn f&t RAF Valley
1601-1609 G-WULF/+8 WAR Fw-190 Rod Dean Liverpool-Cranfield
1615-1622 G-OODI Pitts S-1D Richard Goode f&t White Waltham
1616-1634 G-BAVO/26 N2S Stearman Martin Keen f&t Liverpool Airport
1639-1649 G-FIRE Spitfire LF.14 Mike Blee f&t Liverpool (based Oxford)
Only ‘no show’ was the Mosquito.
The Swordfish, Stearman and Broussard flew on the Sunday afternoon over the ‘Parade of Ships’, another River Festival event.
 One of the "Marlboro' Pair" of Pitts aircraft     Watching the Swordfish display low and slow over the River Mersey presented a number of photo opportunities  Another slow and low participant was Martin Keen's recently acquired Broussard, G-BKPU. Not the best shot of this aircraft, why I didn't get a better picture I no longer know!   Not a regular around the air show circuit, Dove G-ARDE performed well.    The 22 Sqdn 'Rescue' Wessex HAR.2 from RAF Valley provided a demonstration of the crew's rescue capabilities.  Martin Keen made a further appearance in 'Mersey River Festival' regular, Stearman G-BAVO. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 20:49:57 GMT 1
1989 The event for 1989 was planned for 2nd September 1989 as the ‘Wirral Air Display’, taking part off the New Brighton waterfront. The appointed organiser was Ray Thilthorpe, seemingly a good choice, with numerous contacts and ideas from his time with the RAF ‘Red Arrrows’ team, and with considerable experience in organising a similar waterfront air display at Southend. However, for a number of organisational, but mostly financial factors, the 1989 New Brighton display did not happen. However, the concept of a Merseyside waterfront air display had been proven, in 1991 the event moving up to Southport, where it has remained as a near annual event for over 20 years. While the Mersey River Festival has continued some years to include aviation items in the programme, they have been individual displays, rather than a full air show. In 2011 the event moved from the usual June slot to September. The BBMF Dakota was booked to appear on Sunday 11th, but due to the weather around the country that weekend the appearance was cancelled by the BBMF. COLUMBUS REGETTA AIR SHOW,
16th August 1992 The berthing at Liverpool of numerous ‘tall ships’ taking part in the Columbus Regatta was a major tourism event for Liverpool. During the long week-end of events, numerous pleasure flights were flown from Liverpool Airport. An Airshow, which if memory serves correct, was centred on New Brighton, took place on 16th August 1992. Many of the aircraft involved operated from Liverpool Airport (exceptions being the Antonov An-2, Corsair and Wessex). AIR SHOW PARTICIPANTS
G-AZSC AT-16 Harvard IIB – collectively the “Harvard Demonstration Team”
FE992/K:T (G-BDAM) AT-16 Harvard IIB
54137/69 (G-CTKL) CCF Harvard IV
889696/688 (G-TEAC) AT-6C Harvard IIA
G-IIIT & G-IITI Pitts S-2A “Toyota”, performance aerobatics, along with:
G-ITI Extra EA.300 “Lexus”
HA-ABJ Antonov An-2P
JV928/Y (G-BLSC) PBY-5A Catalina
40467/19(G-BTCC) F6F-5K Hellcat, TFC
88297/29 (G-FGID) FG-1D Corsair, TFC
XR501 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn RAF ‘Rescue 123’
G-CHUK Cameron O-77 “Converse Europe”, tethered inflation only
A Bearcat and a Skyraider were billed to display, but both suffered serviceability problems.
Skydiving mount, Islander G-ORED called at the Airport on 16th August, but no note if it dropped parachutists at the event.
I was involved at the Airport with the FoLA Dakota flights so missed out on being at the Pier Head. No photos from me as a result. Anyone fill the gap?OTHER AIRCRAFT NOTED
VIP Flights:
G-BHYB Sikorsky S-76A British International Helicopters
G-BLEY SA.365N Dauphin II Bond Helicopters
Press Flights:
G-DOLR AS.355F1 Twin Squirrel Dollar Helicopters
Pleasure Flights, operating from Liverpool Airport:
G-AMPZ C-47B Dakota 4 Air Atlantique
G-AMRA C-47B Dakota 6 Air Atlantique
G-OFLT Bandeirante P1 op for Air International
G-OJUG Navajo Chieftain 350 Air International
Pleasure Flights, operating from New Brighton:
G-BHYW AB.206 Jet Ranger II Lakeside Helicopters
G-BOLO B.206B Jet Ranger II Lakeside Helicopters
G-BPWI B.206B Jet Ranger III Lakeside Helicopters
Also noted present: Jet Rangers G-BSBW, G-NTBI & G-WOSP.
BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC 60th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION DISPLAYS, May 2003 As a center piece of the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic (and final official commemoration). On three days, Sat May 3rd to Bank Holiday Monday 5th May, flying displays included aircraft and helicopters off HMS Invincible and a Nimrod based at Liverpool Airport. Unusually the Carrier was moored in mid-River between the Pier Head and Birkenhead. Only open to invited guests. Aircraft aboard were embarked for the event and were not her usual complement. All were on deck, the hangar deck presumably empty, as there was a big reception and banquet for invited guests one evening. Aircraft and Helicopters involved:
XV671/183:B W. Sea King AEW.7
XZ920/826:B W. Sea King HAS.5U Silver/red 'Rescue' scheme
ZD625/VZ W. Sea King HC.4
ZE694/004:L BAe. Sea Harrier FA.2
ZH864/- EH-101 Merlin HM.1
Twice on most days a 'role demonstration' was performed off the Pier Head/Albert Dock area. FLY NAVY 100, Friday to Sunday 22nd - 24th October 2009 While the center-piece of the 'Fly Navy 100 Years' event on the River Mersey was a large fly-past of Fleet Air Arm aircraft over the Pier Head during the Friday afternoon, the event continued that afternoon until Sunday afternoon with displays centered on the Albert Dock-Pier Head section of the River. More on the Friday flypast: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/6556More on the visit by HMS Invincible to the Mersey: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/1790/aircraft-carriers-mersey
On the Sunday, early afternoon display, the helicopters involved were:
ZH841/82 EH-101 Merlin HM.1
XV707/184 W. Sea King ASaC.7
ZD479/WQ W. Sea King HC.4
XZ697/641 W. Lynx HMA.8
XV648/818 W. Sea King HAR.5, retro dark blue gloss scheme, Rescue demonstration
XZ248/634 & XZ250/631 W. Lynx HAS.3, The "Black Cats" team Photography is from between the Pier Head and the Albert Dock buildings, made difficult by looking into a low, bright winter sun.         SUBSEQUENT EVENTS There have been other events, including the ‘River Mersey Festival’ that have included aerobatic aircraft teams as part of the event, but none that I can recall, being sufficient to call an airshow. If anyone has memories of an event that I should have included, do PM me, as with sufficient clues (month, year), hopefully I’ll be able to add it to this thread. See also RAF & RN 'Town Shows' - Pier Head Recuiting Displays: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/8518Flypasts along the Mersey: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/6556 Visits by Aircraft Carriers: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/1790/aircraft-carriers-merseyMersey Hot Air Balloon Events: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/8247 THE ANNUAL WIRRAL SHOWS This topic could be a whole new thread if anyone has recorded the aircraft that have appeared over the years. The ST.HELENS SHOW is also worthy of record for the aircraft that have appeared there too. As could the annual R.N.L.I. HOYLAKE August Bank Holiday display, which regularly featured the 'Red Arrows' team. The Wirral Show, held in Birkenhead Park then at New Brighton for many years featured a short air displays, often performed by the R.A.F. Over the years Jaguar, Harrier and Tornado aircraft featured. Possibly the last Wirral Show to feature an aircraft display, held on the seafront at New Brighton, just around the corner from the River Mersey, so facing out into the Irish Sea, in 2008 featured a lengthy and spirited display by the new Airbus A.380, the agility displayed belied the sheer size of the aircraft.     |
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Post by viscount on Oct 5, 2021 8:43:20 GMT 1
BUMP UP of the RIVER MERSEY WATERFRONT AIR DISPLAYS thread. Another set of images that suffered first from Photobucket's actions of wiping out all 'free' images when they changed their rules and became a 'pay to use' service in 2018. I reposted using Google/gdurl only for the same issue to occur again not long after, since which time only around 50% remained visible. In October 2021 I have replaced all the images again, this time using the services of Postimages.org as the image hosting site. See how long these last in view, but I am now paying for their service, so hopefully for a long time! This thread was initially posted on NWAN Forum in February 2013, by October 2021 has reached 5,240 'hits'. I'm working next to refresh other River Mersey aviation events themed threads: Mersey flypasts, Balloon Fiestas and Aircraft Carrier visits. Now that this 'zombie' thread has been given a 'kiss of life', perhaps someone has images that could be posted to illustrate the events I was not at, especially the 'Columbus Regatta Air Show' in 1992. |
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