Spitfire display to wow crowd at 20th Highclere Country Show

Two-day country pursuit showcase bank holiday Sunday and Monday

OOHS and ahhs are expected from the crowds at a Spitfire display set to thrill at the action packed 20th Highclere Country Show on bank holiday Sunday and Monday (May 29 & 30).

With Highclere Castle and grounds as the stunning backdrop, and subject to cloud cover, the seven-minute display to mark the anniversary of two decades will see the 1944 Mk IX Spitfire perform daredevil manoeuvres – with a chance to win a 30-minute flight over the English Channel in a Spitfire TR9.

With some 32,000 visitors expected, traffic on local roads and particularly surrounding the castle, is expected to be heavy, with drivers advised to allow extra time for journeys.

Family attractions include gundog handling, clay shooting, archery, fishing, falconry and ferreting, with more than 200 exhibition stands, picnic areas, main arena events, children’s entertainment, a food festival, craft and antiques fairs, live music and picnic areas.

Around 1,200 gundogs will be put through their paces at the Chudleys Gundog Championship, and new this year is the gunmakers roadshow , aimed at both clay and game shooters, with expert tuition and chance to try before you buy, using free clays and cartridges.

The Rockwood dog display team will entertain, with rousing marching music from the City of Coventry Corps of Drums and a survival camp providing tips on surviving in the wild.

The prize to fly in a Spitfire TR9 over the English Channel will be drawn in September at the Midland Game Fair in Shropshire.

To enter/book tickets visit www.highclerecountryshow.co.uk. Advance value ticket, two-day adult pass £24. Accompanied children aged 15 and under free of charge. Tickets on the gate £15.

For further covergage, pick up a copy of next week’s (June 2) edition of the Newbury Weekly News.