FLIGHT fans were treated to a spectacular airshow at a historic Essex venue.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, near Maldon, continues to recover from huge financial losses caused by the recent road closures that prevented its loyal supporters from reaching the site.

The latest Propwash event, billed as a ‘Festival of the Air’ attracted families from across the region.

Trio - Air Cadets from the Essex Wing Louis Mason, Logan Osborne, and Olly Shutleworth with a Slingsby T61Trio - Air Cadets from the Essex Wing Louis Mason, Logan Osborne, and Olly Shutleworth with a Slingsby T61 (Image: David Davies)

Enjoying a hot and sunny day, visitors to Europe’s largest surviving First World War aerodrome, hosted a spectacular celebration of all things aviation.

Displays range from national stars like the Nieuport 17 and BE2e First World War types.

Learning - Peter McGee talking about the Sopwith Tabloid aircraft with the Ridley familyLearning - Peter McGee talking about the Sopwith Tabloid aircraft with the Ridley family (Image: David Davies)

They were closely followed by the crazy antics of the Turbulent team, who had the crowds gasping with their limbo manoeuvres and barnstorming tricks.  

After a graceful and exciting display by the acrobatic RF-4, the crowd roared as the sound of a Merlin engine filled the skies over Essex.

Soaring - a Redhawk RF4 aircraft in diveSoaring - a Redhawk RF4 aircraft in dive (Image: David Davies)

There was no escaping the happiness of the onlookers as the famous Spitfire, hero of the Battle of Britain, twisted and turned against a crystal blue sky.

It departed to rapturous applause to be replaced by the Tiger Nine – the famous historic display team of nine vintage Tiger Moths.

Iconic - a Spitfire takes to the skiesIconic - a Spitfire takes to the skies (Image: David Davies)

Alongside the breathtaking displays in the air, ground attractions included First World War and Spitfire flight simulators, flying schools, clubs and aviation organisations like the Tiger Club and the British Women’s Pilots Association.

Smiles - Jon Higgins and Adam Lacey with the Chipmunk air craftSmiles - Jon Higgins and Adam Lacey with the Chipmunk air craft (Image: David Davies)

Guests of honour were Sophie Stuart-Buttle and family - descendants of Capt. Claude Ridley, the first Station Commander of RFC Stow Maries.

Formation - Tiger Nine aircraft in the airFormation - Tiger Nine aircraft in the air (Image: David Davies)

They attended a talk on their antecedent and then were given a behind-the-scenes tour.

Plane - Turbulent aircraft on displayPlane - Turbulent aircraft on display (Image: David Davies)

With all the exhibitions open to the public, as well as a bar from local brewers Datum Attitude and the famous BBQ, a fun day was had by all.

Going up - The BE2 lifts off at Stow MariesGoing up - The BE2 lifts off at Stow Maries (Image: David Davies)

Aerodrome chief executive Ian Flint said: “We are so grateful to all of the visitors that have joined us today for this wonderful event.

“To encourage engagement with heritage and aviation is a key part of our work and today we achieved that.

“We need as many supporters as possible of possible if we are to survive, so today was a lovely thing to see.

The next event at the site is the Large Model Air Show on September 14.