Valentines Day 14th February 2009

The Taupo Flying Proms are soaring to new heights in 2009!

The Flying Proms is a unique event, inspired by the successful formula of the Flying Proms concerts in the UK. The world famous Shuttleworth Collection of vintage and classic aircraft was the first to come up with the idea of flying their aircraft to music and then putting on a concert within the confines of the airfield. They have just celebrated their tenth anniversary show and several other airfields in the UK now have their own version of the “Flying Proms”.

Not just another air show the Taupo Flying Proms combines concert music with the flying. The Taupo version of the Flying Proms features the 65-strong Central Air Force Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Taupo’s own Great Lake Big Band, alongside some amazing displays and aerobatics from over 32 vintage and modern aircraft.

With its considerable membership and instrumentation, the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Airforce is the largest and only full symphonic band in the country, performing proms favourites, popular music and film themes. There is music in the air!

The air show and music component of The Flying Proms matchs music from the Great Lake Big Band and the Central Band to the theme of each of the aircraft on display. The flying and music display will be performed from 6pm – 8.30pm.

The full evening concert of proms music from the Central Band of the RNZAF with guest singers, will take place from 8.30 – 10.15pm, culminating in an explosive fireworks finale to the 1812 Overture.

The air show is being directed by ex-RNZAF pilot and regular Taupo visitor, Gavin Tretheway. Starting with a mass parachute drop at 6pm, the air show will include over 32 aircraft including a gyrocopter, state-of-the-art aerobatic gliders, Russian Yak 22s, Tigermoths, British classics, Harvards, a MXT (the latest thing in specialist aerobatics), and to top it all off, a special appearance from a P40 Kittyhawk and a breathtaking sunset display from the RNZAF Red Checkers aerobatic team.

A heart stopping feature will be a wing walk by Susan Scott, strapped to the wing of a flying Tigermoth. Wing walking is in her blood, her grandfather, Ron Alexander, did the original wing walk flying in New Zealand and her great grandmother did a wing walk with him back in the 60s.

Gates open at 2pm. Arrive early to stakeout your picnic area and sample the many activities over the afternoon for all of the family. Strap yourself in, and take to the air for a lifetime experience in a glider or warbird. Get up close to the displays of aircraft and vintage and classic cars.

Bring your own picnic, or sample the fare on offer at the food stalls and bar facilities on site.