We are delighted to announce the Taupo Flying Proms for 2009!

The Taupo Flying Proms will feature a spectacular display of aircraft and aerobatics, alongside a full concert from the 50-strong Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Great Lake Big Band. With its considerable membership and instrumentation, the Central Band 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!

Added into the mix is a special display by the Airforce Red Checkers aerobatic team, a display of vintage planes and cars, and an explosive fireworks finale.

Taupo Flying Proms is a family day out, combining music, flying, wine, food and fun in the relaxed rural setting of Centennial Park, the home of the Taupo Gliding Club.

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, and they have just celebrated their tenth anniversary show. The combination of venue, orchestra, aircraft and the fireworks display creates an atmosphere that is just magic, and several other airfields in the UK now have their own version of the “Flying Proms”.

In 2008 a group of enthusiasts from the Taupo Gliding Club, realizing that their own airfield at Centennial Park has that same special atmosphere as the UK event, got together to organise the Taupo Flying Proms for the people of New Zealand.

Gates will open at 2pm and people will be invited to set up a viewing position. Bring a picnic or purchase wine and food from stalls on site.

During the afternoon there will be a wide variety of featured entertainment both on and off stage until about 6.30pm when the action really starts to warm up! Prepare for a spectacular display of glider aerobatics and competition-style soaring, followed by the thrills of a bygone era with numerous other featured vintage and classic aircraft and even a daring wing-walking display all set to our unique musical background. By this time it will be near twilight, and as the sun sinks slowly behind beautiful Mount Tauhara the atmosphere will be magic.