For anybody who loves aviation phtography, or simply viewing aircraft..the regular shows put on by The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire are unsurpassed.
The orientation of many air shows makes you look straight into the sun all day which is hardly comfortable and is disastrous for photography. At Old Warden, the sun is always just off to the right and moves behind as the day progresses, which is great indeed. Not only that but they put on special evening air displays where the flying doesn't begin until 4 or 5 pm so, weather gods permitting, you are guaranteed quality light.
At most shows the crowd line is so far back from the display line you need a pair of binos to see anything...not here. The aircraft fly spectacularly close to the crowd and as many are slow and very agile they can twist and turn in a small airspace to give you views from all angles, for unique photos. In fact many shots end up looking like they were taken from another aircraft rather than from the ground.
The collection has some unique and amazing machines of its own and private collectors often attend with their own warbirds, like the glorious Hurricane Mk2 and Harvard that appeared for this display.
What's more , its a friendly and intimate place, devoid of big barriers and jobsworth security. You can find yourself having a coffee with a display pilot or watching mechanics prepare a machine for flight....even the canteen is nice and sensibly priced.
If you love aviation you owe it to yourself to visit. All air displays should be this good!
