The inaugural Flywheel Festival held at Bicester Heritage this year provided a welcome breath of fresh air for the UK events scene. The event very much had a more relaxed Revival feel with a great mix of car demonstrations and flying, with incredible access to both cars and aeroplanes.

During WW2 Bicester was home to the Bristol Blenheim and the Duxford based Blenheim proved to be the star act of the event as many watched it “coming home”. There was a huge crowd gathered as the Bristol twin came to a stop at crowd centre following it’s arrival and there was plenty of media attention.

The Blenheim later delivered a typically polished display showing the impressive speed that this light fighter/bomber can offer.

This show was also the airshow debut for the Bristol Scout replica. There was excellent close access offered in the static park with the opportunity to speak to the builders about the project and the Rotary engine was run on each day. Watching the Scout run alongside a fellow Bristol, in the shape of the Blenheim was a fantastic sight.

The historic buildings of Bicester made for an excellent venue.

The Blenheims arrival was one of those great moments in my airshow memory.

The Bristol Scout project’s debut was undoubtedly a highlight of the show. Seen here performing an engine run.

Two classic Bristol designs side by side.

The Blenheim flight crew were joined by a number of distinguished guests, as well as the event organisers for a brief photo call in front of the aircraft.

Up close opportunities such as this, combined with excellent flying and driving are sure to have people pouring back at future events.

John Romain put in another polished routine in the Blenheim.