Lancaster bomber to entertain the crowds
AFAMOUS Second World War bomber designed by a Widnes-born aeronautical engineer is due to dazzle spectators at a familyfriendly extravaganza.
The Avro Lancaster will be part of this year’s Croft Nostalgia Festival in North Yorkshire over the first weekend in August.
The plane was designed by Roy Chadwick, who was born at Marsh Hall Farm in Farnworth in 1893 and was tragically killed in a crash during a test flight of another aircraft in 1947.
A plaque in honour of the aircraft designer – who also produced preliminary designs for the jet-powered Vulcan bomber – was unveiled in Farnworth in 2015 by Halton MP Derek Twigg.
The Lancaster first took to the air in 1941 and went on to ● become a juggernaut of the skies.
Weather permitting, it will do so again over Croft in August.
The aircraft is part of the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight, which also includes Spitfires and Hurricanes.
In its heyday, the four-engine Lancaster could carry a maximum bomb load of 22,000lb and run at a maximum level speed with a full load of 275mph at 15,000 feet.
Mike Scorer from the festival organising team said: “Croft Nostalgia Festival has been going from strength-to-strength each year, and 2017 will be no different.
“A lot of work has gone on behind-the-scenes to make this happen, and after many applications it is fantastic that we have been successful in ensuring the Lancaster features at the event.
“It is especially poignant as the Royal Canadian Air Force flew Lancasters from Croft during World War Two.
“The Lancaster is a legend that continues to live on today, and it will be a special moment for everyone trackside to see this iconic machine fill the sky above us.”
Flight times for the Lancaster will be confirmed once the 2017 display calendar has been finalised.
The festival blends retro racing, classic cars, vintage fashion and music as well as military vehicles. Advance tickets cost £11 with weekend passes available for £24 and accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free.
For more information visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/ nostalgia or call 01325 721 815.