A Symphony in the Skies: Shuttleworth Collection Flying Proms
Juri Keyter reporting
On a beautiful summer's evening, the Shuttleworth Collection's annual Flying Proms Air Show delivered a truly unforgettable celebration of aviation and orchestral music. With its unique pairing of iconic aircraft and symphonic masterpieces, the event delighted spectators who gathered to witness history take flight - both musically and mechanically.
The evening opened at 19:00 with a stirring rendition of the “Dambusters March”, perfectly accompanied by the unmistakable silhouette of the BBMF Avro Lancaster. As the deep roar of its four Merlin engines echoed across the airfield, the crowd was transported back to the heroic era of the RAF's wartime raids.
At 19:08, a special moment paid tribute to the newly crowned monarch with “Salute, Charles III”, conducted by guest conductor Debbie Wiseman. The elegant formation of de Havilland DH.60s, de Havilland DH.60x and the graceful Southern Martlet embodied the regal tone of the piece, creating a dignified aerial ballet over Old Warden Park.
From royalty to espionage, the tone shifted at 19:16 as the “James Bond Melody” struck up. Below, the sleek Westland Lysander - an aircraft famed for its clandestine WWII missions - flew an evocative routine, drawing admiring glances from fans of aviation and Bond alike.
The drama intensified at 19:24 with “Ride of the Valkyries”, and the aggressive ascent of the Bristol F.2b and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a suited the music's sense of epic confrontation. Their synchronized loops and split manoeuvres added cinematic weight to Wagner's thunderous score.
Next, at 19:32, came a heartfelt homage to courage and sacrifice with the “Theme to Gladiator”. The appropriate choice of aircraft - the Gloster Gladiator I - made for a striking sight, its silver wings glinting in the sunset as it manoeuvered gracefully to the emotive Hans Zimmer composition.
By 19:42, the evening shifted to speed and elegance with “The Ram”, showcasing the streamlined beauty of the de Havilland DH.88 Comet. As the aircraft swept low across the airfield, the music captured its sheer elegance and race-bred pedigree.
At 19:53, the crowd cheered to the lively “Pirates of the Caribbean”, performed alongside a trio of vintage treasures: the de Havilland DH.51 “Miss Kenya”, Desoutter I, and Parnall Elf. Their playful formation flight matched the adventurous spirit of the score and drew broad smiles from families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
As twilight washed over the Bedfordshire countryside, “Spitfire Prelude” sounded at 20:03 - and there was a hush as the legendary Supermarine Spitfire took to the sky. The elegant fighter cut through the air with effortless poise, choreographed perfectly to Walton's soaring composition.
As dusk settled over Old Warden, the second act of the Shuttleworth Collection Flying Proms opened with cinematic grandeur as the orchestra launched into the stirring Star Wars Main Theme. The bold brass and sweeping strings were answered by cheers from the crowd, setting the tone for an uplifting finale to the evening's celebrations of music and flight.
The mood shifted to light-hearted fun with Soul Limbo - Test Match Special, complete with infectious rhythm and a playful energy that rippled through the audience. That sense of joy soon gave way to the powerful emotion of The Phantom of the Opera - Music of the Night, which floated hauntingly across the airfield, bringing a moment of quiet reflection and musical elegance.
The tempo picked up with the ever-popular Colonel Bogey March, its familiar whistled theme prompting an audible murmur of recognition and appreciation across the stands. Moments later, the crowd rose to their feet for Queen's “We Are the Champions,” sung and applauded with evident pride and unity.
A touching performance of “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables followed, silencing the airfield with its heartfelt simplicity. The reflective mood soon evolved into a show of strength with Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive”, its anthemic message resonating powerfully amongst the spectators.
The programme continued with Robbie Williams' “Angels”, delivered with grace and warmth, before transitioning into a burst of pure joy with Offenbach's Can Can from Orpheus, which had toes tapping and smiles widening across the crowd.
In a patriotic climax, the orchestra launched into the Traditional Hornpipe, followed by a rousing rendition of Rule Britannia, which was sung with enthusiasm and accompanied by flag waving and applause. As the final notes rang out, the sky suddenly came alive with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the vintage aircraft on the ground and bringing the night to a truly unforgettable close.
With music, history, and spectacle woven together beneath the summer sky, the Shuttleworth Flying Proms delivered an evening that will long remain in the memories of all who attended.
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