Cockpit-Fest 2011 'best ever'
The 2011 Cockpit-Fest at Newark Air Museum was perhaps going to be notable for the revised format brought about by changes to the support network for the event; but in reality it is likely to be remembered as one of the best ever Cockpit-Fests.
Despite an unsettled weather forecast the event was well attended with twenty (20) visiting cockpits attending the event from all around the UK; an excellent turnout of visitors on both days, who all seemed to have a great time; and a good influx of international visitors, including people from France, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Germany and the USA. This international component was even noted by some positive feedback from local hotels that provided them with accommodation.
There was a stunning range of cockpits from all eras of aviation including: a Seafire and Oxford from World War II; iconic Post World War II jets such as Canberras, Hunters and Lightnings; and from more recent times there will be Phantoms and a Tornado.
With the revisions that were made to the event this year three new trophies had been commissioned and these were awarded in the following categories.
Winner of the cockpiteer’s Cockpit Award was Mike Davey with his Phantom FGR2 – XV490.
Winner of the visitor’s Cockpit Award was Darren Green with his Canberra PR7 – WH779.
In the third award category for other exhibits the Winner was the Raptor Foundation Owls.
The 2011 event was also notable for hosting the inaugural display of a travelling exhibition of aircraft nose art from Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire’s Aircraft Nose Art Competition, whose winners were only recently announced. The competition which ran between October 2010 and March this year was open to all students and schoolchildren aged between 6 - 21years old. This display attracted a lot of positive comments and feedback and lots of competition entrants having their photograph taken with their artwork.
Such was the success of the two day Cockpit-Fest event, a date has already been selected for the 2012 event, which will take place on 16th & 17th June 2012 at Newark Air Museum.
“On behalf of the museum members and trustees I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making Cockpit-Fest 2011 such a great success,” commented event organiser Bill O’Sullivan. “We would like to send out a special thank you to those individuals and organisations that supported the event financially and with the provision of trophies and prizes.” He concluded, “We are already starting to look towards the 2012 event and we would love to hear from any fresh supporters who might like to get involved with the event.”
(Photo credits: Howard Heeley, Down To Earth Promotions)
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