Some typically patchy British weather did little to deter visitors to this year's Kemble Air Day, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Red Arrows display team. Check out our photo galleries of the day:- 
(20 Pictures)
(20 Pictures)
(12 Pictures)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, give their close links with Kemble, it was the Red Arrows who attracted some of the fondest praise. "Absolutely awesome," said one spectator, commenting on the Arrows' display, "I was moved to tears." Special "2004 is a very special year for us," said Red Arrows Squadron leader 'Spike' Jepson, "we wil be both looking back on the achievements of the past, and forward to the future." His team produced a superlative aerobatic display. They were apparently unperturbed by reports published in the national press on the morning of the event, suggesting that the security of the team's funding may be question. Squadron Leader Jepson called the reports "sensationalised".  | | A colourful Hawker Hunter |
Spectrum The day presented a host of treats for aviation fans. It featured a whole spectrum of static aircraft, dozens of stands and exhibits plus flyings displays from planes including the RAF falcons, the Harrier, Sea Vixen and the Red Bull Air Race.  2004 is a very special year for us.
 | | 'Spike' Jepson |
The air race featured five world-class pilots competing against the clock to navigate a set of inflatable obstacles. Competitors included Hungary's Peter Besenyei, who previously made headline news when he flew upside down under the chain bridge in Budapest. Highlight Other highlights on the day included a distinctive Hawker Hunter F58 with an intersteller paint scheme, the RAF Falcons who jumped from a Hercules and the death-defying Utterly Butterly wing-walkers who performed a typically barnstorming display on their distinctive yellow bi-planes. The 208 Squadron, known as 'The Flying Shuftis', performed an impressive display in their Hawks. Their name is derived from the Arabic verb 'shouf' meaning 'to look', reflecting the Squadron's role of aerial reconnaisance. As well as aircraft there was a collection of vintage and classic cars, including British motoring classics from Morris and Rolls Royce which accompanied by their owners who were enthusiastically quizzed throughout the day. High spirits The brief straw poll of punters revealed that the sporadic rain had done little to dampen spirits. "It's excellent," said one, "well organised, well planned...it was well worth the drive." Air Day organiser Glen Moreman said, "I thought it went very very well." The RAF Chinook stole the show for me.
| | Glen Moreman |
Asked for his personal highlight he said, "The RAF Chinook stole the show for me. It's rare enough to see one of those flying, letalone in a display." With around 20,000 attendees, the weather certainly did little to deter the crowds. As BBC Gloucestershire's Martin Evans later commented, "It seems that somehow British people enjoy events even more when it's raining!" 
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Despite the typically British weather, the Kemble Air Day 2004 was a resounding success. 
