All the greats in the air display scene gathered at Rendcomb in Gloucestershire on the 4th of July, to show their stuff at a private fete.

The gathering included first-class dining, all set at a gorgeous location in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, but the real showstoppers included a unique line-up featuring the Red Arrows, Will Curtis in his Sukhoi Su-26, the Blue Eagles Army Air Corps Helicopter Display Team and, of course, the Yakovlevs.

The weather gods caused havoc yet again, and some displays had to be adapted due to the low cloud and rain. The Yakovlevs managed to perform a full two-ship display, however, before the weather closed in on them.

“It was a struggle all the way to perform our display,” Jez said. “From the moment we left Compton, the weather was against us. With the wind being so strong it made positioning and flying the formation extremely difficult. But it was a great honour to be invited to perform with the other internationally-renowned teams.”

Jim accompanied Jez, flying as Yak 2, and the dynamic duo stayed after the display to tuck into a well-earned meal, before getting back to Compton with rain still streaming across their canopies – and Will’s Su-26 tucked safely under Jez’s left wing. Despite the weather, this was a fantasic event. Many thanks to Vic Norman and everyone at Aerosuperbatics for the invite!