Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Essex, Europe’s largest surviving First World War aerodrome, hosted its signature Wings and Wheels event to great success last Sunday (May 28).

The site was full to bursting with classic cars and vintage aircraft.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fury and Magister aircraftFury and Magister aircraft (Image: Stow Maries)

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the ticket-only event to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a great day out at the treasured heritage site.

Aston Martins, Morgans and Morris Minors took their place alongside Corvettes and American Hot-Rods as they glinted in the sun, while vintage Tiger Moths and Auster aircraft from a bygone age looked on in a stately fashion.

East Anglian Daily Times: Derek Gardner Don Scriven and Paul Osborne with his MGA carDerek Gardner Don Scriven and Paul Osborne with his MGA car (Image: Stow Maries)

The skies above echoed with the sound of Yaks, Stampes and Great War Fighter aircraft.

Refreshments were provided by local brewery Datum Attitude, as well as the ever-popular Airmen’s Mess Café.

The BBQ did brisk business, with its famous footlong hotdogs being hugely popular.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brynn and Gerei Hayes looking at a 1919 Norton motorcycleBrynn and Gerei Hayes looking at a 1919 Norton motorcycle (Image: Stow Maries)

Visitors to Wings and Wheels also explored the fascinating museum exhibitions in re-purposed Great War buildings, learning about the Royal Flying Corps aircraft, men and women who bravely defended our shores from attack.

CEO Ian Flint said: “This event takes a lot of hard work from our staff and volunteers, but it all pays off. What a fantastic day! The cars look great, the aircraft are stunning and the museum is looking her best. Our success is measured by the smiles on our visitors and, looking around, I think we can call this event a win!”

East Anglian Daily Times: Shelby Hayley and Brett White with their Nissan SkylineShelby Hayley and Brett White with their Nissan Skyline (Image: Stow Maries)

Wings and Wheels is a major fundraiser which supports the work to preserve and protect Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

The aerodrome, between Chelmsford and Maldon in the Essex countryside, features the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world. It was the base for B flight of 37 Squadron (Home Defence), Royal Flying Corps which was tasked to protect London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RN is open from 10am until 4pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The next major event is ‘Propwash’, with tickets on sale now via www.stowmaries.org.uk