Show going on rain or shine

Classic Fighters Marlborough air show organisers are praying the rain will stay away this weekend, but they might be out of luck.

Even though the weather forecast for this weekend may not be what organisers were hoping for, they say there will still be plenty to see and do at Omaka Aerodrome.

The forecast for the weekend is for rain throughout Marlborough, beginning tonight and not clearing until Monday.

A low in the Tasman Sea and a warm front coming down the country is expected to bring rain to Blenheim for most of the weekend, although MetService said the weather would be gradually improving as the weekend went on.

Rain and strong northerlies are forecast for tomorrow before easing on Saturday, although drizzle and light winds are still expected for Sunday, the last day of the show.

But air show committee chairman Allan Baker said plans had been made to deal with any weather conditions and while spirits might be dampened by the wet weather, there would still be a lot of activity at the airfield.

"Unless the weather is truly abominable, there will still be flight displays as well as ground theatre operations, so there will be plenty of entertainment for the public."

Even with the official forecast, Mr Baker is certain the weather will be clear anyway.

"It all depends where that low out in the Tasman heads, and if it goes further south then the weather here in Blenheim will be great for the whole weekend."

This weekend's show has a French theme, with aircraft displays featuring planes that fought in the skies over France during both world wars.

Re-enactment groups will also re-create some of the most pivotal battles of the wars, with giant video screens giving spectators close-up views of the action.

The decor of the aerodrome will also reflect the French theme, with huge reproductions of Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

One of the highlights of this year's show will be a recreation of Lawrence of Arabia's famous motorcycle race against a Bristol fighter, the first time the race has even been re-run using the same machinery.

AdvertisementAdvertisementWith thousands of people coming to the region for the show, organisers said there would be plenty of parking, with signposting from Aerodrome Rd and Wither Rd, and the recently established Blenheim bus service would make special runs out to the aerodrome for the price of a gold coin.

The show starts tomorrow with trade displays and final dress rehearsals, with the air field being opened to the public at 7.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Baker said all the final preparations were almost complete and even if the weather was not ideal, he promised a spectacular show.

"After the last two shows, we've got a hell of a reputation to look after, so you can be assured we're going to be putting on the best show we possibly can, no matter what the weather is like."

By ROBERT SMITH