Wings Over Wairarapa, 2019. PHOTO/FILE
Wings tickets on sale soon
EMILY IRELAND
[email protected]
Covid-19 has failed to ground the 2021 Wings Over Wairarapa event.
Organisers confirmed on Thursday the biennial air show would be running in February at up to Alert Level 2.5.
But depending on what alert level restrictions were in place at the time, the event could look very different.
Options being investigated included running the air show as normal but operating under the Event Covid Code, running it as a drive-in air show, having bubbles of 100 people across Hood Aerodrome, and
live-streaming the show.
“We’ve done a lot of work recently around the event, in particular how we can still run it during a potential Level 2.5 situation but things are evolving day by day so please bear with us as we remain flexible,” event manager Jenny Gasson said on Thursday.
“The Wings team are doing everything we possibly can to have an air festival in Wairarapa in February.
“It’s important for the region; for our event partners, and for our audiences.
“A few things may look different to previous years, but one thing is certain – it’s going to be a great day out for families, friends or on your own whether you are a plane enthusiast or not.
“We’ve already confirmed an awesome air display and we’ll be releasing further details once tickets go on sale.”
Gasson said the air show was “lucky enough to get government funding”, and that the organising committee would be doing “everything we can to make this happen”.
“Hood Aerodrome is so well placed to put on an awesome air show regardless of uncertainty around border restrictions.
“It’s a big wide-open space, it’s home to the Vintage Aviator aircraft collection which is envied around the world.
“Add in the fantastic WWII aircraft like the Spitfires, Mustangs, and Yaks and you’ve already got a show which will have everyone’s eyes looking at the sky.
“Whether you are into aircraft or not, Wings is a great day out and a great reason to bring your friends and family over to Wairarapa”.
- Tickets will be on sale on October 26 and the event is scheduled to be held on February 26-28, 2021.
