About Wings & Wheels
For over 25 years, Wings & Wheels Henstridge has brought together aviation enthusiasts, classic vehicle lovers, and families for a celebration of heritage, community, and the great garden party atmosphere that makes our event truly special.
Our Story
What started as a modest gathering of aviation and motoring enthusiasts has grown into one of the South West's most beloved annual events. Each year, we welcome up to 130 classic aircraft and over 200 vintage vehicles to the historic grounds of Henstridge Airfield.
But Wings & Wheels is more than just a showcase—it's a community celebration. The event has always been organised with one primary purpose: to support the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, a vital emergency service that saves lives across our region.
From casual fly-ins to memorable fly-pasts from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Red Arrows, Navy Wings and the Historic Army Aircraft Flight, we've created countless memories for generations of families.
A Historic Setting
HMS Dipper: From WWII Training Ground to Aviation Heritage
Henstridge Airfield has a remarkable history. Planning began in 1941, and it was commissioned in April 1943 as HMS Dipper—a satellite training facility for HMS Heron at RNAS Yeovilton.
The airfield featured an innovative design with five runways arranged to mimic aircraft carrier deck operations, training naval pilots for the unique challenges of carrier landings. Various squadrons rotated through during the war years.
After the war, the facility continued training deck service officers and conducting night-deck landing practices until naval operations ceased in June 1957. Today, the airfield serves civil aviation and proudly hosts the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance—connecting its heritage of service to its modern charitable purpose.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Wings & Wheels has hosted some truly special displays and guests that have made our event unforgettable.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
We've been privileged to host fly-pasts from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for over thirty years. Hurricanes, Spitfires, the Dakota, and on special occasions, the iconic Lancaster bomber have graced our skies.
AOP: From D-Day to the Rhine
Our 2019 event commemorated the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, honouring the "little warbirds"—the fragile, unarmed Air Observation Post aircraft that flew beyond enemy lines. British Austers and American Pipers told this often-overlooked story.
British Women Pilots Association
We've proudly supported the BWPA, an organisation dedicated to supporting women who fly or are learning to fly. Their presence highlights aviation's inclusive future while honouring pioneers like the ATA women of WWII.
Navy Wings
Navy Wings is committed to preserving and flying the nation's historic naval aircraft, including the Swordfish, Seafire, Harvard T-6, Wasp, Chipmunk, and Stinson Reliant.
Supporting Our Air Ambulance
Wings & Wheels exists for one primary reason: to support the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. This vital helicopter emergency medical service responds to life-threatening emergencies across our region, reaching patients who need critical care fast.
The air ambulance is based right here at Henstridge Airfield, making our partnership especially meaningful. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, helps keep this essential service flying.
Together, we've raised thousands of pounds over the years to help save lives in our community.
St Margaret's Hospice Care
Supporting our community
St Margaret's Hospice Care is a community-funded charity that has provided end-of-life and palliative care services across Somerset for over four decades. Their mission is to empower people with progressive life-limiting illnesses to live fully and die with dignity.
They deliver 95% of their services in patients' homes and community settings, alongside a specialist 12-bed in-patient unit in Taunton. Their services include physiotherapy, complementary therapy, a 24-hour advice line, and bereavement support.
The hospice requires approximately £15 million annually to operate, with £12 million raised from the community through donations, volunteering, and their 31 charity shops across Somerset.
Wessex 4×4 Response
Helping with our show
Wessex 4×4 Response is a Registered Charity comprising unpaid volunteers dedicated to providing emergency logistics for the emergency services, local authorities and utility companies, in support of our communities. They operate within the Avon & Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire & Swindon Police forces' areas.
Through the use of their volunteers' own 4×4 vehicles, they provide logistics regardless of weather, ground conditions and location. They have supported the police when searching for missing vulnerable people, the fire and rescue service in the aftermath of heathland fires, and the NHS when road conditions make driving difficult for their staff.
They also support charity and community events like Wings & Wheels by providing marshals and stewards. Their participation helps with the smooth running of the event while providing training opportunities for teamwork, radio communication and deployment tasks.
Armed Forces Bikers Veterans Charity
Supporting our veterans
The Armed Forces Bikers Veterans Charity (AFBVC) assists former serving members of the armed forces who are in charitable need as a result of injury or other harmful experience suffered during their service.
Founded in 2011 and registered as a charity in 2012, AFBVC provides financial assistance to struggling veterans and operates an online forum connecting ex-service personnel across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
They facilitate social integration and purpose-building through motorcycle events and community activities, embracing inclusivity and offering support to those in need.
Run By Volunteers
Wings & Wheels is organised entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers who share a passion for aviation, classic vehicles, and supporting our local air ambulance. No one takes a salary—every penny goes to the cause.
