Ref. 26010-117DESPITE the grey skies and rain earlier on in the week, the sun shone brightly on the thousands of people at the first Swindon Show and Air Display.

The excellent weather on both days ensured huge crowds came to Lydiard Park to see events ranging from aerobatics displays to stunt work on horseback.

John Loftus, site director and one of the show's co-ordinators said: "I think the sun gods were looking down upon us to day. We have spent the last four days setting the show up and each day we have got soaked.

"We really weren't sure what the weather was going to be like, but we are extremely thankful the day has turned out like it has.

"It is a fantastic balanced family show. There is something here for everybody and there is no way of saying there are any particular highlights."

A group of seven people began setting up the show earlier in the week and were joined by dozens more volunteers from the Sea Cadets and from several Wiltshire-based Lions clubs.

The Saturday show began with a display from an RAF Lyneham-based Hercules aircraft, followed later by the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers wing-walking team. They were followed by a display by RAF Flight Lieutenant Steve Kenworthy in a Hawk Jet Trainer.

Later in the skies over Lydiard came a display by aerobatics expert Denny Dobson in his Extra 300XS aerobatic plane. His routine included high g-force manoeuvres such as loops, rolls and spins, all trailed by white smoke.

On the ground and in the arena were displays from the Solent Dog Display Team and the The Horsemen of the Apocalypse, whose show included riders controlling two horses simultaneously.

Then was the turn of motorcycle and quad-bike rider Jake Semtex.

He currently holds the British record for a 64-mile long wheelie on a motorcycle and is planning to break the world record of more than 200 miles next year.

He said: "It's really great to be here, the weather's fantastic and the crowds are great. I think they will enjoy this display."

Soon Jake was taking to the skies, albeit briefly, by jumping over wife Sally in a car and quad-bike before leaping over a crowd of 12 people, including Evening Advertiser photographer Siobhan Boyle.

Later he rolled over a car twice and then blew it up, but not before a failure of the detonator. Jake later remarked: "You can never be too careful with explosives."

Then a demonstration by the fire brigade quickly put the fire out.

Enjoying the show was Kevin Smith, 34, from Peatmoor. He brought his six-year-old son Michael and seven-year-old daughter Molly to the show, while his wife went to see Robbie Williams at Knebworth House.

He said: "It's a great family day out. It seems to be well organised, but it's reasonably priced and the children are really enjoying themselves. There's lots for them to do and I like watching the air displays."

Jack Perkins, seven, and sister Tara, 10, came from Churchward with mum Sharon.

Jack said: "It's been really great fun, and I thought the quad-bikes were really good. I like watching the planes but I prefer the stuff on the ground."

Tara added: "It's really great and there is so much to see and do. I am not a big fan of horses but they were really fantastic."

Enjoying the arena displays with cool ice lollies and ice creams were Kelly and Nik Psarras and their son Alex, nine, and daughter April, five. The family lives in Even Swindon.

Nik said: "The show is very good, and for a whole day out it's really quite reasonable. We plan to stay the whole day."

Alex said: "It's really good. The motorcycles are fantastic and I would love to have had a go."

April said: "I thought the fire engines were fantastic. It's been really great."

Meanwhile, the Evening Advertiser's very own Alfie the Adver Alligator put a smile on many a young child's face, but the heat meant he couldn't spend too long in the sun.

Following the enthusiastic reception for the Swindon Show, the organisers are hoping to be back for a repeat performance next year.