The unmistakeable sight and sound of a Spitfire - and at only 100ft altitude - is bound to bring a tingle to the spine on Saturday evening, 5th July. So it's well worth staying late that evening because the Spitfire is scheduled to drop in at 19.10 - but you should be able to get a cuppa at the Flag & Whistle while you are waiting!  The plane is expected to approach from the south, following the line from Winchcombe.  The aircraft is from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and you can read more about the aircraft itself by clicking here.

The GWR is deeply grateful to wildlife artist and owner of 9F no. 92203 Black Prince David Shepherd, who last year invited staff and airmen from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for a day on the footplate of his locomotive.  The result was a flypast of the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane at the Cotswold Festival of Steam and now this remarkable close-up of a Spitfire.

The flypast is part of the 4th to 6th July Diesel Gala and Bus Rally: enjoy a range of classic diesel locomotives on all three days, running between Cheltenham Race Course, Winchcombe and Toddington; the Spitfire flypast on Saturday evening and no fewer than 40 classic buses to enjoy at Toddington on Sunday with plenty of opportunity for rides.