A SPECTACULAR new three-day air festival flew into the famous grounds of Ragley Hall over the weekend.

And the weather could not have been better, as thousands of air enthusiasts basked in the sun to watch the impressive new Midlands Air Festival.

Friday, the opening night, included a unique night time aerobatics, pyrotechnics and fireworks display, with up to 60 classic rainbow coloured round balloons from all over the UK taking to the skies.

There was plenty of offerings on the ground too, with children’s activities, refreshments, and big screen showings of the Royal wedding and FA Cup final also held on Saturday.

Battle of Britain duo the Bristol Blenheim twin fighter bomber and an MK1 Spitfire made an appearance, and there was also the first display appearance of the P47 Thunderbolt to enjoy.

Visitor Isabel Crocker said: “I came just for Saturday and it has been fantastic.

“It’s my birthday weekend and my partner is a pilot so he has been in his element.

“It is just wonderful with the shows and things to eat, plus with the sunshine to go with it.”

Mark Oliver, who worked as part of the crew getting aircrafts into the skies, said: “I have had early starts at 4.30am and not getting to bed until midnight. It has been tiring but it has been interesting and very warm - with lots of members of the public getting sunburnt!”