Stow Maries' Wings and Wheels soars with 'spectacular' displays

Wings and Wheels 2025 welcomed over 200 classic cars and a number of vintage aircraft to Stow Maries. Credit: Rhian Gridley.

ONE of Maldon's most iconic annual events proved to be a 'flying success' yet again as hundreds made their way to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome for Wings and Wheels 2025 on Sunday (25th May).

The First World War museum - which is the largest in the world of it's kind - showcased more than 200 classic cars on the ground, from Chevrolet Corvette Stingrays to Morris Minors.

Meanwhile, up in the sky, a selection of vintage aircraft flew in from Duxford and took flight in some jaw-dropping aerial displays.

An ERCO Ercoupe was one of the many planes to take to the sky at Wings and Wheels. Credit: Rhian Gridley.

While strong winds prevented certain World War One aircraft from making an appearance, those that did manage to entertain the crowds include a Stampe Formation Display Team and an ERCO Ercoupe.

As well as that, a group of D31 Turbulents had many visitors biting their nails as the pilots flew as low as one metre off the ground!

Jon Windover piloted a Yakolev Yak 52 on the day, and told Caroline Coastal FM that aviation has meant "everything" to him, since getting his pilot's licence aged 18.

He said: "Flying in this sort of aircraft over these patchwork fields is just a delight.

"I love aviation, and if I can share [the excitement] with people, that makes my day even better."

Credit: Rhian Gridley.

Ian Flint, CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, told Caroline Coastal FM: "It takes about 45,000 hours to plan and deliver [Wings and Wheels].

"We are over the moon that we've had such a dedicated approach from all our pilots. They've pulled it out the bag and we're so grateful for them."

Caroline Coastal FM was broadcasting live from the heart of the day's action, providing commentary on the aerial displays and interviewing guests.

14-year-old aspiring pilot Hoi Hoi Wong was one of many guests to feature on Maldon's local radio station throughout the day, and he told reporter Ben Shahrabi about the importance of events like Wings and Wheels for young people like himself.

Hoi Hoi Wong is a 14-year-old aspiring pilot, who enjoyed the displays at Stow Maries on Sunday.

Joshua Holmes-Bright, Assistant Station Manager at Caroline Coastal FM, said:

"It was an honour for the station to make it's Wings and Wheels debut alongside such a large crowd of car and plane enthusiasts.

"We had a lot of fun, and are proud to support a wonderful local landmark like Stow Maries", he added.

Caroline Coastal FM were broadcasting live from Wings and Wheels 2025.

Wings and Wheels marks the start of a bumper line-up of summer events at the museum, which includes a Living History Weekend on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, and the Stow Maries Air Show on Saturday 23rd August.

Money raised from events at the museum help to fund the ongoing preservation and protection of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome as it fights for survival.

You can find out more about the museum and it's events schedule here.