Air show chance to soar sartorial

GLAMOUR: A visitor to an airshow in Goodwood UK, dressed up in period costume.

Visitors to Wings over Wairarapa next week will be able to get into the classic mood and become real participants in the show by dressing up in period costume as part of a competition at the event.

Organiser John McMullen, vice-president of the Sport and Vintage Aviation Society, said the family-friendly competition was designed to encourage people to take part, rather than just attend as spectators.

"It's an opportunity for the whole family to get involved and get into theme," he said.

"People can take part in the event rather than just watching.

"We would love to see people really getting into it.

"The airshow is more than an airshow and we want to grow that."

The idea is based on the Goodwood Revival in the UK, a classic vehicle show, where huge portions of the crowd dress up in the style of an era of their choice.

Some people already come to Wings in costume, but this year the organisers want to encourage it.

"We are happy for people to come dressed up at any time, but this is taking it to the next stage and allowing the audience to participate," said Mr McMullen.

"A lot of people are into vintage and retro fashion."

Mr McMullen said it was not a typical modern fashion parade and was purely retro.

The competition has prizes for best-dressed woman and best-dressed man and will be run using social media.

Entrants will be able to post photos of themselves to Instagram as well as Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #wings 2015.

The competition will be judged by the end of the event with the two best dressed contestants each winning a gold pass to the 2017 airshow.