The 70th anniversary of the airfield to be celebrated at this year’s Wings and Wheels event.

Dunkeswell’s history and heritage is to be celebrated at the annual Wings and Wheels event – marking the 70th anniversary of Dunkeswell Airfield.

The two events on August 17 and 18 are organised by the South West Airfields Heritage Trust and takes place on the runway at Dunkeswell Airfield.

The airfield was the base for the US Navy during World War II and it was the only US navy base in the UK during the war.

This year’s event will have a battle re-enactment with the support of several groups of World War II re-enactors from the south of England.

Singers Blitz and Peaces and female vocalist Miss Memphis Belle will be performing songs from the war era. Two actors from the award winning television series Band of Brothers will be in attendance and will be presenting the trust with a signed framed poster of some of the American veterans of the 506 101st Airborne PIR, who took off from Upottery on D Day.

The actors who portrayed the veterans in the TV series have also signed the poster along with the directors and producers, Tom Hanks and Stephen Speilberg.

Military vehicles, bikes, classic cars and aircraft will be on display and a World War II catalina aircraft is set to fly in during the event.

A sponsored parachute jump is planned for both days.

Many collectors of World War II memorabilia will be bringing their displays to the event, with refreshments and children’s entertainment.

A 1940s dance will be held at the Aviator restaurant on the Saturday – the dress code is the ’40s.

For more information or tickets call Patricia Knowles and David Bunney on 01404 890174.