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Huge crowds descend on Benalla for amazing Air Show

Formation: The Sky Aces wowed the crowd at the 2023 Benalla Air Show. Photo by Simon Ruppert

The much-anticipated Benalla Air show drew huge crowds to the Rose City, and none left disappointed.

The day kicked off at sunrise with a free Hot Air Balloon display, which many saw as the highlight with their bright colours contrasting an amazing Benalla sunrise.

Getting ready: The day kicked off with hot air balloons. Photo: Rene Martens Photo by Rene Martens RenSmart Photography
Majestic: Hot air balloons begin to inflate at the start of the day. Photo: Rene Martens Photo by Rene Martens RenSmart Photography

Benalla Airport was full of fun displays for the whole family as well as an array of food and drink vans complemented by market stalls and fairground attractions.

But it was what was going on in the skies above the airport that had most in awe.

Gliding Club member Bruce Cowan, one of the event organisers, said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Patriotic: A skydiver with an Aussie flag. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Issie Hill

“We estimate we had around 2500 attend,” Mr Cowan said.

"We asked people as they were leaving what they thought and the response was overwhelming.

Ready for take-off: Paul Bennett heads for the runway. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“Everyone said they had a great time.”

Mr Cowan said the highlight for him was finally seeing it all come together.

Variety: There were plenty of planes of varying vintages on display. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“Seeing the people enjoying themselves was amazing.

“It was really good to be able to put on an event of that calibre in Benalla.

“From the Gliding Club’s point of view, it was our gift to Benalla for all the years the city has embraced the Gliding Club (of Victoria).

Fly by: The aircraft got very close to spectators. Photo by Simon Ruppert

"And it was great to see it was so well received.“

Mr Cowan said he hoped this would be the first of many Benalla Air Shows, but there were lots of stakeholders and they would need to sit down and discuss if that was a possibility.

Skills: Paul Bennett kept his plane just a few meters above the ground. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“It was great to have such a clear day,” he said.

“We know some people chose not to attend as it was so hot, but when you put on an outdoor event the weather will always play a part.”

The Ensign’s Simon Ruppert and Issie Hill, and regular contributor Rene Martens were in attendence and snapped these amazing photos.

Airborne: Paul Bennett performed some spectacular stunts. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Fast: The Sky Aces perform for the crowd. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Nose dive: There was some spectacular manoeuvres to see at the Benalla Air Show 2023. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Safety first: A team of mechanics getting one of Paul Bennett's acrobatic plane ready. Photo by Simon Ruppert
War Bird: A number of World Wars I and II planes took to the sky at the Benalla Air Show 2023. Photo by Issie Hill
Well attended: More than 2500 people attended the Benalla Air Show 2023. Photo by Issie Hill
Acrobatics: The Sky Aces performed some amazing formation flying. Photo by Issie Hill