Fly Fest in Piotrkow Trybunalski – a treat not only for aviation fans

Can air shows interest laymen who, of aircraft, know only Airbuses and Boeings? We searched for the answer in Piotrkow Trybunalski during the Fly Fest 2018 International Aviation Exhibition.

During our trips to Lodz we have the opportunity to see not only many interesting corners, but also to learn about the schedules of various events taking place throughout the province. Such was the case with Piotrkow Trybunalski – in the course of preparing for the trip and writing a report, we came across information about an interesting event.

We rarely attend these types of events, but as soon as we found out that the Fly Fest International Aviation Exhibition is taking place in late June/early July in Piotrkow Trybunalski, we decided to book a weekend for the event right away. This is already a regular event, which was inaugurated in 2013. It was no coincidence that year, as it was the 100th anniversary of the first takeoff at the Piotrków airport. You can read the interesting story of this flight on the festival’s website. The Fly Fest International Aviation Exhibition is financed by the European Regional Development Fund, more specifically the Regional Operational Program of the Lodz Voivodeship for 2014-2020.

Fly Fest 2018 International Aviation Exhibition

The festival lasts two days, and despite a pre-prepared program of individual flights and shows, we were wondering until the last minute whether to go on Saturday or Sunday. The weather decided for us :)

Rain was forecast from 5 pm every day, so we decided to go to the airport area of the Aeroclub of Piotrkowska Land, where Fly Fest was held, at an earlier time. We arrived at the site before the start, that is. before 12:00 p.m. and it turned out that many of the booths were just setting up, the foodtrucks were just parking, and we would have to wait a while longer for the shows. This gave us time to walk quietly around the stands, which were already ready, and look at the machines standing.

The biggest attractions, more interesting shows and outstanding pilots (among them Jurgis Kairys, Marek Choim, Jerzy Makula, Mateusz Strama) were planned for the second part of the day: aerobatic flights, evening flight with flares, team flights, flights with historical aircraft – a treat for real aviation fans and spotters! Even for laymen like us, who are more familiar with Boeing and Airbus models sooner, the schedule of the event seemed strongly interesting, so the plan was to stay as long as possible. And if that doesn’t work out, we go to Piotrkow Trybunalski, take a short break and return to the apron. Unfortunately, plans have it that they often go awry.

It had been chilly and windy since the morning, and after an hour and a half outside we were already quite cold. A few people laid out hiking chairs and picnic blankets, and in fact, with slightly more pleasant temperatures, this would be an idea we would definitely pick up. We managed to make it to a couple of shows, but unfortunately the youngest part of the team with frozen hands and a red nose began to protest strongly and we decided to go home early.

Thus, one can conclude that we have lost the most interesting part of the festival with stars and breathtaking shows. Yes, we have some regrets, especially now that we can see videos and photos of what happened after we left, but for us anyway it was quite a lot of excitement and attractions.

The few hours we spent there were enough for us. We had time to look at the machines, see some flights, but most importantly, there was a power of attractions for Olive. We’ve known for a long time that she likes looking at airplanes (strange, by the way, if it were otherwise ;-)), but we were curious if this form of aviation would also appeal to her. And it was a hit! The planes attracted attention, and when more than one appeared in the sky it was full of happiness. Add to that a few other attractions for children at the airport and the family outing can be considered fully successful.

Fly Fest – is it worth it?

Fly fest is a cool way to spend a weekend for at least a few reasons.

First, a large dose of knowledge about aviation. In addition to the demonstrations themselves, of which we saw just a few, we received a considerable injection of knowledge and curiosities not only on the subjects of the machines flying at the moment, but also on the organization, technical aspects and various, performed maneuvers. The knowledge was conveyed in a simple and understandable way so that even children had no problem understanding the technicalities.

Secondly, there were various machines on display at the airport, which you could look at and even go inside and feel like a pilot, at least for a moment. There was also a mini model for children :)

In addition to the machines themselves, there were also booths of car dealers, aviation course companies, partners and sponsors. There were additional attractions and contests at many of the stands, such as at the booth of the Lodz province, where the youngest could make pin-ups with their own drawings, play board games, and every hour there was a theater with a contest.

In addition, during the Fly Fest, the Regional Mixer on Vacation also took place here, with concerts on the main stage and booths prepared with the tourist offer of the Lodz region.

In addition, as is typical at family festivals, there were several booths selling various playing and singing toys and a funfair. On the plus side, however, many of the toys were related to the theme of the fest and so overhead, flying toy airplanes reigned supreme.

Finally, one more important piece of information: admission to Fly Fest is free and there is no limit on visitors! Only parking is paid (10 zl/day).

Despite the inclement weather, we do not regret going to the Fly Fest. Our only regret is that we couldn’t watch more of the show.

One thing is for sure – this is not the last aviation event we will go to! :)

We also invite you to visit the photo gallery of our entire trip:

Zobacz galerię wszystkich zdjęć z Fly Fest >>>

The project titled. “FLY FEST International Aviation Exhibition” is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget under the Regional Operational Program of the Lodz Voivodeship for 2014-2020.