Once again the Mudgee land and sky will be lit up with aerial performances and vehicle displays at the Wings, Wheels and Wine air and vehicle show this weekend.

This year the show has been expanded with more on-the-ground features to complement the aerial extravaganza.

Last year approximately 1,500 people attended the event; however organisers hope to double that number this year.

Highlights on the day will include the aerobatics display courtesy of the RAAF’s Roulettes display team which includes eight planes and a support helicopter and the individual display by Paul Andronicou – one of the favourites to take out this year’s Australian Aerobatic Championship.

In keeping with ANZAC Day there will be historical and Warbird planes on display as well as a large scale F18 radio controlled model jet.

A car will also be hoisted up by a helicopter and spectacularly dropped approximately 200 metres in the air.

Historical military vehicles through to the latest exotic and prestigious cars to reach our shores, compliments of the Motor Magazine organisation will be on display and have a combined worth of $1.25 million.

There will be high speed demonstrations and races against selected aircraft.

The solar powered vehicles will get a special mention this year with the transcontinental solar powered racer from the University of NSW paying a visit.

The vehicle will get into town on Friday April 25 and will perform a demonstration with the students and teachers from Mudgee High School and their trophy-winning solar powered vehicle.

Father John Fowles is this year’s special guest.

He is visiting Mudgee just before he takes off on his circumnavigation of Australia in May in his home built Jabiru.

* Please see Friday’s Guardian for more on Wings, Wheels and Wine.