The world's best gliders are competing, and there's an opportunity to have a go.
For the very first time, the Women's World Gliding Championship (WWGC2022) is taking place in Britain, and Leicester's hosting!
The event is currently underway, running from August 13-27 at The Gliding Centre in Husbands Bosworth in Leicestershire. The opening ceremonies took place in Market Harborough and Lutterworth, offering attendees the opportunity to meet all the teams, enjoy glider flight simulators, decorated shop windows, competition trails and food stalls, amongst other attractions.
An international celebration of unpowered sport aviation, WWGC2022 will see around 50 top women pilots from 12 international teams race around courses of up to 500km at speeds of up to 130kph - all with no engine.
"It is so exciting that this major women’s competition is coming to the Harborough district," said Councillor Phil Kind, leader of Harborough District Council. "We are giving a warm welcome to all our international guests and visitors coming to the event, with lots here for them to discover and enjoy.
"We have worked with the championship organisers to plan the celebration opening events and I hope people come along, support the teams, and enjoy the competition launch.”
Visitors and local residents are also invited to the free Open Weekend on August 20-21, where they'll be able to see launching and landing, and view the big screen to track the progress of the gliders as they race around the day's course.
There will be activities for the whole family, from building all-electric aircraft to aviation exhibitions in the marquees, as well as craft stalls, music, a children's area, bar food and simulators.
On August 26, the public are also invited to the Late Night Party, with music, food stalls and legendary Aerosparx pyrotechnic display team. Tickets can be purchased online.
For those who would like to give gliding a go, a glider flight experience can be booked at the Gliding Centre. This is part of Visit Leicester's new Fitcation campaign, encouraging visitors to Leicestershire to experience a wide range of thrill-seeking challenges and adventure activities. This might include learning a new sport, or finding some active family fun.
Fitcation includes a range of over 40 bookable activities and challenges for short breaks in Leicester and Leicestershire, designed around three themes: Adrenaline Escapes, Sporting Escapes, and Active Family Escapes.
