World Helicopter Day is set for Sunday, August 18th this year, and to celebrate, The Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare is hosting a unique transport event. The museum will not only be opening some of its rarely-seen exhibits and offering helicopter flights from its helipad, but it will also feature a Vintage Bus rally on its grounds.

"Visitors will have the opportunity to board a selection of Vintage Buses and enjoy short rides, while helicopter flights will be available from our helipad," explained Museum Manager Lee Mills. "This event highlights the remarkable evolution of transport over the past century."

In partnership with The West Country Historic Omnibus and Transport Trust (WHOTT), the event will showcase over 20 Vintage Buses and Coaches displayed around the museum's airfield Control Tower and Pilots Block. Inside the museum, several military and civil helicopters will be open for visitors to experience first-hand what it's like to sit in the pilot's seat of iconic aircraft, including a Huey, a Lynx, a Hind Gunship, and a Mil-8.

The oldest bus on display will be a 1938 Bedford WTB, recently restored by WHOTT and returned to its original colour scheme. This vehicle has a rich history in the West Country, having operated trips around Exeter, Weston-Super-Mare, and spent a decade transporting tourists around the Isles of Scilly. It even participated in the challenging Trans Pennine Run.

The Helicopter Museum boasts the world's largest collection of helicopters, including two aircraft from the Queen's Royal Flight, the world's oldest surviving helicopter, and many aircraft recognized on the National Aviation Heritage Register.

The World Helicopter Day Open Cockpit Bonanza and Vintage Bus Rally will take place on Sunday, August 18th. Standard museum admission applies.

The Helicopter Museum is a Registered Charity, number 281053. For more information, visit www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk.