Taking Love to New Heights: A Unique Wedding Experience at Cotswold Airport
Imagine this: a vintage British Airways 747, parked not in the hustle of Heathrow, but in the calm of the Cotswolds at Cotswold Airport. This isn't a scene from an aviation geek's fantasy — it's where Claire and Darren chose to get married.
Guests boarded the Negus 747, a retired beauty from the fleet, not just stepping onto a plane but into Claire and Darren's love story. Outside, the retro Negus livery made for jaw-dropping photos. Inside, the original airline seating, overhead compartments, and even the cockpit — all perfectly preserved — sparked curiosity and conversation.
There was a buzz. A mix of nostalgia for those who love aviation history and excitement from everyone else who'd never partied on a plane before. The cabin, once filled with weary travellers, was now a vibrant celebration space, decked out for a wedding that was anything but ordinary.
As the DJ, I had a front row seat to the reactions — the awe, the delight, the "are we really doing this?" energy. This was going to be a wedding no one would forget in a hurry.
The Challenge and Thrill of an Unconventional Venue
This wasn't just a matter of plugging in the decks and pressing play. The Negus comes with a fully integrated Pioneer nightclub system already built in. DJ heaven. That meant I only needed to bring my own controller onboard and link in.
The best part? The music was piped throughout the entire plane. From the upper deck to the back of economy, wherever you were — you felt part of the party.
Adapting to this unique space was a bit like solving a Rubik's Cube. Acoustics in an aircraft aren't quite your standard ballroom fare. But once dialled in, the cabin transformed into an immersive sound experience that no dry-hire hall could touch.
Claire & Darren's Story
Claire and Darren's big day wasn't just a fun gimmick — it was a story told in full, with each moment unfolding in and around this retired aircraft.
They held the ceremony right there in the cabin. The aisle — once trodden by thousands of international travellers — became the aisle they walked down to say their vows. The setting added a dash of magic. Intimate, yet unforgettable.
Afterwards, everyone moved outside for the drinks reception under open skies. With the plane behind them like something out of a Bond film, guests sipped fizz, took selfies with the engines, and chatted in the glow of late afternoon sun. It was the perfect palate cleanser before the celebration shifted back inside.
The Music That Made It Fly
Claire and Darren were clear about the kind of energy they wanted — fun, modern, a bit of sparkle, and zero cheese. The day was split beautifully into three phases, each with its own vibe.
Drinks Reception (Outside):
- Kygo – Firestone (instrumental)
- Bill Withers – Lovely Day
- Lianne La Havas – Starry Starry Night
- Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere
- The Shapeshifters – Lola's Theme (Purple Disco Machine Remix)
Wedding Breakfast (Inside the Aircraft):
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
- Jamie Cullum – What a Difference a Day Made
- Zero 7 – In the Waiting Line
- Cinematic Orchestra – To Build a Home
Evening Reception:
- Earth, Wind & Fire – September
- Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody
- Sigala – Sweet Lovin'
- Beyoncé – Love on Top
- Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
- Mr. Brightside
- Pulp – Common People
- ABBA – Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
- The Killers – Human
It wasn't just a dancefloor. It was a jet-fuelled celebration. And people did not stop.
What Claire & Darren Had to Say
"We booked Tony for our wedding in November and wow he didn't disappoint! Master of ceremonies/entertainer/DJ – Tony does it all! The comments I had from my guests about Tony were phenomenal! I myself didn't get off the dance floor from start to end! If you want your special day to be amazing and unforgettable for the right reasons, I can only recommend Tony Winyard. You will not be disappointed!!"
– Claire & Darren
Final Boarding Call
Claire and Darren's wedding wasn't just a flight of fancy — it was thoughtful, joyful, and completely their own.
I've DJed in barns, castles, rooftops — even once in a vineyard — but playing aboard a 747 was something else. The venue was spectacular, yes, but what made it soar was the couple's spirit, their choices, and the way every guest felt part of something extraordinary.
If you're planning something a bit out of the ordinary — or even if you just want the day to feel extraordinary — I'd love to help you make it happen.
Let's make your day take off.