Archive for March, 2006

Full Throttle Ahead for Airbourne 2006

Tuesday, March 28th, 2006

Eastbourne’s skies will once again be painted red, white and blue this summer as the Red Arrows confirm their appearance at the annual FREE airshow. Taking place on the 17th – 20th August the four day extravaganza is set to be as big as ever.

The world famous Reds will be returning to Eastbourne on the Friday and Sunday at 16:30 and 12:30 respectively, leading an action packed line up which also sees the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team jump from their plane at a height of 12,000 feet in a dramatic aerial display of spirals and smoke trails.

Eastbourne Borough Council Director of Tourism, Economy & Environment Norman Kinnish says, “It is a pleasure and a privilege to once again welcome back the Red Arrows, and the Royal Air Force to what will be an incredible 14th year in the running for this airshow. Eastbourne is proud to host such a successful event and we hope that both previous and first-time visitors will come and enjoy what promises to be another fantastic summer weekend.”

Despite rumours that the event might be cancelled following the withdrawal of its sponsor, the show will, indeed, still go on! Plans are already in full swing to organise the four day event that was last year attended by 700,000 strong crowds. Alongside the popular Red Arrows will be a variety of aerial displays from the RAF’s planes and special appearances from the Royal Netherlands and Belgian Airforces.

Back on the ground favourites returning to the Western Lawns will be the RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team and the Unarmed Combat Team, performing their expert displays to the crowds, while members of the RAF team will be on hand to answer any questions. Cockpit simulators, children’s playzones and replica aircraft all bring a slice of the sky action to the ground, and visitors can enjoy Bandstand entertainment throughout the evening.

The weekend will culminate on the Sunday evening with the moving Sunset ceremony and flypast, exploding in a spectacular firework finale over the town.

Airbourne returns from 17-20 August and is open from 10am – 6pm each day. Dedicated station Radio Airbourne, 87.7FM will be relaying all the latest information on the displays, along with exclusive interviews from the pilots. Further flying displays will be announced between now and the event; to keep up to date with all the latest news visit www.visiteastbourne.com or contact Eastbourne Tourist Information on 0906 711 2212