Archive for March, 2010

Sponsor the South Coasts Biggest Summer Spectacle

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Airbourne, the world’s biggest free seafront airshow, is getting ready to zoom back to the UK’s sunniest place this summer promising dynamic flying displays, thrilling arena attractions, evening concerts and its very own radio station – and offering an array of opportunities for companies to jump on board and raise their profile to hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Eastbourne International Airshow has already got off to a fantastic start with the official launch party last month securing a sponsor for the popular Red Arrow display, as well as several other exciting leads.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has confirmed to display on every day of Airbourne 2010 from 12-15 August as it commemorates its 70th anniversary, and with other displays including the impressive Eurofighter Typhoon and new Breitling sponsored Wingwalkers also set to entertain visitors this summer, the airshow promises plenty of exposure for companies interested in sponsoring the event.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “Airbourne 2009 was bigger and better than ever before being the most visibly busy in the event’s history, but this year we already have a cracking line-up confirmed and are looking forward to building on last year’s success.

“From the fantastic assets confirmed to fly at Airbourne through to the Aviator Club hospitality marquee, Friends of Airbourne membership scheme and record-breaking souvenir programme; the event offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities, big and small, and we would like to hear from anybody interested in supporting this major Eastbourne event while raising their company’s profile at the same time.”

This year airshow organisers Eastbourne Borough Council are again looking to work with the local business community to raise funds to continue staging this spectacular event.

Several local businesses from across the south east attended the launch party at Towner in February and have already promised repeat sponsorship deals for the 2010 event.

With sponsorship packages ranging from as little as £250 right up to the headline sponsor at £75k, with the chance for businesses to tailor make packages specific to their needs, Airbourne is renowned as a major international event with significant footfall and offers the platform for businesses to reach mass crowds, both visitors and residents, over the four day event.

Securing a record 25 sponsors in 2009 including TravelInsured.co.uk, Eastbourne Borough Council are looking to attract even more sponsors in 2010 and would be interested to speak to companies about the best ways for their business to benefit from the event.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, trade space, programme advertising and corporate hospitality available at Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415436.

Nimrod MR2 for Yorkshire Air Museum

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

The Royal Air Force announced today that the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial at Elvington, York is to receive an iconic Nimrod MR2.

Yorkshire Air Museum will soon be the only Museum in the world to display a LIVE example of the remarkable Nimrod military reconnaissance aircraft.

Nimrod MR2, XV250 will be flown from RAF Kinloss into Elvington on Tuesday April 13th where it will be maintained in full ground operational capacity as a ‘live’ aircraft.

From now XV250 will be part of the Museum’s world class collection, alongside the huge Victor V-Bomber and Buccaneer Strike aircraft and will stand as a permanent tribute to the 14 British servicemen killed in Afghanistan when Nimrod XV 230 crashed at Kandahar on 2nd September 2006.

The multi million pound Nimrod was developed from the Comet, itself a revolutionary design which was the world’s first jet airliner. Much of the development for the Nimrod was undertaken at BAe Systems at Brough, East Yorkshire, giving the aircraft a special local connection.

Nimrod, the ‘mighty hunter’ is found in the Book of Genesis, and for over 30 years the aircraft has continued to play an exceptional role in the defence of the British Isles and support in other operational theatres. The ‘submarine hunting’ role has developed into strategic military intelligence gathering, utilising state of the art equipment. The Nimrod MR2 has been described as the world’s largest fighter, with the capability to carry Sidewinder air to air missiles!

Museum Director, Ian Reed said, “We have been working closely with our colleagues in the RAF for over a year on this project and are delighted at the confirmation announced today. Yorkshire Air Museum is probably the only major Museum in Europe capable of operating large jets of this type and in this way. It is also very appropriate that, as the Allied Air Forces Memorial, we are able to make a significant contribution to the memory of those servicemen in Afghanistan and Iraq who have lost their lives and those who daily risk their lives in the service of our country”.

Details of arrival timings on Tuesday 13th April will be issued as soon as they are known.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Bryan Adams Vists RAF Museum

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

The rocker swapped the Summer of ’69, for the Summer of 1940 as he popped in for a visit to the Museum’s Battle of Britain Hall.

Legendary rocker Bryan Adams was spotted over the weekend at the RAF Museum in Colindale. He was there to take pictures of aircraft in the Battle of Britain Hall, which includes iconic classics such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.

Well known for filling stadiums with hits such as Summer of ’69, Everything I Do and Run To You, whilst at the Museum he also took the time out to sign autographs and have his picture taken with fans.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain and the Museum will be celebrating it with a number of exhibitions and events.

In the past few years celebrity visitors to the Museum have included Angelina Jolie, Tom Conti, Matt Lucas and David Walliams and Dame Judy Dench.

 http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Spitfire Flypast to Honour Veterans

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will be making a special flypast over the Royal Air Force Museum to honour the Veterans in attendance at the Museum’s annual Joint Service Veterans Day.

Date: Wednesday 5th May

Time: 1320

Each year this exclusive day gives Veterans the chance to catch up with each other, reminisce over shared experiences and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and sensations of the Royal Air Force Museum. With Service men and women joining in from across the country, it is set to be a truly memorable and sentimental gathering.

On the 5th of May the Royal Air Force Museum is inviting Veterans of all three Services to join as one to celebrate Veterans’ Day. During this special reunion, hosted by the Museum staff, the veterans will be treated to a full day of events and activities including talks, special films screenings and tours.

Also as a special treat, there is a FREE programme of music by The Jive Aces swing band from underneath the Lancaster (at 1130am and 2pm).

The Bomber Command Association will be supporting the event and will be holding a special raffle. There will also be exhibition stands by The RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises and The Royal British Legion.

 http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The historic conflict over the skies of England determined the outcome of WWII and is seen as the nation’s ‘finest hour’.

The Royal Air Force Museum stands on the site of RAF Hendon, which was an active Battle of Britain station. Where better to begin the voyage of discovery into this important chapter in history?

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN HALL:

The largest and most wide-ranging exhibition dedicated to the Battle. It contains a unique and exclusive collection of relevant RAF aircraft and the most comprehensive collection of Luftwaffe aircraft in the world: the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane set against the Messerschmitt Bf 109; Junkers Ju88 and Ju 87 Stuka; Heinkel He 111 and more.

Step into the Battle of Britain Hall and step back into London in the year 1940. The Royal Air Force Museum invites visitors to experience first hand the sights and sounds of London during the Blitz.

Follow the exhibits and walk through history, as every step takes you through the events that led to the Battle. From a seemingly peaceful picnic on a village green, to a war torn London street and even a face to face meeting with Winston Churchill.

The climax of the exhibition comes with the emotionally charged multi-media show “Our Finest Hour.” Set across a backdrop of a London Skyline it uses film, image projection, sound and lighting together with the static exhibits to tell the story of the Battle of Britain. A truly awe inspiring experience; The Battle of Britain Hall is FREE to enter.

EVENTS

This year the Museum will be running a series of special events to mark the anniversary. These include a living history weekend (11-12th Sept), with re-enactments of a scramble scene, Ops Room, Home Guard and more. Visitors will be able to speak to the re-enactors and learn more about life during the Battle.

ARCHIVE DEPT:

The Museum holds a vast resource of information including historical documents, pictures, letters, log-books, personal items, fine art, medals, uniforms and published books. These are all accessible with prior booking.

EXPERTS & ACADEMICS:

A number of the Museum’s researchers and historians are experts in the Battle and are available for advice and interviews. They include published authors who have written articles for specialist magazines and books.

EDUCATION:

The Museum runs a number of related educational initiatives tied in with the national schools syllabus. These include reflections on life during the Battle of Britain.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

 

Car Parking charges at Royal Air Force Museum London

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

From 1st April 2010, a small car parking charge will be payable by visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum’s London site. The income generated will be used to assist in meeting the costs of maintaining the Museum’s national collection and of operating its sites.Free admission to the museum will continue as normal.

The fees for vehicles will be introduced on the 1st April 2010 and will be £2.50 for up to 3 hours parking and £3.50 for 3-6 hours.

The RAF Museum London houses a collection of 100 aircraft in 5 hangars and is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Battle of Britain aircraft, which is housed in the site’s Battle of Britain Hall. The museum also offers an interactive gallery for children, Aeronauts as well as an hourly sound and light show ‘Our Finest Hour’ plus 3D cinema.

The museum is located just off Junction 4 on the M1 and also enjoys good public transport links with the 303 bus providing a regular direct service to the Museum from Colindale Underground Station (take the bus from directly outside the station to Edgware) or from Mill Hill East Thames Link Station (take the bus directly to Colindale).

For more information on the Royal Air Force Museum, please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call 020 8205 2266. Alternatively, if you require assistance during the course of your journey, please visit our mobile phone website www.rafmuseum.mobi. The Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last admission 5.30pm). Entry to the Museum is FREE of charge.

Airscene 2011 Airshow Calendar Competition

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

This years calendar competition is now open and will run as usual until 30th September – so its now time to get those cleaning cloths out and get those lenses polished ready for the Airshow season which is looming ahead.

The current prize offering stands as follows:

1st Prize

£150 voucher (to include p&p) courtesy of Key Publishing Ltd

Limited edition print ‘Black Hawk – Special Delivery’ (UK) (value £92) courtesy of Skipper Press

2nd Prize – £100 voucher (to include p&p) courtesy of Key Publishing Ltd

3rd Prize – £50 voucher (to include p&p) courtesy of Key Publishing Ltd

Anne Millbrooke has once again made an offering and I have a few other prizes confirmed, however there place on the prize board has not yet been worked out. I am expecting to provide at least 3 runner up places (more if possible) – further details will be announced later in the year.

For rules and to enter please visit http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2011calendar.php