Archive for May, 2014

Carol Vorderman Returns To Cosford Air Show

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

Carol Vorderman at Cosford

For the second year running TV presenter Carol Vorderman will be visiting the RAF Cosford Air Show to help promote the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exhibition which will be one of over 100 trade and exhibition attractions at the Show this year.

RAF Cosford is home to state-of the-art training schools for RAF Engineers and Technicians with a variety of specialities and many of them will have their own displays showcasing the skills and offering hands-on opportunities to visitors. Alongside this will be a dedicated area where other organisations such as local academic establishments, STEM Ambassadors and engineering companies will offer a wide variety of exhibits designed to capture the imaginations of young people thinking about future careers or qualifications.

Carol will spend some time in the area during the morning talking to the public and helping promote STEM to visitors. She says “I’m really pleased to be coming back to the RAF Cosford Air Show, it’s a great day out and I’m particularly looking forward to trying some of the interactive activities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths exhibition”.

The action-packed flying display featuring many Air Show favourites such as the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Vulcan starts at midday. This year RAF Cosford welcomes the Belgian Red Devils Aerobatic Display Team to the Air Show for the first time. In addition two RAF transport aircraft, the Voyager and C17 will be making an appearance. The RAF Cosford Air Show provides a family day out for every age group. The showground, which opens at 8.30am, includes a funfair, an assortment of inflatable rides coupled with laser shooting and an assault course for the more active, whilst there is a huge opportunity for shopping in the traders’ village and craft fair. Finally, The RAF Museum exhibits provide a visual record of flight throughout the proud history of the Royal Air Force.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Folkestone’s air spectacular is ready for take-off

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

UP to 200,000 people are expected to watch Folkestone’s biggest-ever airshow next weekend (June 7 and 8). After almost a year of meticulous planning, preparations are complete for two days of thrilling air displays, ground events and family fun entertainment.

Organised by specialist outdoor events management company Open Air Promotions Ltd, the event – Kent’s only 2014 free-to-watch airshow – is expected to attract spectators from across south east England and the London area as well as from across the Channel.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said that the event would provide sky-watchers with two days of thrills and excitement. “More than twenty types of military and other aircrafthave been booked to take part. The sensational RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team and iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will head the line-up on Saturday.The impressive Sunday flying programme will includeperformances by stunt and other aircraft popular on the international air show circuit. Freefall parachutists are due to drop in on both days and there will be a dramatic demonstration of a sea rescue.

“There’ll be plenty going on at ground level, too – on the Leas and in the harbour area -from 10am on both days. Attractions will include exhibitions and displays in the Armed Forces Village, flight simulators, fun zones, food, drink and shopping areas, vintage car rallyas well as livemusic and entertainment on two stages.

“And that’s not all. The opening day will end with a spectacular live concert – thehugely popular rock revival Abba Bjorn Again plusinternationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Chris Andre- and grand firework finale on Folkestone seafront”.

Open Air Promotions has made special arrangements to help visitorsenjoy their visit to Folkestone. Teams of meet-and-greet marshals will be on duty at Folkestone Central railway station, the town centre bus station, car parks and seafront information points. Public address systems will keep spectators on the Leas and in the harbour area informed about what’s on, where and when.

Park-and-ride services will be available from Folkestone Racecourse and Radnor Park.

“Traffic on all routes is bound to be heavy on both days and we strongly urge car-drivers to book a space in advance via our website – www.folkestoneairshow.com“, said Ms Holder.

For latest information and to book tickets for the Abba Bjorn Again concert and for car parks call 01303 246925, visit the Fly Folkestone office at 67 The Old High Street, Folkestone, or log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com

Busy month ahead at Cosford

Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

Cosford Airshow The Blades

Staff at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford are busy preparing for the busy month ahead which will see five big events take place throughout June.

1st June – National Service (RAF) Association Parade

On Sunday 1st June the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota will be taking to the skies over Shropshire in honour of the thousands of National Service RAF veterans. This iconic aircraft will perform for visitors and guests at the National Service (RAF) Association Parade, taking place at the Museum starting at 11am. This event is expected to see hundreds of ex National Service men and women participate in the parade, led by The Band of the West Midlands Fire Service. Following a short 100m march the parade will form up next to the Museum’s Hangar 1 where Air Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton will be the reviewing officer. All veterans who served in the Armed Forces are welcome to participate, providing them with the opportunity to reunite with lost friends and colleagues.

8th June – RAF Cosford Air Show

RAF Cosford Air Show is one of the country’s top aviation events attracting thousands of people of all ages to a day full of excitement and entertainment with flying displays throughout the day. On the ground there will be aircraft for visitors to sit inside, plus hundreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and children’s entertainment. Admission charges apply. (Free admission to the Museum is not available on this date) Advance tickets cost £20.00 for an adult with children under 16 free, when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased via the Air Show website or during a visit to the Museum (cash or cheque only). Full details are available at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Air Show Office Enquiries – 01902 377922.

15th June – D-Day Afternoon Concert

The 6th June 2014 will mark 70 years since the invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord, which began the final stages of the Second World War in Europe. The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be marking the 70th anniversary of this event with a D-Day themed Orchestra Concert. The highly decorated Glebe Symphonic Winds, one of the UK’s leading wind orchestras will perform for visitors on Sunday 15th June at 3.00pm. Taking place in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition auditorium with seating for 200 spectators, this intimate musical performance will include many well-known favourites and will last approximately one hour. Tickets cost £5 per person and are available to purchase via the Museum website.

15th June to 18th July – The Great War Commemorative Exhibition

The Great War Commemorative Exhibition consists of two bodies of work in which the artist’s hope to slow the clouding of memories of World War One and in this way, pay their respect to those who paid the price for our freedom. This collection of work is brought to you by the Cheshire Artist Network, an organisation of over fifty professional visual artists who live and work in Cheshire. The exhibition will travel the country during 2014 and will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford from Sunday 15th June to Friday 18th July 2014 in the Museum’s temporary exhibition gallery in Hangar 1. Entry to the Museum and to view the exhibition is free of charge.

28th June – Armed Forces Day

On Saturday 28th June, events across the country will celebrate the contributions made by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets. This special day will commence in Hangar One at 11.00am with refreshments, followed by talks, entertainment and access to the Conservation Centre including an update on the Dornier Do 17, salvaged from the English Channel a year ago. There will also be a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota (time tbc & weather permitting) Attendance to the event is free of charge and by advance registration only for current or ex-serving members of the armed forces, you will need to pre-register and places are limited. Please telephone 01902 376 200 or email cosfordarmedforcesday@rafmuseum.org.

For further information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Cosford throughout June, please call the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

THE PERFECT NIGHT OUT FOR YOU AND YOUR BAND OF BROTHERS..

Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

Catch an exclusive screening of the Oscar winning classic ‘Saving Private Ryan’ at the Royal Air force Museum

Date: Friday 6th June

Time: 1830

To commemorate D-Day, on Friday 6th June 2014 the museum will screen Saving Private Ryan in one of our famous hangars surrounded by historic aircraft.

Sit beneath the Avro Lancaster on beanbags to watch Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in this D-Day classic.

Saving Private Ryan is the story of a group of U.S. soldiers who go behind enemy lines following the Normandy Landings. Their mission is to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.

Starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore and Vin Diesel, Saving Private Ryan was released 1998.

Doors open at 1830

Tickets are now on sale – to buy yours please click here

Adult ticket: £8.00 plus a 50p booking fee

Child ticket: £5.00 plus a 50p booking fee

For more information please email whatson@rafmuseum.org or call the event organiser on 0208 358 4997.

Cosford Air Show Traffic News

Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher said “Last year’s record crowds saw considerable congestion and long tail backs in the surrounding area so we have worked hard with all the local agencies to come up with a number of changes which we expect to bring a much improved traffic flow and improvements to the car parking arrangements”

Major changes include the use of accredited personnel to direct traffic at the key junctions. This will enable organisers, in conjunction with the Highways Agency and the Police, to give priority to the busiest routes rather than relying on traffic lights and existing road priorities. The gate to the show from the A464 will also be open to the public longer which will reduce the pressure on the M54.

In addition, a professional car parking company, who are experienced with major events, will be working with RAF Cosford personnel to improve the car parking entry and exit systems and ensure that traffic flows within the car parks are managed and controlled.

Amanda Butcher went on to say “We will be able to get people on and off the site more quickly and also be able to respond to any build up of traffic on the local roads by changing the flow priority. As a result we are confident that we will see a significant improvement this year.”

With only a couple of weeks until the event, ticket sales are still at record levels and the organisers have again recommended the purchase of advance tickets, these are priced at £20 for adults with children under 16 coming free. Tickets are available through many Midcounties Co-operative stores as well as online and from the RAF Museum.

With only a couple of weeks until the event, ticket sales are still at record levels and the organisers have again recommended the purchase of advance tickets, these are priced at £20 for adults with children under 16 coming free.   Tickets are available through many Midcounties Co-operative stores as well as online and from the RAF Museum.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

 

Belgian Devils Debut At Cosford

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Red Devils

The organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show have announced the first confirmed international participant for the flying display on Sunday 8th June. The Belgian Air Force ‘Red Devils’ will be making their debut appearance at the Show, performing with four SF.260M training aircraft and bringing the number of display teams to four.

The aircraft have an exciting red paint scheme featuring the Belgian flag on the aircraft underside and their tight aerobatic display is particularly well suited to Cosford. This will be one of only two UK performances by the team this year. The Belgian Air Force are strong supporters of the RAF Cosford Air Show, and in recent years have provided both flying and static aircraft for the event. Air Show Director Amanda Butcher said, “We are particularly pleased to welcome the Belgians back this year. We enjoy hosting international participants at RAF Cosford, and the Red Devils make an exciting addition to our already packed line-up.”

Other display teams confirmed for 2014 are The Red Arrows, the Blades and the Yakovlevs. Along with the aerial displays, there is plenty to see and do on the ground at the Air Show, including a craft fair, arena displays, military exhibitions and fairground rides. Displays confirmed so far for the Free Radio Arena include the RAF Massed Pipes and Drums, field gun displays, and drill demonstrations.

With less than four weeks till the event, and ticket sales at record levels, the organisers have again recommended the purchase of advance tickets, these are priced at £20 for adults with children under 16 coming free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Saga helps Airshow fly high

Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

FOLKESTONE AIRSHOW 2014 organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd has named the Saga Group as headlinesponsor of the event.

Announcing Saga’s sponsorship, Open Air Promotions director Yvonne Holder said that the company’sfinancial support would not only help to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet but also provide a funding platform forfuture airshows.

“It is fantastic and immensely encouraging that Saga has joined other local businesses, Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council – they are joint funders of the Red Arrows’ display – and a generous public in helping us to stage a two-day free-to-watch event planned to entertain up to 200,000 residents and visitors.

“Saga, one of Kent’s biggest employersand born in Folkestone, is an idealtitle sponsor of the town’s biggest weekend event”.

Folkestone Airshow is to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8.

For more information call 01303 246925 or visit www.folkestoneairshow.com

Midair Squadrons Classic Jets To Fly At Air Day

Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

Midair Squadron Classic Jets by Karl Drage

The world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 (XH134) has been added to RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s 2014 line-up. Only recently-reflown, this sole survivor is operated by the Midair Squadron, whose Hunter T7 XL577 will also be at the show.

Performing their powerful display, under the skilled piloting of Flt Lt Mike Leckey and Sqn Ldr (R) Dave Piper, the Midair Squadron have quickly become an internationally-recognised act and an emerging favourite on the airshow scene. Delighted with the announcement, Midair Squadron Operations Director and pilot, Dave Piper commented: “This booking solidifies the Midair Squadron’s prominence within the UK’s display circuit. The combination of a Hunter and Canberra PR9 is a totally unique display visual, and the dynamic pair will captivate the hearts and minds of audiences young and old.”

Both the Canberra and Hunter have historic links to RNAS Yeovilton. Operated by FRADU (the Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit), examples of each were based there from the early-1970s to the early-1990s. The Midair Squadron’s involvement in Air Day 2014 will thus bring back a sight not seen in Somerset’s skies for very many years.

The Canberra and Hunter will take part in Air Day’s five-plus hour Flying Display, alongside a wide range of types linked to the show’s ‘Carrier Aviation’ theme, modern-day combat aircraft, aerobatic teams and other very popular classic jets including Avro Vulcan B2 XH558.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates or by calling 08445 781 781.

Historic flight confirmed for Bournemouth Air Festival

Thursday, May 8th, 2014

Not satisfied with two incredible ‘firsts’ for this Summer, (Red Arrows every day and a Dakota), organisers of this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Mouchel and City Fibre Gigler, have confirmed the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster will be appearing with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The last two Lancaster bombers still flying in the world will come together in a series of events this summer, in a meeting unlikely to happen ever again and will be taking centre stage at the Air Festival on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) will fly their Avro Lancaster from Hamilton, Ontario on August 4th with plans to arrive in England on August 8th. The North Atlantic crossing will include en-route stops at Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, Narsarsuaq, Greenland, and Keflavik in Iceland, before arriving in the UK.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said; ‘I am delighted to confirm we’ll be hosting the Canadian Lancaster & her display team this summer. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world’s only two airworthy Lancaster’s take to the skies together.

He added; ‘The aircraft is guaranteed for the weekend and we hope to raise funds for Thursday and Friday, to give everyone a chance to see this unique sight – if anyone is interested is supporting us, please get in touch!’

Here for the month of August, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Squadron Leader (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, added; “This is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event and a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command. On behalf of the team and all involved we are really looking forward to displaying for the Bournemouth Air Festival”.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Last two airworthy Lancasters to fly at Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

Lancaster - credit: Doug Fisher

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm a once in a life time air display with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster which will be flying at the Show on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014.

Joining the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world, owned and operated by the RAF BBMF, CWHM will display at Dunsfold Aerodrome as part of a month long tour of the UK. As well as celebrating the exceptionally close British/Canadian relationship, the tour will also commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of Commonwealth Bomber crews and the professionalism of both nations’ air forces today.

The home of Wings & Wheels, Dunsfold Aerodrome, has strong historical ties with the Canadians. The Aerodrome began life on 11 May 1942 when the First Canadian Army – mainly the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers – began construction of the emergency airfield. After just 20 weeks the site was officially handed over to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on 16 October 1942. During the War the Aerodrome was home to the RCAF 400, 414 and 430 Squadrons.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Sqn Ldr (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, comments: “This Trans-Atlantic crossing and visit to the BBMF and England is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event as it will not happen again. A rare window of opportunity was identified to bring the last two flying Lancasters in the world together as a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command, many of whom are in their late 80s or older now. We are delighted to be displaying at Wings & Wheels and on an Aerodrome which has such strong links with the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Wings & Wheels is going to be one of only a handful of aerodromes across the UK where it will be possible to watch both Lancasters display and we are absolutely thrilled. We are very proud of the Aerodrome’s Canadian heritage and to be able to commemorate it in such an iconic and historic way is something we can’t wait to share with our visitors.”

As well as the Lancasters, visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Vulcan, BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane, Tucano, Apache and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

(Lancaster photo credit: Doug Fisher)