The Airscene 2023 Calendar Competition, which closes at midnight on Friday 30th September received a prize confirmation today from Midlands Air Festival – a pair of tickets will be added to 1st Prize.

The festival runs over a 3 day period at the beginning of June and is described by Airscene’s reviewer Lee Chapman, as the first traditional airshow of the year. Lee opened up his 2021 review by saying “For 2021 the Midlands Air festival returned to its original home on Ragley Hall estate in Warwickshire, a beautiful countryside setting. The striking parkland layout made an idyllic backdrop for both a mass Hot Air Balloon launch, model aircraft flying and a full flying display of aerobatics, barn-storming and historic warbirds.”.

On top of all this there is also fireworks display and an array of ground entertainment. On closing his review, Lee said “This really was a great effort by the team, an excellent flying display, well-organised Hot Air Balloon Launch and an impressive line-up of model aircraft. All this achieved under the clouds of Covid-19, I cannot wait to see what the organisers do for 2022 – I have already packed my tent, I am going all weekend!”

This is Airscene’s most recent review of Midlands Air Festival as due to ill health this year’s reviewer couldn’t attend – to read it in full visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/airshow-reviews/Midlands-Air-Festival-2021.php

1st Prize in this year’s calendar competition now stands as follows:

Royal International Air Tattoo – pair of public entry tickets for RIAT 2023 (£114)
30 minute Trial Lesson in Ikarus C42 Microlight courtesy of Phoenix Aviation (£105)
Pair of tickets for Midlands Air Festival 2023 (£52)

For full rules and to enter this year’s competition, visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2023calendar.php

On Friday 19th August, 2022 the Newark Air Museum (NAM) took delivery of the Reid and Sigrist (RS) Desford aircraft onto its site in north eastern Nottinghamshire. This was the culmination of months of organisation in association with Leicestershire County Council (LCC), who has transferred ownership of the unique aircraft to the museum; and with Windmill Aviation, who restored the aircraft.

The delivery flight was completed onto part of the former RAF Winthorpe site. This was made possible thanks to the generous support and co-operation of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society and the Newark Motor Auction company, plus all of their staff.

After defueling and the removal of some items, the RS Desford was moved into a temporary undercover display location in Hangar 2 at the museum. Since delivery day, the museum, trustees, volunteers and staff have been busy with behind the scenes preparations for moving the RS Desford into its final display location in Hangar 1.

During the museum’s discussions with LLC over the transfer of ownership of the RS Desford, an Interpretation Plan was drawn up for the aircraft. This will include a new display that will utilise some of the archive material that was transferred to NAM along with the aircraft. This will be implemented after NAM finalises the required work schedule to move the RS Desford into Hangar 1, where it will be housed alongside some contemporary exhibits.

Some aspects of this relocation project have already been completed, including repositioning the Tiger Moth; and folding the wings on the Monospar, which is now ready for its temporary move. Additional planning work is also underway with regards to other tasks required to ensure that the various temporary airframe moves can be implemented in a safe and choreographed manner, and hopefully without too much disruption.

At a more detailed level NAM engineers have been undertaking an assessment of the RS Desford to see how it can become part of various events and activities at the museum in a safe way, that befits its unique status. Any future activities will be undertaken in accordance with NAM’s obligations as an Accredited Museum and for the long-term protection of the airframe.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Queen Elizabeth II has given her blessing to the Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival.

Her Majesty’s good wishes come as two further surprises are announced for the free four-day event on land, sea, and air.

The American B-52 bomber is set to make an appearance on Saturday before the Red Arrows take flight with their special formation celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.

Meanwhile the iconic Spitfire, hero of World War II, will be joined in formation by the mighty modern Typhoon for several enthralling passes on Friday.

However, before the planes get ready to roar, the Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Robert Lawton is celebrating a letter from the Queen giving her good wishes to this year’s festival.

Cllr Lawton wrote to the Queen earlier on in the year inviting her to the festival, which he said was dedicated to her Majesty and aimed to celebrate her 70 years of service.

In a letter back, the Queen’s Diary Secretary Mrs Helen Cross, said the Queen would be unable to attend, but hoped “very much that the Air Festival is a successful and enjoyable one for all those attending.”

Cllr Lawton said: “It’s an enormous privilege to receive this letter from the Queen in her historic Platinum Jubilee year.

“The Bournemouth Air Festival incorporates everything that falls under the Queen in her capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, so it’s a great honour that she’s acknowledged our mark of respect in this way and I’m very glad that we’ve been able to celebrate this significant year most fittingly.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the spectacular displays in the air, on land and at sea over the next few days and encourage everyone to come and enjoy everything the Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival has to offer.”

Alongside the Red Arrows, Spitfire and B52, festival goers can look forward to a host of other events on land and at sea, including fairground rides, bird of prey displays, bands, fireworks, trade and food stalls throughout. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) tent is also back this year to inspire the next generation, with exhibitors including the RNLI, AUB and Rolls Royce.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Place said that after a few challenging years due to the pandemic the festival, which is organised by BCP Council, was very much about celebrating the local community.

She said: “We want to give our community something to celebrate, and something to be proud of and we are certainly proud of this year’s line-up. Now in its 14th year, it provides free entertainment over four days against a backdrop of award-winning beaches – so it’s perfect pocket-friendly entertainment for families.”

“Tourism is worth over £1billion to the local economy and supports almost 18,000 jobs. In 2021 the Air Festival brought in a total spend of £49.7m into the local economy, attracted about 800,000 visitors from all over the UK and supported about 266 full time jobs, so it is a critical event in the calendar locally.”

“Aside from the excitement of the aerobatics and ground displays, a particular favourite of mine is the STEM marquee, which integrates the areas and challenges of science, technology and engineering to inspire the next generation by giving young people access to some of the region’s high-profile STEM companies.

“So, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those that make the festival happen. Thank you to the Armed Forces, the RAF, and the Royal Navy, The Army and the Royal Marines for creating some incredible displays that always draw in the crowds.”

“Thanks to those at the council working behind the scenes and the businesses and traders taking part. Thank you to our partners at Bournemouth Airport, Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, the HM Coastguard, the RNLI and South Western Ambulance Services along with our other multi agency partners.”

“We couldn’t put on the festival without all these people, so it’s truly a collective community effort.”

The award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival is scheduled to take place from today, Thursday, September 1, to Sunday, September 4.

http://www.bournemouthair.co.uk

#Footage of Sunseeker and Muscle Bi-Plane practice stunt can be found here. You can download it by clicking the three dots in the bottom right-hand corner: https://business.coastwiththemost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hawk-38-VS-G-JPIT-Plane.mp4