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Belgian Display Approved And Ready To Go

The organisers of RAF Cosford Air show have confirmed that the Belgian Red Devils display team have this afternoon got the stamp of approval from the show’s Flying Control Committee. The Red Devils fly four SF.260M training aircraft and bring the number of display teams at this years’ show 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. Air Show spokesman Group Captain Mark Manwaring who is Chairman of the show’s Flying Control Committee said “This is a fantastic display with some very exciting manoeuvres. As this is their first UK display this season it fell to us to ensure it adheres to the strict rules applied to UK air display.”

Other aircraft appearing at the show as part of the 5 ½ hour flying display include the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Blades. The ground attractions include an arena featuring the Field Gun teams and the RAF Combined Pipes and Drums as well as a craft hangar and a wide display of other attractions.

Tickets to the show are no longer available online or via the phone line, but can be purchased at the advance ticket price of £20 per adult from the RAF Museum in Cosford, the Midland Air Museum in Coventry, Tourist Information Centres across the Midlands, selected branches of Midcounties Co-operative and Arriva Trains Wales for combined travel and admission. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate at £25 per adult (subject to availability). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

http://www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

D-Day Tribute At Air Day

BBMF Dakota by Paul Johnson

Aircraft linked to the D-Day 70 commemoration, both old and new, will take part in this year’s RNAS Yeovilton Air Day flying and static displays on Saturday 26 July. While 6 June is the actual anniversary date, Air Day’s timely inclusions will help extend the tributes well into the summer as the nation reflects back on the Normandy landings of 70 years ago.

The twin-engine Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Dakota transport aircraft was deeply involved in D-Day, towing assault gliders and dropping paratroopers into the theatre of action. It is perhaps the aircraft type most associated with D-Day and an example will take part in the flying display courtesy of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Dakota III will be making its first appearance at the show wearing No 233 Squadron RAF colours, complete with the famous black and white D-Day stripes adopted by Allied aircraft to distinguish them from those used by enemy forces.

The Skytrain was hugely successful in its transport role; a distinction applicable in the modern age to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. An RAF Hercules will be on the ground at Air Day providing an impressive sight in the static display amongst Royal Navy types past and present, international visitors and other stars. Another RAF contribution is a flypast by a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from No 29(R) Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby. This aircraft is expected to be a specially-marked example, complete with D-Day stripes. The scheme mirrors that worn by a WW2-era Hawker Typhoon in June 1944.

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.

Additional Information

• Advance Ticket Prices: Adult £20, Child (5-15 yrs inc) £6, Child (Under 5) Free
• On the Day Ticket Prices: Adult £25, Child (5-15 yrs inc) £12, Child (Under 5) Free.

*image by Paul Johnson

70 years on – D-Day is remembered

RAF Mitchell bombers on D-Day

D-Day Afternoon Concert

15th June 2014

£5.00 per person

3.00pm

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. In the space of three crucial months in 1944, Britain and its Allies the United States, Canada, Poland and France progressed from landing 150,000 troops on five Normandy beaches, to a victory march through Paris.

Described by Winston Churchill as ‘undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult’ operation ever undertaken, it was an incredible feat of organisation and the largest seaborne invasion in history. The events which took place on the most well-known D-Day in history, were the first steps towards the liberation of Western Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

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. This intimate musical performance will take place in the Museum’s Auditorium with seating for 200 spectators and will include many well-known favourites.

The performance will last approximately one hour and tickets for the Concert are now available to purchase via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org and cost just £5.00 per person.

For further information on the D-Day Afternoon Concert at Cosford, please call the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Carol Vorderman Returns To Cosford Air Show

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

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

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..

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

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

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

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