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Airbourne and the RAF Encourage the Pilots of the Future

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is set for a spectacular four days of flying action in 2008 as it once again joins forces with the organisers of RIAT, the world’s largest military airshow, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) to organise and manage a bumper line up of aerobatic displays in the year that the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.Organisers of the event, Eastbourne Borough Council will team up with the RAFCTE for the seventh year in a row. Geoff Brindle, a former RAF pilot and Squadron Leader, will be the Flying Display Director and along with the RAFCTE team will take care of the flying display management. With the famous Red Arrows, RAF Falcons Parachute team and Oasis 747 Jumbo Jet filling the skies at previous years’ events, spectators are guaranteed to enjoy an impressive action-packed four days at this year’s airshow.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “We are extremely pleased to be working with the RAFCTE again. Not only do they have a proven track record of putting on a very exciting and entertaining show with high profile contacts, but they also do fantastic work for charity. They work to help improve services within the RAF as well as working with outside organisations to stimulate and encourage interest in aviation and find the pilots of the future.”

In addition to offering services to manage Airbourne’s dynamic flying displays, the RAFCTE use airshows across the country, including their own event, the Royal International Air Tattoo, to promote air-mindedness in young people. They work with RAF Charitable Trusts to support a variety of projects, which commit to young people and developing enthusiasm for aviation.

Alongside the traditional plane aerobatics, Airbourne features exciting ground demonstrations with full size replica aircraft, cockpits and displays from the RAF careers team. Visitors can speak to crew members, experience flight simulators and watch arena demonstrations all from the open landscape of the Western Lawns.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront this year from 14-17 August and promises to bring extra special flying displays, informative ground events, children’s entertainment, helicopter pleasure flights and evening Bandstand concerts with a firework finale.

For more information telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or www.visiteastbourne.com

 

Natural Fliers Set to Steal the Show at Airbourne 2008

Airbourne, the biggest seafront airshow in the world, is getting ready for its most innovative flying display yet as a carrier pigeon formation is set to wing its way through the skies at this year’s aerobatic event.Organisers of the event, Eastbourne Borough Council, have been working alongside a local pigeon racer to train a 12-strong flock of carrier pigeons to fly in the famous diamond formation as demonstrated by previous Airbourne favourites. After a vigorous training routine, the Pigeon Aerobatic Spectacular is ready to make its debut at Airbourne 2008 under the careful instructions of Lolo Priaf, renowned international pigeon fancier, and will wow crowds with its never seen before formation flight technique.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “This really is set to be the biggest, most exciting flight display we have ever seen at Airbourne. Every year we try to bring something bigger and better and I am confident that the carrier pigeon formation will be the most impressive display in the event’s 16-year history. Airbourne is a real family event and the brand new pigeon display is sure to get the little ones smiling and Mums and Dads crying with laughter. I can’t wait to see the birds in action!”

Lolo has been involved with the Pigeon Aerobatic Spectacular training routine from the very beginning and will lead the display at this year’s Airbourne. Using a system of whistles, snorts and tweets, she has developed a unique way of signalling to the birds as they move through the flying routine, from taking off, to circling, ducking, and diving, and then the final landing position.

The Pigeon Aerobatic Spectacular will headline Airbourne’s flight programme in 2008 and organisers are already indicating that this unique display will be the highlight of Eastbourne’s summer. Visitors from all over the world are set to descend on Eastbourne seafront to watch in wonder as the pigeons take to the sky in a choreographed diamond formation.

With Airbourne returning to Eastbourne seafront from 14-17 August, there are still a few months left for Lolo and the pigeons to get in some final practice before the big day itself.

Flying alongside a bumper programme of fast jets, helicopters, freefall parachutists, warbirds and historics, and with crowds of up to 500,000, the Pigeon Aerobatic Spectacular is getting ready to put on an extra special flying display for 2008.

For more information and the latest news on Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Airshow Displays will be Flying High!

Southend’s biggest event is ready to take to the skies, promising more thrills, spills and action than ever before!Held over the Spring Bank Holiday 25th & 26th May, the spectacular 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow will tempt thousands of people to the seafront to see the high flying action!

The aircraft participation for the Southend Airshow 2008 is already looking exciting as the Royal Air Force has come out in strength to support the event. All of the available RAF displays have been confirmed, including the Typhoon and the Red Arrows. In fact it will be the first chance to see the Red Arrows new display before they go on a month long tour to Canada and the US.

As well as the modern military, Southend will celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the RAF with displays from historical aircraft covering the whole history of the service.

Display Director Dave Walton says: “Southend is the first major show of the RAF’s anniversary year and we are delighted that so many display aircraft have been allocated to the event. We hope to demonstrate the aviation highlights of the last 90 years alongside the Royal Navy and other crowd favourites such as the Team Guinot Wingwalkers and The Blades.”

The flying programme for the two day show will be constantly updated in the run up to the event.
For the latest news check out www.southendairshow.com

Airshow Ready for Take Off

The 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow is taking place on Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.

Now in its 23rd year, the event is one of the largest free Airshows in Europe attracting more than half a million people to Southend over the two days.

Sponsored by the Maxims Casino Southend in Western Esplanade, Southend, and organised by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, this year’s show will feature the best in military and civilian aviation as well as a packed programme of ground entertainment.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism & Regeneration says: “The 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow looks set to be better than ever. This official launch marks the start of the publicity build up to the event, although work has been going on behind the scenes for months to plan the show.”

He adds: “This Airshow is the jewel in the crown of our busy Southend events programme. We hope that by encouraging as many people as possible to come to Southend for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, they will return to the town again during the course of the year to see the rest of what our wonderful town has to offer.”

John Harland, Public Relations Manager at the Maxims Casino Southend, says: “The Airshow is a massive community event and one that we are proud to be involved with. We are delighted to once again be supporting such a prestigious event that has such a benefit to Southend.”

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com

Lots to do Thanks to Airshow Ground Crew

There will be more than just spectacular aerial stunts at the 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow.

Those coming along to enjoy Southend’s premier event, on Sunday 25h and Bank Holiday Monday 26h May 2008, can expect plenty of lively attractions.

Southend’s famous seafront will be packed with activities, market areas, big brand name exhibitors such as Honda, Hyundai, Waitrose and EA Games, military town shows and lots of opportunities to mingle with the pilots taking part in one of Europe’s largest free airshows.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration says: “This year promises to be the best ever! We’re showcasing exciting aerial teams and the seafront will be buzzing with activity, so come along!”

Landing again is the ‘Meet the Pilots’ area. This crowd-pleaser is expected to be one of the show’s biggest draws, where people of all ages have the chance to meet up with the stars of the show, take some photos and get some autographs! On the Monday, the world famous Red Arrows pilots will be on the ground too, the opportunity to get their autographs is one not to be missed!

The Army and RAF will be there, demonstrating their weaponry and equipment, and the Royal Marines will take on any challengers up the climbing wall.

Hungry plane enthusiasts can choose from plenty of popular market and food stalls serving up a variety of snacks and drinks.

BBC Essex is broadcasting special programmes live from the seafront and there will be exclusive coverage of the entire flying display. Radio Airshow is broadcast at the event, on 1530mw from 12 noon on both days. Essex FM will be bringing some great entertainment over both days of the Airshow with roadshows, competitions and giveaways.

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com, or call the Airshow Hotline on 01702 390333.

There are plenty of ways to reach the Airshow. Two train lines run from London and connecting stations into Southend, with a minimum of 7 trains per hour and the journey taking between 45 – 60 minutes. For fares, ticket options and times call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950. National Express operate a coach service from London Victoria to Southend; for details call them on 08705 808080.

The Sky is Not the Limit

The UK’s sexiest formation display team and the world’s only globally accredited aerobatic airline; The Blades, are preparing of take Southend by storm! The Team will be debuting their brand new 2008 display at the Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow on the 25th and 26th May.The Blades, who consist of 4 of the country’s most accomplished aerobatic pilots, have all served as front-line fast jet pilots and Red Arrows in the Royal Air Force. With a combined total of more than 15,000 hours they have flown in the most challenging of single seat aircraft. It is with this wealth of experience that The Blades continue to impress celebrities, aviators and the public alike.

Last year was incredible for the Team with the detachment out to the Middle East in early 2007 for the Formula One Grand Prix setting the tone for the year to come. Back in the UK, The Blades continued at full power displaying at the F1 GP at Silverstone, P1 Powerboat racing, Skandia Cowes Week, the launch for the UK leg of the World SuperBikes and at all the major Airshows in the UK. In total The Blades displayed in-front of a live audience of over 5.5 million people. The team were also overwhelmed by media interest and flew over 50 journalists and presenters from across the country, they even took centre stage, early this year, as part of a major storyline on ITV’s Flagship soap, Emmerdale- Watch out Hollywood!!

The Blades fly the outstanding, high performance 2-seat Extra 300 LPs, turning harder and tighter than anyone else, making their award winning 12 minute display a breathtaking collection of opposition passes, gyroscopic tumbles and close formation manoeuvres that have never been seen before.

“We are all really excited about displaying at Southend this year, especially as it was where we debuted our first ever show in 2006” said Team Leader Andy Offer, “the weather last year was not ideal, but we are all doing a sun dance to make sure the weather is perfect for the show”. For more information visit www.2excelaviation.com

POTY2008 – Theme 2 – Old Age

The final set of results are now in for theme 2 “Old Age”, and the final scores being so close is a reflection of the quality of submission this month.Congratulations this month go to Simon Thomas from Newark for taking this months prize having accrued a total of 28 points.

Last months winner made another strong appearance, only missing out on 1st place by a single point, with Ian Schofield (2nd prize winner in last years calendar competition) coming a close 3rd.

8 more themes to go and plenty of points up for grabs… Theme 3 “Close Up” closes on 31st March and provides a good opportunity to practice your cropping technique or get out with your long lenses at your local airport.

Good Luck to you all, I look forward to receiving your entries.

Ian

Sponsor the World’s Biggest Seafront Airshow

Airbourne, the biggest seafront airshow in the world, is offering major companies across the country an opportunity not to be missed.Sponsors are invited for this popular aerobatic event with the chance to reach over 500,000 visitors. Eastbourne Borough Council are organising Airbourne and this week are sending out sponsorship packs to more than 750 organisations up and down the UK, as well as locally, to lure them to Eastbourne’s premier airshow in 2008.

Potential sponsors will receive a letter, copy of the 2007 Airbourne programme plus a detailed pack outlining the sponsorship opportunities available, including access to 500,000+ visitors, branding in 20,000 souvenir programmes, features in 50,000 pre-event promotional materials plus multimedia opportunities through the web and Radio Airbourne.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Airbourne 2008 really is an opportunity not to be missed. Any company, however big or small, can get involved and promote their product to hundreds of thousands of people. Set on Eastbourne’s beautiful seafront location and attracting exciting flying displays year in year out, Airbourne is the main event on the south coast and I can’t wait to see the responses we receive.”

Potential Airbourne sponsors have been identified and are being offered the chance to sponsor the event in a variety of ways, from being named the event’s headline or title sponsor, to sponsoring individual flying displays.

Keen to secure sponsors as soon as possible, a special promotional DVD trailer is being made to follow up this initial sponsorship pack. This will use exclusive footage from Airbourne, including unseen cockpit footage, helmet-cam vantage points from the RAF Falcons Parachute Team, and unique aerial views of Eastbourne’s jam-packed coastline. Targeted companies will see for themselves the excellent opportunities presented by this event.

With trade space available for sponsors, as well as companies wishing to sell and exhibit from Eastbourne’s Western Lawns over the four day event, Airbourne presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses too, with the chance to increase brand awareness and promote the company locally.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne this year from 14-17 August and promises four days of action-packed flying fun. Filling the skies with spectacular aerobatic displays, visitors can watch a vibrant mix of fast jets, helicopters, warbirds, historics and freefall parachutists.

If this isn’t enough the entertainment continues through to the evenings too, with a packed programme of events, including Big Band night and concerts at the Bandstand plus a spectacular and breathtaking firework finale on the Sunday night.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities at this year’s Airbourne, email airbourne@eastbourne.gov.uk or telephone 01323 415442. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Historic Aircraft to Support Air Museum Events

Early indications from the RAF Events Participation Committee reveal that several aircraft from the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be allocated to support forthcoming events at the Yorkshire Air Museum.At Battlegroup North, the increasingly popular ‘war gaming weekend’ and historic military vehicle gathering, we have been allocated the magnificent Lancaster, the ultimate symbol of victory in the air war of WWII, on Saturday 10th May, and the following day the Dakota, probably the most successful aircraft type in aviation history, will grace the skies of Elvington.

These flypasts will be the icing on the cake of what promises to be another spectacular occasion, following last years record breaking event which saw some 200 military vehicles on display, alongside fascinating Living History diorama’s and the amazing tabletop war games, showing precision modelling at it’s finest. These complex games of strategy allow participation from visitors and once again some of the best exhibition and participation games from around the country will be on show.

On Sunday 22nd June, the Hurricane and Spitfire, legends of the Battle of Britain, will provide a ‘Victory Flypast’ at the Classic Wings & Wheels Show, a perfect salute to the gathering of classic and veteran cars.

Wherever possible, these flypasts will be supplemented by other displays from veteran aircraft such as the Tiger Moth and Chipmunk, famous as early training aircraft for RAF pilots, providing some ‘heart in the mouth’ action for visitors to enjoy.

During the season, a series of ‘Thunder Day’s’ will celebrate this centenary year of powered flight in Britain and the 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. These events will see some of our big jets, such as the Blackburn Buccaneer and Handley Page Victor conducting live engine runs and the first of these will actually see the mighty Victor K2 doing rolling down Elvington’s runway, on Saturday 5th April.

So, it will all be happening here at the Yorkshire Air Museum this summer, but if you cannot wait until then, there will be lot’s still to see during the half-term holidays.

For further information, please contact the Museum on 01904 608595 or look up our website: www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

POTY 2008 – Theme 1 – Prop Power

The final set of results are now in for theme 1, and very well done to all who scored points, and commiserations to those who didnt.

Special congratulations this month go to Neil Darby from Tilehurst for taking this months prize having accrued a total of 32 points.

Luke Glazzard holds 2nd place with 24 points and 2 others are in joint 3rd place with 21 points. Check out the Entries and Results table to see how you did.

Still early days yet, and plenty of points up for grabs… Theme 2 “Old Age” is really starting to look interesting and will certainly draw upon your creative and technical skills, I am very impressed so far.

Good Luck to you all, I look forward to receiving your entries.

Ian