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.

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