Category: News UK

Monospar Update August 2015

Newark Monospar project

Work is now progressing well on applying fabric to the wing of the Monospar at Newark Air Museum.

This work is now taking place alongside the aircraft in Hangar 1 at the museum, where it is attracting a lot of attention and interest from those people visiting the museum from around the world. Two new recruits have been added to the restoration team, who are both now learning the ‘art’ of fabric application and rib-stitching.

The complex wing folding arrangements can be seen on the re-covered wings that have also recently been refitted to the fuselage.

The General Aircraft Monospar at Newark Air Museum is the only Monospar preserved in the United Kingdom. The aircraft type was designed by H. J. Stieger and VH-UTH was built at Croydon, Surrey in 1935. For over 20 years the aircraft operated as VH-UTH in Australia with both New England Airways (later Airlines of Australia) and Butler Air Transport. On 11th July 1936 whilst carrying the former Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes the aircraft crash landed, fortunately the occupants and the aircraft survived.

On 22nd August 1961 VH-UTH piloted by Dr J Morris and B J Harrison took-off from Darwin, Australia on a 12,000 mile journey through 22 countries to Lympne airfield, England. The aircraft and crew survived monsoon, war, revolt and prison, the story of the flight was the subject of a book Two Men in a Flying Machine, written by Dr Morris.

After flying on to Biggin Hill, VH-UTH later spent a number of years at Panshangar, Herts. The aircraft was then bought by the Tiger Club and it was moved to Croydon. By 1967 VH-UTH was in open storage at Booker, and it was falling into bad repair. The aircraft was first moved to Newark and later in 1972 to the museum’s Winthorpe Airfield site.

A sad epitaph to the Monospar’s history was the death of pilot and author Dr J. Morris in a flying accident in the spring of 1981.

The restoration programme for VH-UTH commenced during the summer 1995, when its wings were taken to Innsworth, allowing work to be undertaken by members of the Cotswold Aircraft Restoration Group.

Since its return to Newark the restoration work has progressed steadily, with the work being undertaken without any working drawings or airframe plans. Work will soon commence on the ‘top hat’ longerons on the Monospar fuselage. Once this has been undertaken the fuselage fabric will also be applied.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Last Flying Bristol Blenheim to Make Free Airshow Debut at Eastbourne Airbourne

The only flying Bristol Blenheim bomber in the world is set to make its free air show debut this August, when it displays for the seafront crowds at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show.The recently restored WW2 bomber, which flew its first public display in May, is yet to display for fans at a free airshow. It will join the Belgian NH90 helicopter and the Norwegian MiG-15 jet, all new attractions to Airbourne, in a truly international line-up.

The free four day airshow which returns from 13 – 16 August, has added the new attractions to its packed flying programme which already includes the final display season of the Vulcan bomber, plus the Typhoon, Chinook and RAF Red Arrows display teams.

The Blenheim’s first display will be on Super Saturday on 15 August, a 12 hour extravaganza of flying, ground displays and twilight pyro-aerobatics, plus live music on the beach from chart-toppers Scouting for Girls and Saturday night fireworks at 10pm.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The Blenheim will be an awesome addition to Airbourne and a wonderful tribute to those who flew during World War Two. Along with our first ever MiG and the NH90, it’s fantastic to see Airbourne attracting teams from Norway, France and Belgium, bringing a spectacular international programme to the show.”

The only flying Blenheim in the world, it took 12 years and 28,000 man hours to rebuild, and played a major part in WW2, scoring the first combat victory of any aircraft using its own radar. Its joins an impressive historic line up which also features a Norwegian Vampire duo, Kittyhawk, Jet Provost, Bulldog, Spitfire, Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

A new star attraction for the show, the MiG-15, was originally developed by the Soviet Union, and became one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, playing a major part in the Korean War.

It joins the brand new Hawk T2 duo display, The Rv8tors, Breitling Wingwalkers, Royal Navy Sea King, Tutor, The Tigers Parachute Display team and French team Patrouille Reva.

The Blades return in their 10th anniversary year to display for the crowds, along with a special prize of an aerobatic flight and hospitality for two at their home base at Sywell Aerodrome. The prize is available to win in the Airbourne lottery, with tickets costing £1. Tickets are available now at the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office and at the show.

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights and evening concerts at the Bandstand, including Big Band Night on Thursday and the legendary pop-punk princess Toyah, on Friday.

The Airbourne Live stage on the beach, sponsored by TJ’s nightclub, will feature music throughout each day and into the early evening, with a wide variety of acts to be announced over the coming weeks.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com, or email events@eastbourne.gov.uk, or telephone 01323 415442.

Telling the story of the Battle of Britain

Battle of Britain Airshow Duxford

The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show at IWM Duxford on

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September

Advance Tickets Only.

Book before Monday 3 August to receive 50% off child tickets and 10% off adult tickets

This September, IWM Duxford’s The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show will tell the story of this vital aerial battle in its 75th anniversary year.

The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show will be an immersive and poignant experience for everyone. Epic flying displays, including a massed flypast of twenty Spitfires, will be combined with wartime music and the voices of men and women who served. Living history groups will recreate the daily life of RAF Duxford as a Battle of Britain Fighter Station in 1940.

The flying display explores the development of the Battle of Britain and its significant role in the Allied victory of the Second World War. The Coming of the Second World War demonstrates how RAF Duxford prepared for active service, the arrival of the Supermarine Spitfire, and the importance of the radar stations that formed an integral part of the Air Defence of Great Britain.

This flying display shows the aircraft that were flown by the RAF at the outbreak of the Second World War, including the Hawker Nimrod Mark I, Hawker Nimrod II, Gloster Gladiator, Hawk 75, de Havilland Tiger Moth and Boeing Stearman. The development of radar defences are represented in a flying display by an autogyro, de Havilland Hornet Moth and a Kirby Kite.

The Outbreak of the Second World War looks at the events that followed Britain’s declaration of war on Germany, when Britain stood alone against the German forces. We mark this with a display by the Bristol Blenheim, accompanied by two Hawker Hurricanes and a Hawker Sea Hurricane.

The beginning of the Battle of Britain is commemorated by a Spitfire scramble. Hispano HA-112 MIL (Buchon) aircraft fly in and as the scramble bells sounds, living history interpreters representing RAF fighter pilots race to the airfield and Supermarine Spitfires chase off the enemy aircraft.

Visitors will hear the audio memories of Battle of Britain pilots, recalling waiting to scramble and the exhilaration of the dogfight.

As the Battle of Britain developed, so did the tactics of the pilots of RAF Fighter Command.

A flying display of North American Harvard and Yale aircraft demonstrate the varying formations and tactics employed by the RAF as the Battle of Britain continued.

The Duxford Big Wing came into operation for the first time in a patrol over North Weald. This key moment in Duxford’s history is honoured with a massed flypast of twenty Spitfires taking off from this historic Second World War airfield.

The sacrifice made by Battle of Britain pilots and the feat of winning the Battle is commemorated with contemporary displays including the Red Arrows (Sunday only) and the Aerostars (Saturday only).

www.iwm.org.uk

Cosford Museum Apprentice jets off for stateside scholarship

Cosford Scholar

An Apprentice at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been awarded a scholarship with the Flying Scholarship for Disabled People (FSDP).

The 2015 scholars were officially announced at a special ceremony held at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) earlier this month. The successful applicants were presented with their scholarship certificates by FSDP patron HRH Prince Faisal of Jordon and Honorary Air Commodore Sir Stephen Dalton. Each scholar also received a Pooleys Private Pilot Licence starter kit containing all the essentials needed for their new venture, presented to them by Sebastian Pooley, Managing Director at Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd.

Museum Apprentice Bethany Colburn, aged 21 from Albrighton, was selected from a panel of judges as their top scholar and will have the life changing opportunity of spending five weeks at the American Aviation Academy in San Diego, California. Bethany will be jetting off in September and will enjoy thirty five flying hours and associated ground schools whilst in America and will be partnered with a fellow FSDP scholar.

Bethany, who was born with mild cerebral palsy which affects her mobility, went through a tough recruitment process to win her spot in this year’s selection. Following an initial application, each applicant was assessed by a team of experienced adjudicators consisting of FSDP Trustees and supporters at a pre selection board meeting. The top twenty four candidates then went forward to the selection stage at RAF Cranwell in a four day process, which included; meeting with Trustees and former FSDP scholars, now acting as mentors, before being interviewed and undergoing a medical assessment to ensure they are fit enough to fly.

Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), is a charity that provides a ‘once in a lifetime’ challenge for disabled people to help them realise their abilities through the medium of learning to fly. By the end of the training programme, some scholars are flying solo and many go on to achieve their Private Pilot’s Licence. Students who impress their Chief Flying Instructor during a general handling flying test and who reach an acceptable standard of competence, compatible with the nature of their disability, are awarded the FSDP Wings.

The FSDP is in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader KBE DSO and Bar DFC and Bar DL who, after losing both his legs in a flying accident, went on to achieve fame in World War Two as a fighter pilot. Following his death in 1982, organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo introduced Flying Scholarships for Disabled People to continue Bader’s indomitable spirit. Since then, nearly 400 disabled people have been awarded scholarships.

RAF Museum Apprentice, Bethany Colburn said:

“Despite having cerebral palsy, while in California my aim is to fly solo using the rudder pedals! I want to make my sponsors proud and show everyone, able bodied and disabled alike; that despite having limitations anyone can adapt and overcome given the right opportunities and belief. Thanks to FSDP having that belief in me, I am now on the most incredible life changing journey; that I hope will lead to more opportunities to progress my career in engineering and aviation. The scholarship has given me the boost, to continue the battle against perceptions and not give up the fight. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at the RAF Museum. The Apprentice Scheme has been a wonderful learning experience which has provided me with an excellent foundation for the future.”

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton said:

“The RAF Museum’s apprentice scheme was introduced over ten years ago with a vision of preserving heritage aviation skills. Since then, the scheme and its participants have gone from strength to strength; winning awards and accolades and our conservation centre is now listed as one of the country’s Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the UK. We are extremely proud of Bethany for gaining her flying scholarship and happy to have contributed to her success story.”

Now at the end of her four year Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture and having achieved her Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication – Sheet Metalworking; Bethany hopes that the skills and experience she has gained at the RAF Museum, combined with the flying scholarship are the perfect platforms into a long and successful career in aviation engineering.

For more information about the RAF Museum Cosford, visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200.

Exciting 2015 Wheels Zone Line-up

Dunsfold - Wheels Zone

The revamped Wheels Zone & Parade is set to be the most interactive motoring attraction the show has seen this August Bank holiday weekend, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.

Motoring exhibitors are travelling from all over the South East to show off their beautiful machines including the Surrey Hills Mini Group, Skyline Owners Club, Porsche GB, RAF Typhoon Rally, Dragsters and many more. Spectators can also expect to see an eclectic mix of vehicles from vintage classics to modern favourites from our solo entries.

New to the Wheels Zone for 2015 we have special interactive displays from Transformer Car Hire. They’ll be bringing their incredible Transformers motion picture replicas, along with some extra surprises for our audience to get involved with. Children and adults alike can have their photographs taken as they get up close and personal with the movie doppelgangers. Eagle eyed visitors will also be able to spot The UKG Stig wandering around the arena, catch him if you can for a selfie!

We look forward to welcoming back our 2014 display winners Jaguar Enthusiasts, Muddy Diffs Overland and DS3 Club, who will be sporting even more interesting and inviting display arrangements. DS3 Club will be showcasing their traditional English mad hatter style tea party, whilst Muddy Diffs Overland have an even bigger and more impressive camping display with trenches and camping equipment. Jaguar Enthusiasts have been avid supporters of Wings & Wheels over the years and are always catching our visitor’s attention with their outstanding array of vehicles.

Surrey Youth Motorcycle Trials Sports Club will be demonstrating their off road sports bikes, a must for all motorcycle fans to go along and watch as the clubs members, aged from 4 to 70 years old, show off their skills

Visitors can also look forward to seeing our popular crowd line parade as a mixture of old and new automobiles grab everyone’s attention as they slowly show off their metal.

Emily Hooton, Wheels Zone Co-ordinator comments: “We can’t wait to see our visitor’s reaction to all the new and visually stunning exhibitions we have in the Wheels Zone this year. From our static groups and interactive displays to having two Stunt Zones – there is something happening all day for everyone in the family to enjoy.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five 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 two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays to wander around.

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 £22 for adults, £50 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £7 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 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Help for Heroes and Brooklands Museum Trust.

The Big Push

RAF Museum

The First World War in the Air exhibition at the RAF Museum has been shortlisted for the National Lottery Awards 2015, which is fantastic news for the Museumand fans of aviation.

There is a five-week public vote period which ends midnight 29th July.

The Museum will compete against six other projects and voting is conducted by phone and online.

Please support the Museum by voting online for free at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/first-world-war-air or by calling 0844 836 9670 (calls cost 5p max, plus network charges may apply)

*Each person can vote only once.

RIAT 2015 Hangar Party Awards

RIAT Awards

THE Battle of Britain featured at Sunday night’s awards ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with two of the coveted prizes going to air displays commemorating our Second World War heritage.With the Air Tattoo staging a commemorative flypast and salute to ‘The Few’, it was fitting that the 75th anniversary of the conflict should be remembered at the Sunday Night Hangar Party, the traditional finale to the event.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and President of RIAT, who said: “This has been one of our greatest shows ever. There’s been a tremendous response from the public, and fantastic displays which have wowed the crowds: thank you to all who contributed.”

The presentations kicked off with an impromptu award by Andy Armstrong, Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and Director of RIAT, who presented his own RIAT CEO Award – six bottles of champagne – to the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment Tornados from the RAF, and the German and Italian Air Forces.

The Paul Bowen Trophy – presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration – went to the Finnish F-18 flown by Capt Ville Uggeldahl. The trophy was presented by Andy Armstrong.

Capt Uggeldahl said: “We have not performed at the Air Tattoo since 2009, so to take this award home is absolutely a great honour. We were up against some impressive performers this year, so this is a great surprise.”

The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy – presented for the Best Individual Flying Display – went to the German Bolkow Bo105 helicopter. Alan Smith, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, presented the trophy to Capt Torsten Mobius who said: “I’m very surprised. It’s the first time I’ve been to Fairford and to win this trophy is just great.”

Wg Cdr Jonathan Nixon, chairman of the Flying Control Committee, presented The Cannestra Trophy for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant. The trophy went to the Slovenian Pilatus PC9 trainer, flown by display pilot 1st Lt Andrej Fiorell. He said: “I am very proud to have won this award. When you consider all the fighter jets displayed by other countries it’s wonderful to take this award home to Slovenia.”

The Steedman Display Sword – presented by The Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, Chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988), for the Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant – was awarded to the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon and Spitfire Synchro Pair.

Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson presented the sword to Typhoon pilot Flt Lt Ben Westoby-Brooks, who said: “I’m honoured to receive such an award. We wanted to do something special this year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and I’m so glad that we’ve had such a great reaction from all who’ve seen the display, and that we’ve been able to tell the story of ‘The Few’ who gave their all in the summer of 1940. We’re doing it for them and for their memory.”

Spitfire pilot Flt Lt Antony Parkinson MBE was unable to attend the ceremony, and was represented by Flt Lt Nige Parker of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The As the Crow Flies Trophy, awarded for the best overall flying demonstration as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo, was presented by Jim Glover, Non-Executive Director of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises. The award went to the Vulcan To The Skies Trust, a fitting tribute to Vulcan XH558 in its final display season.

Vulcan pilot Martin Withers said: “I’m proud to receive this on behalf of the whole team. What’s happened with the Vulcan over the years has been a tremendous experience, and we really appreciate this recognition of the effort that’s gone into it. We’re delighted to receive this for XH558’s last display at RIAT, and we will treasure it.”

The Best Livery award, for the aircraft with the best special paint scheme, went to the Hellenic Air Force Zeus Demo Team. Andy Armstrong presented the award to demo pilot Maj Sotiris Stralis who said: “It has been a pleasure for the Hellenic Air Force display team ‘Zeus’ to participate for the first time at RIAT 2015, and a true honour to be awarded the best painted aircraft trophy. See you next year!”

Finally, the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword – presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration – went to the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Flypast, led by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The sword was presented by Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Major General Mansour Al Jobour.

The flypast involved private owners as well as pilots from the military, and they were all recognized. Brian Smith of the Old Flying Machine Company was flying one of the oldest Spitfires in the flypast – MH434. He said: “It is the first time, that civilian and military warbirds were meshed together to perform, and everybody pulled together to produce a magnificent spectacle.”

www.airtattoo.com

Museum to be official charity for 2016 Farnborough International Airshow

Farnborough International Ltd, organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow, today confirmed that the RAF Museum Centenary Campaign has been selected as the lead charity partner for the 2016 show taking place from 11-17 July. In the lead up to the RAF Centenary in 2018, the Museum, located at Hendon, will be implementing a major capital project and exhibition development that will improve access and focus on telling the stories of the RAF and its people to engage a wider audience, locally, nationally and globally.

Speaking about the decision, FIL Chief Executive, Shaun Ormrod, said, “We are delighted to support the RAF Museum in its fundraising efforts for its centenary campaign. The 100 year anniversary marks a milestones event in the formation of the first truly independent air force and has become one of the most respected air forces in the world. We anticipate that FIA18 will see a strong RAF presence.”

Ormrod further added “Like Farnborough, Hendon has strong historical aviation connections and as the former home to the airshow, it seems appropriate that we support the Museum. The Farnborough International Airshow, has a huge audience on a corporate level as well as during the public weekend and as such the perfect location to raise awareness of this important museum and historic occasion.”

Maggie Appleton, Chief Executive of the RAF Museum also added; “It’s an honour for the Museum to be appointed as lead charity partner at FIA16. As the airshow engages both industry and the general public, it allows us a unique opportunity to share our ambitions for the museum.”

As well as a presence at the show itself, FIA will support the centenary campaign in the 12 month lead-up to the show including promoting the charity in FIA sales and marketing initiatives and the opportunity to engage aerospace businesses at key industry functions.

www.rafmuseum.org

Spitfires take to the skies for The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show at IWM Duxford

Duxford Spitfires

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September

Twenty Spitfires will take to the skies this September as part of IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of this crucial aerial battle.

This mass display of Spitfires, above Britain’s best-preserved Second World War Airfield, will include Supermarine Spitfire Mark I N3200 – recently restored and returned to Duxford by American philanthropist Thomas Kaplan and received by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge. This Spitfire was originally flown from RAF Duxford in 1940 by Squadron Leader Geoffrey D. Stephenson.

The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show will tell the story of Duxford’s pivotal role in this famous conflict. In September 1940, some 60 Spitfires and Hurricanes were dispersed every day around Duxford and Fowlmere and on 15 September 1940, known as ‘Battle of Britain Day’, Bader’s ‘Big Wing’, operating from Duxford, twice took to the air to repulse Luftwaffe attacks aimed at London.

Visitors can experience what it was like to work at RAF Duxford in 1940 with the re-creation of a Spitfire scramble during the air show. Upon the instantly recognisable sound of a Second World War air raid siren, Hispano HA-112 MIL (Buchon) aircraft will fly in and strafe the airfield. As a scramble bell sounds, living history interpreters representing Second World War RAF fighter pilots will race to protect this vital Battle of Britain airfield and Supermarine Spitfires chase off the enemy aircraft.

These extraordinary experiences and sights will give visitors to The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show an insight into the life and work of the Battle of Britain fighter pilots who flew from RAF Duxford.

Tickets are only available in advance.

www.iwm.org.uk

Airbourne Fireworks Move to New Super Saturday Slot

airbourne pyrotechnics by Graham Huntley

Airbourne will bring its Super Saturday to a close with an explosive firework show this August sponsored by Eastbourne’s Ansvar Insurance.

The traditional end of show fireworks take up a new Saturday night slot on 15 August, bringing a spectacular climax to a 12-hour extravaganza of flying, twilight pyro-aerobatics and music on the beach, headlined by chart topping band Scouting for Girls.

The four day flying programme at the free show will see a packed day of action over Eastbourne’s skies on the Saturday, as fans bid a final farewell to the only flying Vulcan bomber, before it retires at the end of this season.

As well as waving goodbye to a much loved favourite, fans can enjoy Eastbourne’s first ever glimpse of the world’s only working Blenheim bomber, along with Airbourne’s first MiG-15 and displays by the Typhoon, Chinook and RAF Red Arrows.

In the evening, brand new aerobatic team Aerosparks will be lighting up the skies after sunset, in a stunning display of synchronised wingtip pyrotechnics from the dazzling flying duo.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The new Saturday night slot will be great for families looking to stay into the evening, and with one of our most spectacular flying and musical line-ups in the shows 23 year history, we’re expecting a thrilling four days.”

Local company, Ansvar Insurance have stepped in for a second year running to bring fireworks to the show in partnership with pyrotechnic experts Frontier Fireworks. Especially chosen by the Red Arrows for their own 50th anniversary celebrations at RAF Scampton last year, Frontier Fireworks and sponsor ansvar are promising an explosive choreographed show.

Jane Williams, Marketing Manager at Ansvar Insurance said “‘The firework display last year was spectacular and such a great way to celebrate Airbourne. We’re delighted to be sponsoring the event once again and look forward to a fantastic evening on the 15th August.”

Kicking off the fun-packed celebrations on the Airbourne Live beach stage sponsored by TJ’s Nightclub, Tom, Nicola and Jack from Heart Breakfast will host an evening of live music launching the firework countdown at 10pm. Although entry is free, numbers are limited, so music fans are advised to arrive early.

The popular beach stage will be offering a wide range of music and entertainment throughout the four days with performances from the likes of Hot Detroit, Decadence Sleaze, Dorey the Wise, Unihorn, The Do Theys, Beth Ellwood, Matt Ginno and the Street Styles 4 All Demo Squad.

Brighton band Half Crown also take to the stage, having just performed alongside the likes of Basement Jaxx at Brownstock. De’Vide from BBC1’s The Voice, make a popular return to Airbourne, and Scouting for Girls take up the headline slot on Saturday at 9.15pm.

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August with four days of flying, ground displays, children’s entertainment, helicopter pleasure flights and live music every day.

Entry is free, with flying displays part funded by public donations each year, including generous support from Sussex residents David Dickens and Brian Bunce. This year collections will be organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds passed onto local charities Kent, Sussex & Surrey Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.

Lottery tickets costing just £1 are also available at the Tourist Information Centre and Seafront Office for the chance to win hospitality and a flight with The Blades, with all proceeds supporting future flying displays at the show.

To donate online or for exclusive seating, airshow hospitality or more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.