Category: News UK

Red Arrows Zoom Back to Eastbourne Skies

Airbourne crowd favourite, the Red Arrows, are back and once again set to impress as they perform spectacular aerobatics and dynamic flying formations at Eastbourne airshow 2008.Organisers of the event, Eastbourne Borough Council, are excited to announce the line up for this year’s Airbourne, with the Red Arrows appearing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hailed as the biggest seafront airshow in the world, the fast jets will be joined by the RAF Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano and Tutor, as the RAF celebrate their 90th anniversary when Airbourne returns from 14-17 August 2008.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “The line up for this year’s Airbourne already looks huge and it’s great that Eastbourne airshow attracts such top flights and performers. Airbourne looks set for a bumper programme of flying displays in 2008, and with action packed ground displays, replica aircraft and other attractions in the pipeline, Airbourne promises to keep the whole family entertained this August.”

Other displays confirmed for 2008 include the welcome return of the Guinnot Wingwalkers. Spectators will watch in wonder as they perform their dare devil antics over all four days of the show.

Airbourne fans will already be on tenterhooks waiting for this year’s event as they look forward to the best of the RAF plus civilian and military performers. Returning in August, Airbourne enthusiasts can relive last year’s airshow with an interactive DVD available now from www.visiteastbourne.com and the Tourist Information Centre.

With even more acrobatic performers still to be added to the line up, Airbourne 2008 is set to be a spectacular show. Kids can climb aboard replica aircraft on the ground and talk to the RAF Careers Team, and Mums and Dads can chill out and enjoy a cool refreshment while watching top class flying displays, all from the stunning location of Eastbourne seafront.

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

Flying Start for Air Museums Bomber Command Exhibition

The Yorkshire Air Museum’s new Bomber Command exhibition Against the Odds received a flying start on Wednesday 19th March when it was officially opened by Sir David Jason OBE, widely regarded as one of Britain’s most popular actors.

An Honorary Member of the Museum and aviation enthusiast, Sir David arrived in some style by flying in by helicopter for this auspicious occasion, to the delight of over 1000 visitors who turned up for the occasion. Sir David graciously signed many autographs before going on to ‘inspect’ a contingent of new Royal Air Force recruits from nearby RAF Leconfield and some cadets from 2388 (Castleford) Air Training Corps.

After being shown into the new exhibition, Sir David chatted to several veterans of Bomber Command who have had a long association with the Museum, and he was clearly moved by hearing of their often harrowing experiences.

Produced in association with Imperial War Museum, “Against the Odds” details and explores the international reasons for the formation of this unique force and the unparalleled sacrifice of its young airman, many just in their late teens, from all over the world. With over 55 800 killed in action or as prisoner of war, no fighting group saw such heavy losses, but, perhaps because of the later controversy over the consequence of aerial bombing on civilian populations, no campaign medal has ever been issued to the brave volunteers of Bomber Command. The stunning exhibition stands in an original wartime building on this former Bomber Command Station, and the large display panels with striking, and even controversial, imagery are interspersed with artefacts and audio visual displays.

Providing a wealth of easily extractable factual information, Against the Odds will be an excellent educational resource for school parties and groups and associations and anyone engaged in lifelong learning objectives. It forms an excellent base upon which to start a tour of the Museum, which most of the existing displays and resources link into, facilitating a more in depth exploration of some topics.

Museum Director, Ian Reed, said: “This exhibition, which is of national standard and scale, will bring the story of Bomber Command to a younger generation in keeping with the objectives of this unique Memorial to Allied Air Forces. This is probably the most fitting place in Britain for it to be located and we are especially pleased and honoured that our Life Member, Sir David Jason, was able to take time out from a hectic filming schedule to open Against the Odds on our behalf.”

In a major endorsement for the Museum speaking in television interviews, Sir David said how proud he was to be associated with the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial and how important places like this were in ensuring the memory of all those who gave their lives is never forgotten.

Opening the new display, Sir David said, “I feel very close to the RAF being a pilot myself. When you think about it these crews didn’t give their lives, their lives were taken from them and when you consider over 55,000 never came back in order to defend democracy, we must never forget what they gave.”

With such an understanding of aviation and his well known support for the Royal Air Force and RAF Benevolent Fund, there could not have been a better person to open the exhibition for us and this high profile launch has already resulted in a dramatic surge in visitor numbers.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

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

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