News UK – Page 170 – Airscene News

Casino draws the crowds

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is again delighted to be working alongside the Westcliff Casino to bring this prestigious event to Southend.

The Casino has sponsored the Airshow since 2001, and this year it is going one-step further and will be giving visitors to the airshow an opportunity to win a Caribbean holiday in a special prize draw.

Mike Phillips, General Manager of the Westcliff Casino, says: “We are very happy to be supporting the Southend Airshow. We have been involved for the past six years and it just keeps on getting better and better every time. The event happens right outside the Casino and we have the best views of the Airshow in Essex. The Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow is a massive event for the community of Southend and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country. It really puts Southend and the Westcliff Casino on the map. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Red Arrows perform again this year – the show promises to be very exciting. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the event and take part in our fabulous competition.”

Councillor John Lamb, Southend’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, says: “The Airshow is fantastic free family fun and is the biggest event in Southend’s calendar. It’s hugely popular with residents and people flock from miles to see the spectacular air displays. However, the Airshow is not just a huge tourist attraction, it also generates significant, essential income for many of our local businesses, supports more than 60 local jobs and gives the town year round world-wide publicity which puts us and our leisure industry firmly in the public eye.”

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

Lots do to – thanks to Airshow ground crew!

There’s more than just spectacular aerial stunts at this year’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow.Residents keen to enjoy Southend’s premier event, on Sunday 27th and Bank Holiday Monday 28th May 2007, 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 Europe’s largest free Airshow.

New for 2007 will be the Veterans’ Village – a place where ex-service men and women of all ages can come together to get in touch with lost friends and apply for their coveted Veteran’s Badge. The Veterans’ Village is being backed by the Ministry of Defence and supported by Friends Reunited.

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!

People that want to experience some ups and downs of their own they can try out the flight simulators, whilst huge inflatables will keep the kids occupied when the planes are gearing up for action. The more daring can impress their friends with a go on the infamous ‘sling shot’ ride.

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.

If the public have any queries or lost property then staff at the Airshow Information Centre, opposite Westcliff Casino, can help them out. Visitors are advised to arrange to meet their friends and families at the Information Centre should they accidentally split up; staff will be ready to look after any lost youngsters.

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

Get reunited at the Veterans Village

Hundreds of former service men and women are set to arrive in Southend next weekend as the town supports Veterans Day 2007, part of this year’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow.A huge Veterans Village will be created on the seafront, hosted by many local Veterans Associations. They are calling for veterans of all ages, including those who have served in more recent conflicts such as the Falklands and Iraq to come along and share their stories.

There will be the Pegasus Collection (the largest collection of WWII memorabilia), “then and now” photographic exhibitions and weapon displays, plus a giant interactive screen where people can leave messages for former colleagues and friends who they may have served with.

The Veterans Agency will also be on hand to promote the support available to Veterans, and there will be opportunities for all ex-service people to apply for their “Veterans Badge”.

Southend’s Veterans Village is being supported by Friends Reunited.

Jonathan Clark, Head of Friends Reunited, says: “Friendships forged between comrades in the armed forces form amongst the strongest bonds especially for those who served in war-time Britain, so it’s particularly hard when friends lose contact over the years. We’ve heard of some particularly heart-warming stories of old pals reuniting through the site and the changes we’ve made to improve the service mean it’s now easier than ever to find that special person you may be looking for.

“One member reunited with a fellow evacuee after 60 years apart and another with his Navy cabin mate after 30 years. It would be wonderful to see more reunions at this year’s airshow.”

Councillor John Lamb, Southend’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, says: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Veterans Day at the Airshow. Please come along and support the veterans, hear their interesting stories and how they continue to contribute to their local communities.”

Veteran’s Day has been organised by the Ministry of Defence and officially takes place on the 27th of June.

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

Jumbo Boost for Airshow!

The organiser’s of the next weekend’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow have made a huge coup with this year’s flying display – with an appearance from a jumbo jet!A Boeing 747 from Hong Kong based Oasis airlines will be making its Southend Airshow debut on the Sunday of the show. It is the largest aircraft ever to display at the show and will be an awesome sight for spectators – especially as it’s rarely seen at an airshow, let alone a seaside event.

Airshow flying director Ray Thilthorpe says: “It really is very exciting to have the Boeing 747 in our Sunday line up. It’s a massive aircraft and will look spectacular set against the dramatic backdrop of the Thames Estuary.”

Another big star set to appear in Monday’s flying programme is the RAF’s Typhoon. This state-of-the-art aircraft, which is set to be the RAF’s major front line fighter replacing the Tornado F3 and Jaguar, will be making a welcome return to the free seaside show. The Southend Airshow in 2005 was the first public display from the Typhoon and wowed the crowds with its amazing manoeuvrability.

Taking place over the Bank Holiday 27th & 28th May, the Airshow attracts approximately three-quarters of a million people to Southend and generates more than £10 million into the local economy each year.

Other aerial highlights for this year include the welcome return of the world famous Red Arrows. The RAF’s flagship aerobatic team will be taking to the skies on both Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be adding a touch of nostalgia with the Hurricane, Spitfire and C-47 Dakota formation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the flight and its appearance at Southend will be a chance for the public to see a piece of history in action.

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

RAF Wings in with Flypasts for Air Museum Events

The Yorkshire Air Museum is delighted to have secured a great deal of support from the Royal Air Force for our forthcoming events season, with historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being allocated to all our shows.This will start off in spectacular style on Saturday 12th May with a flypast by the ‘legendary three’ – Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire – for the opening day of the two-day Battlegroup North show, with the Dakota following this up on the Sunday. The show will feature the largest gathering of historic military vehicles to be seen in Yorkshire this year, along with some of the best miniature wargames in the country. The detail in some of these precision model battle scenarios has to be seen to be believed, and, with a number of ‘hands on’ participation games available, there will be something for enthusiasts and novices to enjoy. Great fun for kids and the ‘young at heart’!

The Lancaster, fresh from a major overhaul which made national news recently, will make another appearance at the Classic Wings & Wheels Show on Sunday 24th June, providing the wings to accompany the wheels of hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles that are expected to turn out for this increasingly popular event. The awesome sound of those renowned Rolls Royce Merlin engines is the epitome of real aviation for many.

We are especially pleased to announce that the Dakota has been scheduled to support Engineering Inspirations, our prestigious annual education challenge and showcase, to be held on 4th July and organised in conjunction with North Yorkshire Business & Education Partnership. Hundreds of pupils from schools across the region will be submitting projects to win one of the many awards and prize money on offer. The flypast is sure to be a highlight of the day amongst a number of challenging activities that students, and even teachers, can participate in during the event.

The Dakota will make a further two appearances in September during our Allied Services Commemoration Day and Battle of Britain Sunday. Wherever possible, additional flypasts by private operators will supplement the displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

So, there is lots of fun in store and we are looking forward to another record breaking season. An interesting fact to come out of an ongoing market research survey is that a staggering 85% of our 70 000 visitors during the 2006 season are ‘first time’ visitors, with nearly 20% of those visiting on recommendation, clearly showing how popular the museum has become over recent years.

Further information at: www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Images show the Lancaster and Dakota in action at Yorkshire Air Museum

Flying Bell “Huey” heading for Dorset

A Bell ‘Huey’ (65-09947 65-09947) has been kindly donated to Bournemouth Aviation Museum by Overseas Aircraft Support. It is currently waiting at their facility in Arizona while funds are raised before work can start to return it to the sky. If enough funds can be raised it could be flying in the UK as early as summer 2007. Paul Smith, project manager for the Fly Huey team reports that the intention is to return the Huey back in the air in the original colours of the 334th armed helicopter company and display it at various airshows across the United Kingdom and Europe. When not on flight duty it will be based on permanent display at Bournemouth Aviation Museum where the public can get up close and see a part of aviation history for themselves. Anyone who served with the 334th AHC and in particular the 4th Platoon ‘Gangbusters’ please contact us because we would love to hear from you. Bournemouth aviation museum needs your help to keep a small part of Vietnam war history preserved for all to enjoy and see. www.aviation-museum.co.uk.

French National aerobatic team to star at Duxford’s Autumn Air Show

The Patrouille de France, the world famous French aerobatic team, will amaze the crowds with their precision aerobatic display at Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Autumn Air Show on Sunday 8 October.
The Patrouille, in their Duxford debut and only UK appearance this year, will perform a breathtaking display of aerobatic manoeuvres in their eight Alpha Jet aircraft.Says Christian Pratt, Duxford’s Head of Commercial Services, “We are delighted to welcome the Patrouille to Duxford in this, their only performance in the UK this year. As a world-renowned aerobatic team they will combine precision and speed in an outstanding display of skill sure to thrill the crowd.”

With a French twist, the Autumn Air Show will feature, alongside the Patrouille, the Curtiss Hawk 75 and two T-28 Fennecs as well as air show favourites such as Spitfires, Mustangs and the ever-impressive RAF Chinook display.

The whole of the Museum will also be open for visitors to enjoy with plenty to see including Duxford’s dramatic new £25 million AirSpace exhibition, The Battle of Britain and the evocative Forgotten War exhibitions, conservation work in progress and the stunning American Air Museum. There will also be over 80 trade stands selling all kinds of aviation and military related merchandise.

Duxford is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Gates open at 8.00 am and the flying begins at 1.30 pm. Tickets – Adults £22, Senior Citizens/Concessions £19, Children £10. Superb VIP-style Gold Pass tickets are available in advance – for more information about tickets or the flying programme call 01223 835000 or visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford.

All aboard the world’s biggest bus rally!

On Sunday 24 September Showbus, the largest bus rally in the world, will take place at Imperial War Museum Duxford. Over 500 buses, both single and double-decker, historic and modern, are expected to gather at the show, now in its 13th year at Duxford.A magnet for bus enthusiasts from the UK and beyond, the show has also proved immensely popular with the general public. Many of the vintage and classic buses are privately owned and have been lovingly restored by enthusiasts, with every decade since the 20s represented.

A record number of entries have been received for the show so far and organisers are hoping for a bumper show. Says Christian Pratt, Duxford’s Head of Commercial Services “Showbus grows in popularity every year, with 2006 being no exception. The event, the biggest of its kind in the world, brings together an unrivalled collection of classic and modern types and Duxford is delighted to host such a special occasion.”

The show will feature the ever popular ‘gold-run’ of London Routemasters, with a procession of these classic double deckers arriving at Duxford around 11.30am. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to take a tour of Duxford village on new and vintage buses.

As well as the display of several hundred buses, visitors will be able to browse a selection of trade stands selling all manner of bus-related ephemera. The whole museum site will also be open, including limited access to Duxford’s new £25 million AirSpace exhibition.

Duxford is open daily from 10am and is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Ample free parking is available. Admission is FREE for Children under 16, £13 for Adults, £11 for Senior Citizens, and £8 for Concessions. Group rates are available. For further information please visit the Duxford Website at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford. For enquiries please call 01223 835000 or email duxford@iwm.org.uk. For more information about Showbus please visit the Showbus website at www.showbus.co.uk.

Preparations underway for last air show of 2006

Preparations are well underway for Duxford’s Autumn Air Show, the last major UK air show of the 2006 season. The show will take place on Sunday 8 October and feature a host of favourites from historic propeller-driven aircraft through to modern front-line jets.

The display has a distinctly French connection with the French national Aerobatic team the Patrouille de France headlining the show, supported by the French Curtiss Hawk 75 and two T-28 Fennecs. Other air show classics such as Spitfires, Mustangs and the B-17 Sally B, will also feature in the show, which has a special place in the Duxford calendar as the last chance each year to see all your air show favourites.

Eastbourne Airbourne Gets the Mirage Effect

Eastbourne’s International Airshow is all set to the get the full mirage effect as the French Air Force display their Mirage 2000 at the show for the first time ever.

Attending the world’s biggest free seafront airshow over all four days from 17 – 20 August, the fast jet will be flown by both solo pilots Captain Yannick ‘Thor’ Vallet and Captain Gregory ‘Greg’ Prats, who will be showing the aircrafts full potential using derry turns, zoom climbs and barrel rolls.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Councillor David Elkin said “This is fantastic news, the Mirage is such an exciting aircraft and adds to an amazing line up which now includes seven international military aircraft. This aircraft attends airshows all over the world and doesn’t get to display in the UK that often, so I am delighted that the French Air Force have chosen to delight the Eastbourne crowds for their next UK visit.”

Both pilots have been displaying the Mirage since 2003 and have instructed on aircraft including the Mirage, Alphajet, Tucano and TB30 Epsilon. Between the two of them they have notched up 6000 hours of flying time and 86 missions.

Captain Prats said “The Mirage 2000 solo display team is very happy to fly at Eastbourne airshow. For a long time other display pilots have told us that Eastbourne is THE place to fly, because of the site, the atmosphere, and people. The Mirage 2000 is no longer a new generation plane, but she’s still a beautiful and impressive aircraft, due to her particularly pure delta wing shape and her amazing fly by wire controls giving a very good nose authority.”

The French Air Force Mirage joins the shows best ever international line up that includes two F16’s from the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Air Forces, a PC7, Fouga Magister, Sea King and a Search & Rescue AB-412 helicopter.

Displaying the best of the RAF, the Eurofighter Typhoon makes a welcome return after Eastbourne was one of the few airshows chosen last year to welcome the new display, widely acknowledged as the future of the RAF for the next 30 years.

Also joining the RAF line up, the Harrier, Hawk, Tutor, Tucano, Merlin, Hercules, Chinook and RAF Falcons parachute display team all make a welcome return along with crowd favourite the Red Arrows.

Bringing a brand new format to this years programme, Classic and Historic Thursday features the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Navy Historic Flight, Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight, Harvard, Mustang and celebrating 70 years in flight, the spectacular Spitfire.

Completing this years exciting flying programme, see the Extra 300 Ultimate High, Sukhoi 26, Utterly Butterly Wingwalkers and displaying for the first time, the Tigers, an Army parachute display team dropping in courtesy of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

Airbourne is sponsored by nine organisations this year including Eastbourne Arndale Centre, City Sightseeing, Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce, Eastbourne Herald, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Red Eventful Cuisine, Specsavers, SITA and the South East England Development Agency.

For more information on flying, arena displays, RAF exhibition, Radio Airbourne, bandstand concerts and other Airbourne attractions visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or request a copy of the Airbourne Souvenir Programme on sale now at Eastbourne Tourist Information telephone 0906 711 2212 (calls cost 50p per minute at standard rate).