UK Airshow News – Page 53

Official Launch Event of Folkestone Airshow 2014

Folkestone airshow launch top gun

Folkestone Airshow will return on 7th and 8th of June 2014 to be even bigger and better than ever before. However, this year we will be running additional events in advance to raise funding and awareness. The first of these exciting events is an Open Air Drive-In showing of the 1986 film, Top Gun.

On the Saturday 29 March 2014, the Rotunda site on Folkestone sea front will be transformed into a Drive-In Cinema, complete with 30ft screen, food served to your car and surprise entertainment. And best of all, it’s free.

Book your tickets now at www.openairpromotions.eventbrite.co.uk.

This will be a fun event for the whole family. Please book your ticket in advance, to avoid disappointment, as this event has a limited capacity.

Open Air Promotions Ltd will be collecting funds for Folkestone Airshow 2014 at the event, which will go towards the People’s Flying Display. All funds raised for the People’s Flying Display will help us to bring the Breitling WingWalkers to Folkestone Airshow, and everyone who donates can see their contribution as the Aerobatic Team wow the crowds; filling the skies with amazing flying manoeuvres and showing their aerobatic abilities.

Wings & Wheels celebrates 10th anniversary

Dunsfold Airshow crowds

The sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, returns on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey (home to BBC’s Top Gear) to celebrate its 10th show. Famous favourites in the air and on the ground will blow your mind, whilst the attractions and Zones in the Arena will keep you entertained and buzzing with delight the WHOLE weekend.

Eyes to the sky as the ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 5 hour air displays which have previously included show favourites the Red Arrows, Avro Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Lancaster, Hurricane), Typhoon, Chinook, Tucano, RN Swordfish and Sea Fury, Apache Attack Helicopter, RN Lynx Black Cat Solo Helicopter Display, Team Breitling Wingwalkers, Glider FX and the Blades accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots (please note the air display will be confirmed in March).

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft and Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’ (open for tours).

You don’t need to be a petrolhead to delight in the ‘Wheels’ of the show as the paddock gleams and the sound of finely tuned engines fill the air. Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Included among the 360 entrants in 2013 were Porsche 911, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Mutistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40, Lotus Elise 49 and the stunning Benetton F1 B190.

The Wheels Zone features interactive displays from clubs and a crowd line parade whilst the Stunt Zone squeals with the sound of two and four wheeled hair-raising performances.

The Military Zone & Paddock adds some classic nostalgia to the ‘Wheels’, as the regal Military Vehicles complete a cavalcade for spectators before taking their place in the Zone’s living history and re-enactment displays including live battles.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with a mix of musical evening entertainment. Swing, big band and jazz takes over the Military Zone, in the Wheels Zone is a mix of Rock n Roll, Doowop and Rockabilly and finally, taking centre stage in the middle of the Arena, is a covers band with something for everyone.

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; 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, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 10th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2014, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Air Tattoo Saving is just the Ticket

Red Arrows RIAT

People planning to be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford to celebrate the Red Arrows’ 50th display season have until the end of the month to take advantage of specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets.

The three-day event, which takes place on July 11-13, will feature a number of unique Red Arrows’ themed spectacles in the air and on the ground as the world famous aerobatic display team return to their first home as part of their official birthday celebrations.

Admission tickets bought by the January 31 deadline are £10 cheaper than the standard price meaning special Friday Reds’ Pit Day tickets can be bought for £24 with Saturday and Sunday tickets costing £34. All under-16s are admitted free.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said buying early not only made sense financially but would also ensure people didn’t risk missing out on all the excitement planned.

He said: “Last July’s airshow was a sell-out and we’re anticipating a repeat this year as excitement for the Reds’ 50th builds. As well as the public’s enthusiasm, fellow military aviators from around the globe have also indicated to us that they’d like to be part of the celebrations. It’s going to be very special.”

As well as celebrating the Reds’ 50th, the Air Tattoo will be marking two other aviation landmarks: the 40th anniversary of both the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the BAE Systems Hawk, the aircraft currently flown by the Red Arrows.

Earlier this month, the Air Tattoo, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, won top honours in the Tourism Event of the Year category of the Cotswold Tourism Awards 2014. To book tickets and to find out about the range of enclosure packages visit www.airtattoo.com

Folkestone Airshow sponsor books Hawk display

KENT-BASED independent financial advisors Investaco has signed up as the first Official Sponsor of Folkestone Airshow 2014. The deal secures a display, subject to operational availability, by an RAF Hawk, a high-speed trainer version of the aircraft type flown by the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Annabel Clarke, Investaco marketing manager, said that the company was ‘thrilled’ to support Folkestone Airshow. “This is great family event and we are proud to be involved”.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said: “This is a splendid start to our New Year sponsorship campaign. Several other businesses have expressed interest in joining the scheme which enables us to hire a particular aircraft or flying display in return for promoting their products or services via our website, video, social media marketing activities, posters banners and in the official programme. We are delighted that Investaco, a leading provider of financial services to the local community, has trailed the sponsorship way of supporting Kent’s great free airshow”.

The Folkestone Airshow Official Supporters scheme, launched last month, which gives patrons of five popular restaurants and bars an opportunity to sponsor an aircraft of their choice, has also made a promising start, according to marketing manager Maddison Broom. “Customers of The Chambers raised more than £280 at their Boxing Night quiz – nearly ten per cent of the amount money necessary to put a Tornado into the air”.

Organised by Open Air Promotions Ltd, Folkestone Airshow 2014 will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. Both days will include flying displays as well ground activities and entertainment on the Leas and in the harbour area.

http://folkestoneairshow.com

Hire an aircraft scheme for Folkestone Airshow

FIVE popular restaurants and bars – four in Folkestone, one in Sandgate – are inviting patrons to put their ‘own’ aircraft in the sky at next year’s Folkestone Airshow. Designated as an Official Supporter, each has signed up to raise an amount of money which will enable Open Air Promotions Ltd, organiser of the two-day event, to hire a named type of aircraft or aerobatic team.

The fund-raising scheme was launched this week and will run until the flying programme is complete.

Folkestone Airshow pr and marketing manager Maddison Broom said that each Official Supporter had chosen the particular military or stunt aircraft they would ask their customers to fund. “They have their own ideas about how to hit necessary targets – by organising events and activities, for example – and we will help by promoting them through our social media websites. Their efforts will be invaluable in lining up the fly-pasts and thrilling high-speed aerobatics performances we are programming”.

Folkestone Airshow 2014 Official Supporters, the amount they have set out to raise and their chosen aircraft are:The Chambers (£3,000, Tornado); The View (£2,500, Trig Aerobatic Team); Fresh & Easy(£2,000, Grob Tutor); The Frenchman (£2,000, King Air); The Royal Norfolk (£2,000, Sea King search-and-rescue helicopter).

Chris Smith, owner-manager of The Chambers said: “We are thrilled to be fund-raising to bring the Tornado to Folkestone Airshow. It will be one of the loudest aircraft in the flying display and we aim to make as much noise with our fund-raising”.

Folkestone Airshow 2014 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. For latest information log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com

AIR TATTOO ON FRIDAY? TAKE IT AS RED

Red Arrows 50 Display Seasons logo

People planning to attend next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo on July 12-13 are being invited to make an extra pit stop as part of the RAF’s official celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season.

Up to 10,000 special Pit Day tickets, priced £24, are being made available for Friday, July 11 offering exclusive access to the world famous aerobatic display team and their aircraft. The Red Arrows’ Pit Day will also enable visitors to watch aircraft arrivals and rehearsals in the morning and enjoy a four-hour flying display in the afternoon including the premier of a special Red Arrows’ formation flypast.

Other Pit Day benefits include access to Showground East Red Zone (10am to 6pm), the Red Arrows Village and Vintage Village, the BAE Systems’ Hawk and F-16 Anniversary Park plus close access to other international aerobatic teams and their aircraft – with more exciting themed activities to be announced.

The Red Arrows began life at RAF Fairford in 1964, performing their first display at Little Rissington in the Cotswolds a year later. Since then, they have performed more than 4,500 displays in 54 different countries.

Air Tattoo organisers are working closely with the Royal Air Force and other air armsto stage the UK’spremiereinternationally-flavoured aerial tribute to the world’s most famous aerobatic display team.

Spokesman Richard Arquati said: “If you love the Red Arrows then the Royal International Air Tattoo is the place to be next summer as we host the biggest birthday celebration for the team in the UK.”

As well as celebrating the Reds’ 50th display season, the Air Tattoo will be marking the 40th anniversary of two other aviation landmarks: the 40th anniversary of both the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the BAE Systems Hawk, the aircraft currently flown by the Red Arrows.

Tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo go on sale from Wednesday (November 20) includingspecially-priced Super Earlybird admission tickets, Friday Red Arrows Pit Day ticketsplus a range of enclosure packages. Discounts of up to £10 per ticket are available until January 31, 2014. Visit www.airtattoo.com for details.

The Air Tattoo is the world’s largest military airshow and is held annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW AMONG THE STARS

RAF Falcons

The RAF Cosford Air Show has won one of the top Shropshire tourist awards for 2013. The winners of the 2013 Shropshire Star Awards were announced at a packed ceremony held at the Ironbridge Museum on Monday 18 November.

The final announcement of the day was the winner of the Tourism Event of the Year, sponsored by the Shrewsbury Club, and with a short list including two other major events it was a tense moment for all those concerned. However, the Air Show which brings over 60,000 people to the county was a popular choice. The Award was received by Air Show Chairman, Wing Commander Paul Lilly, and Air Show Director, Amanda Butcher.

Amanda Butcher said “RAF Cosford Air Show is proud to be part of the Shropshire Star Awards and we are delighted that our contribution to the County has been recognised. The air show brings a lot of people into the area and many of them will also have taken the chance to enjoy some of the pubs, hotels and other attractions that have won awards this afternoon. Today has really shown the outstanding quality of the visitor experience in Shropshire”.

The RAF Cosford Air Show has also been shortlisted for best UK Air Show by the specialist website Airscene and voting is still open at www.airscene.co.uk for the Airscene Awards which means the 2013 event could be a double winner.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is now one of only two officially-sponsored RAF Shows and has been running for 20 years. The Air Show profits are distributed each year to local and service charities. More information, including 2014 ticket prices which have been held for the second year running, can be found on the air show website – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

AIR TATTOO DVD OFFERS THRILLS AND MORE!

RIAT DVD

RE-LIVE all the thrills and excitement from one of this year’s greatest aviation events with the Royal International Air Tattoo’s official 2013 DVD featuring exclusive interviews, dramatic in-cockpit footage and a fascinating glimpse behind-the-scenes.

From fast jets and vintage warbirds to aerobatic display teams and role demos, the official Royal International Air Tattoo 2013 DVD is a must-buy for aviation fans of all ages.

Also included is footage of three memorable flypasts: the RAF Red Arrows alongside a giant British Airways’ Airbus A380; the Red Arrows with an Airbus Military A400M ‘Atlas’, plus a commemorative flypast by the BBMF Lancaster and an RAF Tornado GR4 from 617 Sqn, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the legendary Dambusters’ Raid.

Filmed in High Definition and featuring multiple camera angles, including on-board and on-wing footage, this year’s official DVD, produced by The Media Group, features the pick of the action from the world’s greatest airshow held at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

Around 130,000 people headed for RAF Fairford this summer and were entertained by more than 230 aircraft from 27 air arms representing 19 nations from as far afield as Brazil, Estonia and Jordan.

Among the many highlights were displays by the Polish Air Force MiG-29, Hungarian and Swedish Air Force Gripens, French Air Force Rafale, RAF Typhoon and the Italian Air Force C-27J Spartan. Warbird and vintage aircraft enthusiasts were rewarded with displays by Avro Vulcan XH558, Plane Sailing’s PBY-5A Catalina flying boat, Classic Air Force’s Gloster Meteor T7 and Red Bull’s B-25J Mitchell and Vought F4U-4 Corsair.

Special Under The Radar features turn the spotlight on Boeing Stearman pilot Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who is planning to recreate Mary Heath’s historic 1928 Cape Town to London flight and the teams behind Canberra XH134, Vulcan XH558 and RAF Live!

The DVD also includes interviews with a wide variety of participants, supporters and organisers including Air Tattoo co-founder Tim Prince, the Patrouille de France, the Red Arrows, the Flying Bulls and Air Tattoo Honorary Vice Patron Sir David Jason.

Also featured is a tanking demo flypast by an Italian Air Force KC767 and two typhoons plus a special Eurocopter UK emergency services demo illustrating the role helicopters play in bringing specialist equipment and people rapidly to a scene.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “This superb DVD not only captures all the action and excitement from this summer’s Air Tattoo but it also gives viewers a pilot’s-eye perspective of many of the incredible displays. There’s also the chance to meet pilots, organisers, volunteers and supporters who bring together this unique aviation event each year.”

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official RIAT 2013 DVD is priced £16.95 and can be ordered online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 297 1940. A two-disc Collector’s Edition, featuring extended highlights as well as arrivals and departures, is also available, priced £24.95. Both are also available on Blu-Ray.

Wings & Wheels wins Hero Award

On Friday 18th October 2013 the Wings & Wheels team was delighted to be presented with a Help for Heroes, Hero award ‘For Outstanding Support To Our Wounded’. Along with 30 other nominees, the team visited the Recovery Centre at Tedworth House in Tidworth, Wiltshire for an evening of contemplation and celebration.

Over the last five years Wings & Wheels has supported the fundraising efforts of the charity by helping to raise awareness and money as well as inviting members of the Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters to enjoy the press launch and Show.

Jim McAllister, Chief Executive, Dunsfold Park Ltd comments: “It was an honour and a privilege to be in the company of so many wonderful groups and individuals who have made such important contributions to Help for Heroes. We thoroughly enjoy supporting the charity, which has become an integral part of the Wings & Wheels team and we are proud to accept the award on behalf of everyone involved with the Show.”

The Help for Heroes, Hero Awards were started in 2010 when Bryn and Emma Parry, co-founders of the Charity, wanted to recognise those fundraisers who had gone “above and beyond” in support of Help For Heroes. The Awards are treated like “The Victoria Cross” for the charity, not necessarily based on the amount of money individuals raise, more a reflection of the style, commitment and dedication of their support.

In an ideal world, Help for Heroes would want to award everyone who has ever done anything for the charity but it just isn’t possible. Therefore, it was agreed that throughout a calendar year the Charity would nominate people for their outstanding achievements and in August of that year the list would be presented to the co-Founders to select a maximum of 50 winners who would be presented with a Hero Award from the President and Trustees of Help For Heroes at an awards ceremony, normally held in October.

http://www.wingsandwheels.net

Battle of the aerobatics at The Duxford Air Show this weekend

Patrouille De France

There’s an array of amazing aerobatic spectaculars in store at The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September)!

Opening Saturday’s flying display in gallic style is the Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic display team of the French Air Force, who are one of the world’s most skilled demonstration teams. They’ll perform in the flying programme on Sunday, too.

On Saturday, Pete Kynsey flies the Levier Cosmic Wind, the only aircraft of its type flying anywhere in the world. This aerobatic air racer is called Ballerina II and is as nimble in the air as its name suggests.

There is no greater exponent of the Bucker Jungmann acrobatic aircraft than Anna Walker. Performing classic and competition-style aerobatics, including a challenging inverted low-level pass over the IWM Duxford airfield, Anna will be wowing the crowd on Saturday 7 September.

Also flying on Saturday, and not to be confused with the famous aerobatic act which will be closing the weekend’s flying display, are The Red Sparrows, four de Havilland Chipmunk trainer aircraft which will be flying in close formation displays.

Mark Jeffries controls the skies from all angles in his Extra 330SC aircraft. Mark is nine-time British aerobatic champion and his dizzy aerobatics will have a jaw-dropping effect on air show audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

The Aerostars have been thrilling air show visitors with their tightly choreographed aerobatics, roaring radial engines and striking smoke effects for 17 years. They are a perennial favourite at IWM Duxford air shows and their imaginative displays will no doubt be a hit on the Saturday of The Duxford Air Show.

Sunday’s flying programme concludes in grand style with The Red Arrows, the world-renowned and instantly-recognisable aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force.

Alongside the eye-popping, head-swivelling aerobatic thrills and spills is a range of diverse and exciting flying displays.

One of the highlights of Saturday’s flying display will be the arrival of the Boeing 747-8F, operated by Stansted Airport-based Global Supply Systems Limited and leased to British Airways World Cargo, in its debut UK air show appearance.

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.

The historic jet-powered pairing of the North American F-86 Sabre and the CT-133 Shooting Star will contrast with the thunderous contemporary engines of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which can be seen later in the flying programme on Saturday and which opens the show in ferocious style on Sunday.

The daredevil Piper Cub truck-top landing is an amazing feat of skill and precision that will entrance audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s flying programme sees a demonstration of Royal Air Force capability with a search and rescue demonstration by the Westland Sea King operated by 22 Squadron at Wattisham Airfield and a display by the Shorts Tucano, operated by the Central Flying School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Visitors to The Duxford Air Show will also enjoy the piston-engined power of the Grumman Bearcat and Wildcat duo; the elegance of the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; the powerful B-25 Mitchell, two de Havilland Vampires and a range of Supermarine Spitfires in a classic Battle of Britain tail chase with a Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109).

Entertainment continues across the museum throughout the day, with 1940s living history groups, children’s rides, the chance to clamber aboard Duxford Aviation Society’s retro airliners, fun history activities and the chance to explore the whole museum.

You can also meet Colonel Richard Graham, who flew the SR-71 Blackbird which is now on display in the American Air Museum. Colonel Graham will be hosting fascinating walk-around tours of the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum at 10.30am and noon on both days of the air show. He will also be signing copies of his new book, SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Join us for The Duxford Air Show, a fantastically fun flying weekend for all the family!

Advance booking has now closed but you can pay on the gate as you join us this weekend.