UK Airshow News – Page 53

Folkestone’s air spectacular is ready for take-off

UP to 200,000 people are expected to watch Folkestone’s biggest-ever airshow next weekend (June 7 and 8). After almost a year of meticulous planning, preparations are complete for two days of thrilling air displays, ground events and family fun entertainment.

Organised by specialist outdoor events management company Open Air Promotions Ltd, the event – Kent’s only 2014 free-to-watch airshow – is expected to attract spectators from across south east England and the London area as well as from across the Channel.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said that the event would provide sky-watchers with two days of thrills and excitement. “More than twenty types of military and other aircrafthave been booked to take part. The sensational RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team and iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will head the line-up on Saturday.The impressive Sunday flying programme will includeperformances by stunt and other aircraft popular on the international air show circuit. Freefall parachutists are due to drop in on both days and there will be a dramatic demonstration of a sea rescue.

“There’ll be plenty going on at ground level, too – on the Leas and in the harbour area -from 10am on both days. Attractions will include exhibitions and displays in the Armed Forces Village, flight simulators, fun zones, food, drink and shopping areas, vintage car rallyas well as livemusic and entertainment on two stages.

“And that’s not all. The opening day will end with a spectacular live concert – thehugely popular rock revival Abba Bjorn Again plusinternationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Chris Andre- and grand firework finale on Folkestone seafront”.

Open Air Promotions has made special arrangements to help visitorsenjoy their visit to Folkestone. Teams of meet-and-greet marshals will be on duty at Folkestone Central railway station, the town centre bus station, car parks and seafront information points. Public address systems will keep spectators on the Leas and in the harbour area informed about what’s on, where and when.

Park-and-ride services will be available from Folkestone Racecourse and Radnor Park.

“Traffic on all routes is bound to be heavy on both days and we strongly urge car-drivers to book a space in advance via our website – www.folkestoneairshow.com“, said Ms Holder.

For latest information and to book tickets for the Abba Bjorn Again concert and for car parks call 01303 246925, visit the Fly Folkestone office at 67 The Old High Street, Folkestone, or log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com

Cosford Air Show Traffic News

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher said “Last year’s record crowds saw considerable congestion and long tail backs in the surrounding area so we have worked hard with all the local agencies to come up with a number of changes which we expect to bring a much improved traffic flow and improvements to the car parking arrangements”

Major changes include the use of accredited personnel to direct traffic at the key junctions. This will enable organisers, in conjunction with the Highways Agency and the Police, to give priority to the busiest routes rather than relying on traffic lights and existing road priorities. The gate to the show from the A464 will also be open to the public longer which will reduce the pressure on the M54.

In addition, a professional car parking company, who are experienced with major events, will be working with RAF Cosford personnel to improve the car parking entry and exit systems and ensure that traffic flows within the car parks are managed and controlled.

Amanda Butcher went on to say “We will be able to get people on and off the site more quickly and also be able to respond to any build up of traffic on the local roads by changing the flow priority. As a result we are confident that we will see a significant improvement this year.”

With only a couple of weeks until the event, ticket sales are still at record levels and the organisers have again recommended the purchase of advance tickets, these are priced at £20 for adults with children under 16 coming free. Tickets are available through many Midcounties Co-operative stores as well as online and from the RAF Museum.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Belgian Devils Debut At Cosford

Red Devils

The organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show have announced the first confirmed international participant for the flying display on Sunday 8th June. The Belgian Air Force ‘Red Devils’ will be making their debut appearance at the Show, performing with four SF.260M training aircraft and bringing the number of display teams to four.

The aircraft have an exciting red paint scheme featuring the Belgian flag on the aircraft underside and their tight aerobatic display is particularly well suited to Cosford. This will be one of only two UK performances by the team this year. The Belgian Air Force are strong supporters of the RAF Cosford Air Show, and in recent years have provided both flying and static aircraft for the event. Air Show Director Amanda Butcher said, “We are particularly pleased to welcome the Belgians back this year. We enjoy hosting international participants at RAF Cosford, and the Red Devils make an exciting addition to our already packed line-up.”

Other display teams confirmed for 2014 are The Red Arrows, the Blades and the Yakovlevs. Along with the aerial displays, there is plenty to see and do on the ground at the Air Show, including a craft fair, arena displays, military exhibitions and fairground rides. Displays confirmed so far for the Free Radio Arena include the RAF Massed Pipes and Drums, field gun displays, and drill demonstrations.

With less than four weeks till the event, and ticket sales at record levels, the organisers have again recommended the purchase of advance tickets, these are priced at £20 for adults with children under 16 coming free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Saga helps Airshow fly high

FOLKESTONE AIRSHOW 2014 organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd has named the Saga Group as headlinesponsor of the event.

Announcing Saga’s sponsorship, Open Air Promotions director Yvonne Holder said that the company’sfinancial support would not only help to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet but also provide a funding platform forfuture airshows.

“It is fantastic and immensely encouraging that Saga has joined other local businesses, Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council – they are joint funders of the Red Arrows’ display – and a generous public in helping us to stage a two-day free-to-watch event planned to entertain up to 200,000 residents and visitors.

“Saga, one of Kent’s biggest employersand born in Folkestone, is an idealtitle sponsor of the town’s biggest weekend event”.

Folkestone Airshow is to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8.

For more information call 01303 246925 or visit www.folkestoneairshow.com

Midair Squadrons Classic Jets To Fly At Air Day

Midair Squadron Classic Jets by Karl Drage

The world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 (XH134) has been added to RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s 2014 line-up. Only recently-reflown, this sole survivor is operated by the Midair Squadron, whose Hunter T7 XL577 will also be at the show.

Performing their powerful display, under the skilled piloting of Flt Lt Mike Leckey and Sqn Ldr (R) Dave Piper, the Midair Squadron have quickly become an internationally-recognised act and an emerging favourite on the airshow scene. Delighted with the announcement, Midair Squadron Operations Director and pilot, Dave Piper commented: “This booking solidifies the Midair Squadron’s prominence within the UK’s display circuit. The combination of a Hunter and Canberra PR9 is a totally unique display visual, and the dynamic pair will captivate the hearts and minds of audiences young and old.”

Both the Canberra and Hunter have historic links to RNAS Yeovilton. Operated by FRADU (the Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit), examples of each were based there from the early-1970s to the early-1990s. The Midair Squadron’s involvement in Air Day 2014 will thus bring back a sight not seen in Somerset’s skies for very many years.

The Canberra and Hunter will take part in Air Day’s five-plus hour Flying Display, alongside a wide range of types linked to the show’s ‘Carrier Aviation’ theme, modern-day combat aircraft, aerobatic teams and other very popular classic jets including Avro Vulcan B2 XH558.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates or by calling 08445 781 781.

Historic flight confirmed for Bournemouth Air Festival

Not satisfied with two incredible ‘firsts’ for this Summer, (Red Arrows every day and a Dakota), organisers of this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Mouchel and City Fibre Gigler, have confirmed the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster will be appearing with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The last two Lancaster bombers still flying in the world will come together in a series of events this summer, in a meeting unlikely to happen ever again and will be taking centre stage at the Air Festival on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) will fly their Avro Lancaster from Hamilton, Ontario on August 4th with plans to arrive in England on August 8th. The North Atlantic crossing will include en-route stops at Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, Narsarsuaq, Greenland, and Keflavik in Iceland, before arriving in the UK.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said; ‘I am delighted to confirm we’ll be hosting the Canadian Lancaster & her display team this summer. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world’s only two airworthy Lancaster’s take to the skies together.

He added; ‘The aircraft is guaranteed for the weekend and we hope to raise funds for Thursday and Friday, to give everyone a chance to see this unique sight – if anyone is interested is supporting us, please get in touch!’

Here for the month of August, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Squadron Leader (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, added; “This is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event and a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command. On behalf of the team and all involved we are really looking forward to displaying for the Bournemouth Air Festival”.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Last two airworthy Lancasters to fly at Wings & Wheels

Lancaster - credit: Doug Fisher

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm a once in a life time air display with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster which will be flying at the Show on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014.

Joining the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world, owned and operated by the RAF BBMF, CWHM will display at Dunsfold Aerodrome as part of a month long tour of the UK. As well as celebrating the exceptionally close British/Canadian relationship, the tour will also commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of Commonwealth Bomber crews and the professionalism of both nations’ air forces today.

The home of Wings & Wheels, Dunsfold Aerodrome, has strong historical ties with the Canadians. The Aerodrome began life on 11 May 1942 when the First Canadian Army – mainly the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers – began construction of the emergency airfield. After just 20 weeks the site was officially handed over to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on 16 October 1942. During the War the Aerodrome was home to the RCAF 400, 414 and 430 Squadrons.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Sqn Ldr (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, comments: “This Trans-Atlantic crossing and visit to the BBMF and England is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event as it will not happen again. A rare window of opportunity was identified to bring the last two flying Lancasters in the world together as a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command, many of whom are in their late 80s or older now. We are delighted to be displaying at Wings & Wheels and on an Aerodrome which has such strong links with the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Wings & Wheels is going to be one of only a handful of aerodromes across the UK where it will be possible to watch both Lancasters display and we are absolutely thrilled. We are very proud of the Aerodrome’s Canadian heritage and to be able to commemorate it in such an iconic and historic way is something we can’t wait to share with our visitors.”

As well as the Lancasters, visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Vulcan, BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane, Tucano, Apache and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 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 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

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 £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.

(Lancaster photo credit: Doug Fisher)

Airshow to aid RAF charity

The organiser of Folkestone Airshow 2014, Open Air Promotions Ltd, has named the RAF Benevolent Fund as official charity partner for the event.

Director Yvonne Holder said that the organisation did wonderful work supporting serving and former RAF personnel and their families and it was fitting that it benefited from an event in which so many iconic military aircraft would take part. “Our donation will be a share of the money received from the sale of souvenir programmes. Cover price will be £3.50, of which 50p will be given to the Fund”.

Paul Hewson, regional director of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said that the charity was ‘absolutely thrilled” to have been chosen as an official partner for what promised to be Folkestone’s biggest and best air show. “Few people realise the extent of the work we do. Every year, we spend more than £20 million on a wide range of support services and without the generous support of events like the Folkestone Air Show it simply would not be possible to provide them on the scale we do”.

Folkestone Airshow takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. The flying programme on the first day will feature the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team.

www.folkstoneairshow.com

Sea Harrier To Join Ground Displays

Harrier RAF Cosford Air Show

This year’s ground displays at the RAF Cosford Air Show will be joined for the first time by a Royal Navy Sea Harrier.

The Sea Harrier FA2 arrived by road earlier this week after being transported across the country and was delivered safely to RAF Cosford engineers who are now working hard to piece it back together in time for the Air Show. On loan from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, this Sea Harrier ZH796 was built in 1996 and has flown approximately 1300 flying hours. It was retired from service in 2006 and was the last of its type to fly from HMS Illustrious before it was decommissioned. It is now housed at the School of Flight Deck Operations at RNAS Culdrose where it is used in support of naval groundcrew training.

This aircraft joins three other Harriers on display at this year’s Air Show, a GR3 and two GR9’s each with a unique configuration. The exhibit is part of a special display to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Kestrel, the prototype for the Harrier. The original Kestrel is part of the RAF Museum collection and will also be part of this special line-up.

Amanda Butcher, spokesman for the Cosford Air Show, said:

“The addition of this Sea Harrier will enable us to represent the history of Harrier aircraft of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy across the years. This will be a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of the Harrier family from the Kestrel right through to the Harrier GR9.”

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Mighty Vulcan To Roar Over Cosford

Vulcan - credit Andrew Brown

Ticket sales for the RAF Cosford Air Show are expected to get a big boost following today’s announcement of new aircraft for the flying display. After much speculation the organisers have today confirmed that the Vulcan will provide its full display for the second year running. The Avro Vulcan aircraft, registration no XH558, is the only aircraft of its type still flying anywhere in the world and makes a welcome return to the Midlands premier aviation event.

Other important news released today was the appearance of two operational aircraft from RAF Brize Norton. The giant C17 and Voyager aircraft will be making their first ever appearance at the RAF Cosford Air Show.

Air Show Spokesman Amanda Butcher said “These three new aircraft make a great addition to our line-up and give us the opportunity to showcase to our audience RAF aircraft involved in current operations as well as the iconic and popular Vulcan.”

Other aircraft appearing at the show as part of the 5 ½ hour flying display include the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Blades. The ground attractions include an arena featuring the Field Gun teams and the RAF Combined Pipes and Drums as well as a craft hangar and a wide display of other attractions

– Standard air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network charges). Advance tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20 per cent discount on tickets bought on the day (£25 subject to availability). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.