UK Airshow News – Page 55

Red Arrows Confirmed For All Four Days Of The 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival

18th February 2014: It’s officially a first for the Bournemouth Air Festival, but the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows have confirmed today they will be displaying at on all 4-days of the much anticipated summer event.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “We’ve only found out today and can’t believe we have been allocated the Red Arrows for all 4days of the Air Festival, its incredible news. For us as a Festival, the organisers, teams of people behind the event and the hundreds of thousands of people who attend, it really shows how far we have come to have such superb RAF support. We have great plans to develop this year’s festival and with news like this – it can only get better!”

It’s a momentous year for the Reds as they celebrate their 50th display season and with this a recently unveiled new tailfin design. The makeover is the most significant change to the look of the Team’s famous aircraft in its history. In the shape of a Union flag, the striking new tail design reflects the Best of British and emphasises the Red Arrows’ role as ambassadors for the United Kingdom and as the public face of the Royal Air Force.

Timings are yet to be confirmed, more information will be released at the Air Festival launch event at the end of March – www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Air Show Ticket Sales Flying High

Cosford ticket advert

Tickets for this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show have only been on sale for a few days but are already selling fast; this year with ticket numbers capped you will need to get in early to guarantee your tickets.

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher said “Last year saw our biggest ever crowd which put unacceptable pressure on the local roads causing delays. To prevent this happening again we will be putting a cap on ticket sales, this could mean that we will not have any available on the day if advance sales continue at the present rate.”

Visitors to the website will also be able to view details of the hospitality enclosures, offering a range of packages to suit all budgets. This also has information on the “The Cosford Club” a dedicated crowd line enclosure designed to keep guests close to the action with an unrestricted view and providing private toilet facilities and refreshment outlets.

Other attractions include something for the whole family with over five hours of flying displays, craft fair, interactive indoor exhibitions and an arena as well as plenty of rides and other activities for children.

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.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to local and Service charities.

Canberra PR9 to display at Abingdon Air & Country Show

The iconic and celebrated Canberra XH134, the world’s only airworthy PR9, will join an array of aviation acts, including the Breitling Wingwalkers, Trig Team and a P40 Kittyhawk, at the Abingdon Air & Country Show on Sunday 4th May.

In her first scheduled airshow of the year, XH134 will perform a revised display, showcasing the exceptional PR9 capabilities, under the skilled piloting of Sqn Ldr Dave Piper and Flt Lt Mike Leckey. Incorporating a variety of impressive manoeuvres, visitors will be captivated by the power and noise of XH134.

Designed as the RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had an exceptional career spanning 55 years of active service, before retiring from operations in July 2006. Following an extensive restoration by C2 Aviation, XH134 unveiled the striking new silver colour scheme of the Midair Squadron in September 2013, and will be flanked by two Hawker Hunters as the 2014 season progresses.

Aircraft owner, Michael Davis, explains, “The refined PR9 display showcases XH134 in all her glory. Demonstrating the sheer power and capabilities of the photo reconnaissance aircraft, it is a pleasure to introduce XH134 back to the display circuit.”

Speaking of the new air display, Sqn Ldr Dave Piper comments, “It is an honour to fly such an internationally recognised aircraft, in front of crowds who have supported her restoration from the outset.”

The annual Abingdon Air & Country show, located at Abingdon Airfield, is staged to raise money for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, donating over £45,000 since 2007. Over 9,000 visitors are expected this year.

www.abingdonfayre.com

Swiss Turn Airshow Into Joint Celebration

Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force has ensured the Red Arrows won’t be the only aerobatic display team celebrating an aviation landmark at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 11-13.

It has announced plans to send their aerobatic display team, the Patrouille Suisse, in their 50th anniversary year, along with an F-18 Hornet and Super Puma helicopter to take part in the Air Tattoo’s flying display.

Air Tattoo organiserssaid that official celebrations markingthe 50th display season of the Red Arrows would also include the Patrouille Suisse in order that their anniversary was also recognised.

Formed in 1964, the team fly six F-5E Tiger IIs painted in a bright colour scheme that incorporates the red and white of the Swiss national flag. The pilots, who are all volunteers from various frontline squadrons, are famed worldwide for performing precise formations at high speed.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said that as an international celebration of aviation,it was important thatthe Air Tattoo recognised important anniversaries being celebrated by other participatingair arms.

He said: “The Swiss have particular cause to celebrate this year. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suissebut it is also the 25th anniversary of their PC-7 aerobatic display team. On top of that, the Swiss Air Force will also be marking the 100th anniversary of military aviation in their country. Given all these anniversaries, we’re really pleased that the Swiss have agreed to support our airshow in such an incredible way.”

The Swiss Air Force have been regular visitors to the Air Tattoo since first attending the airshow at RAF Greenham Common in 1979 with the Patrouille Suisse. Then, the team flew six Hawker Hunter F-58s before switching to their current Northrop F-5E Tiger II jets in 1995. Accompanying the display team on their first visit was a Swiss Air Force de Havilland Venom FB.4, which was presented as a gift, to the Royal Air Force Museum.

This summer could be one of the last times the Patrouille Suisse perform in the UK after it was announced last year that the team would be disbanded in 2016 due to the withdrawal of the F-5 from Swiss Air Force service.

Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until the end of January from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

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.