UK Airshow News – Page 71

Top Flight of International Displays at Airbourne 2009

The World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow promises a top flight of international flying displays including the RNAF F16, Eurofigher Typhoon, Belgian Sea King and US Air Force KC135.Visitors to Airbourne, Eastbourne’s airshow, will be treated to a packed line up of exciting international displays in 2009 from the United States, Belgian, and Royal Netherlands Air Forces. From watching thrilling displays from the Belgian Sea King and Royal Netherlands Air Force AB412 Search and Rescue aircraft to the popular F16, plus an impressive display from the highly capable and extremely agile Eurofighter Typhoon; airshow enthusiasts can enjoy a world class flying programme.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “This year’s Airbourne keeps on getting better and better. We already have crowd favourite, the Red Arrows, on all four days and now, with the bumper line up of international displays, visitors are in for a truly spectacular airshow. With entertainment carrying on into the evening at this year’s event, visitors have plenty to look forward to in 2009.”

Other displays confirmed for Airbourne 2009 when it returns to Eastbourne seafront from 13-16 August include the Blades Extra 300, Guinot Wingwalkers, Swift Glider Team, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Tutor, and Mustang.

Visitors will be able to watch in wonder as the glamorous Guinot team perform their daredevil antics aboard the wings of their Boeing Stearman Biplane, while the Blades Extra 300, who have famously displayed at the Beckhams pre-World Cup Party and on TV’s Emmerdale, sweep in and perform twists and turns in the skies.

With tickets on sale now offering the chance for visitors to upgrade their airshow experience in 2009, airshow fans can book exclusive seating at Eastbourne Bandstand for just £7 a day offering uninterrupted views of the flying line, while a day out in the Aviator Club Hospitality Marquee starts from just £50+VAT per person with arena-side seats.

The Friends of Airbourne membership scheme also offers exclusive airshow benefits for those signing up. Airbourne fans can become a Bronze member for free and receive regular newsletters, or upgrade to Silver for just £10 and receive a goody bag, souvenir programme, plus the chance to meet the pilots.

To find out more about Airbourne 2009 visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031. Airbourne 2009 is sponsored by Barratt Southern Counties with TravelInsured.co.uk sponsoring the Red Arrows flying display.

Red Arrows “Flyby” is Airbourne Photo Winner

A photograph showing Airbourne favourite, the Red Arrows, flying past Eastbourne Pier in their famous diamond formation has triumphed in the 2009 Airbourne Photograph Competition.The shot titled ‘Flyby’ and taken by Eastbourne resident, Scott Morley, captures the setting of Eastbourne Airshow, encompassing the resort’s iconic Pier, busy beaches and popular flying display. With nearly 100 entries in total, judges had a tough decision picking the final winner but Scott’s high quality shot, which is instantly recognisable as Eastbourne was a favourite amongst judges.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Airbourne Photograph Competition attracted some fantastic shots of our airshow and it was really tough picking out a single winner. However Scott’s image is brilliant and captures what Airbourne is all about, showing its magnificent seaside setting and a clear shot of the famous Red Arrows flying display.”

The photograph competition attracted almost 100 entries, from close-up shots of the Blades, Guinot Wingwalkers and Hurricane to landscape shots capturing the seafront, South Downs and town centre.

Winning photograph ‘Flyby’ will be printed in the 2009 Official Airbourne Souvenir Programme plus will be printed onto canvas and presented to Scott courtesy of Eastprint at the airshow this summer.

Airbourne enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get their hands on the winning photograph itself with a special edition postcard print to go on sale through VisitEastbourne E-shop later this month.

With Airbourne set to return to Eastbourne this year from 13-16 August, there will be another opportunity for visitors to get snapping at the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow.

Displays including the Red Arrows on all four days, plus the Guinot Wingwalkers, Blades Aerobatic Formation Team, F16, Tigers Parachute Display Team and Eurofighter Typhoon are also confirmed to appear at Airbourne 2009 promising an action-packed four days.

For more information on this year’s airshow or to view the winning photograph visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Spoilt for Choice for Exclusive Views at Airbourne

Visitors to the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow can enjoy top views of the flying action, including crowd favourite the Red Arrows on all four days, with a variety of exclusive viewing opportunities.Tickets are on sale now for exclusive viewing seats at Eastbourne Bandstand, which return for their sixth year offering uninterrupted views of the flying line for just £7 a day. Plus visitors looking to upgrade their experience at Eastbourne Airshow this summer can book now to become a Gold Friend of Airbourne with entry into an exclusive Friends Enclosure, or enjoy an extra special day out at the Aviator Club hospitality marquee.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “This year’s Airbourne is shaping up to be action-packed with a fantastic line-up of flying displays as well as plenty of entertainment on the ground too. This year we have a variety of options allowing visitors to upgrade their experience of the bumper-filled airshow with exclusive seats at either the Bandstand, Friends Enclosure on the Western Lawns or arena-side hospitality marquee.

“With exclusive viewing seats starting at just £7 a day, visitors will be able to wander freely around the airshow knowing they have their own seat to return to when the action begins overhead.”

Visitors can book now for seats on the upper balcony and promenade deck at the resort’s 1930’s Bandstand when Airbourne returns from 13-16 August. Overlooking the beach, Airbourne fans can enjoy a seat for the day watching displays including the Guinot Wingwalkers, Blades Aerobatic Formation Team and Hurricane Bomber.

Those looking for an extra special day out can upgrade and book a day out at the Aviator Club, with prices starting from just £50 a day. Offering a unique setting to wine and dine business clients or celebrate a special occasion, Aviator guests can look forward to a champagne welcome, three-course summer lunch and arena-side seats.

2009 also presents a brand new opportunity for Airbourne enthusiasts to get involved in the seafront airshow with new Friends of Airbourne membership packages.

Fans of Airbourne can pledge their support to the seafront event now entering its 17th year and choose from three levels of membership; bronze, silver and gold.

For just £10, become a Silver Friend and receive the official 2009 souvenir programme, an Airbourne radio headset, goody bag, and the opportunity to meet the pilots.

Or visitors can upgrade to become a Gold Friend for just £25 for adults or £12.50 for children and experience an extra special day out, with all of the silver benefits plus entry into an exclusive ‘Friends Enclosure’ on the Western Lawns on the day of their choice at this year’s Airbourne.

For more information on all of the exclusive viewing seats at Airbourne 2009 visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or book online from www.visiteastbourne.com.

The Matadors take to Bournemouth skies

More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival organisers have announced The Matadors as the latest aircraft to be displaying at this years most anticipated summer event.

Regarded as one of the UK’s most dynamic aerobatic teams, The Matadors are set to amaze, impress and wow Air Festival crowds. Internationally renowned and in worldwide demand, the team only fly at a small number of UK air shows each year; and with pilots Paul Bonhomme and Steve Jones, considered to be two of the best in the world, at the helm festival-goers can be sure of some incredible sky-high action.

Steve Jones said; “After last years success there was a real buzz about Bournemouth on the air display circuit. We are incredibly pleased to be part of this summer’s event and are ready to bring some Matador action to the south coast!”

The Matadors display is designed to demonstrate the truly remarkable performance of the Sukhoi 26. The two pilots fly their aircraft in a variety of formation patterns, which include some extreme manoeuvres such as ‘the crossovers’, where Paul and Steve fly towards each other at a combined speed of 400mph.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “We are delighted to announce The Matadors participation at the event, adding to our already impressive daytime line-up. The team only display at a few events each year so it is great news that Bournemouth is one of them.”

Taking place 20th – 23rd August, crowds will be in for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping 4-days this year, with the incredible Eurofighter Typhoon, Team Guinot Wingwalkers, Yakovlevs and Black Cats Helicopter Display team all set to perform.

For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Festival fund-raising

Wounded servicemen and women are set to gain a major boost from Southend Festival of the Air 2009.

An organisation called Help for Heroes – which supports those wounded while serving their country – has been chosen as the Festival’s official charity.

Badged official collectors will circulate among the seafront crowds at the Festival on Sunday 24th May and Monday 25th May.

There will also be a special stall selling memorabilia and promoting the work of Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 to help members of the Armed Forces injured in the course of serving their country.
It was borne out of an immense respect for the courage, humour and professionalism of the men and women of the Armed Forces who put their lives in danger, on a regular basis, on our behalf
Help for Heroes has raised, on average, over £1 million per month to help our wounded – a total of more than £12 million committed or designated
The majority of the money raised has been allocated for building much needed rehabilitation facilities.
Much of this money comes from fundraising events organised by people across the country
Help for Heroes supports other service charities, and aims to supplement the available facilities and care so those in rehabilitation get the very best facilities and treatment in order to recover from their injuries and rebuild their careers.
It benefits members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF
More details are available from http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb says: “We are very pleased that Help for Heroes is the official charity for Southend Festival of the Air 2009.”

At all our previous Airshows we have always had an immense amount of loyal help from members the of the armed services, both airborne and on the ground, so we are delighted to try to give a little bit back by helping a charity which supports their wounded colleagues.

“We hope that as many people as possible will dig deep into their pockets and give as much as they can to this very worthy cause.”

Check out the latest details of Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on www.southendairshow.com

Last Chance to Book for the Airbourne Ball

The first ever Airbourne Lift-Off Dinner takes place on 30 May and fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow are being encouraged to book quickly for the last remaining tickets.The Chatsworth Hotel will host a special Airbourne dinner evening on Saturday 30 May to celebrate the lead-up to the annual Eastbourne event, with proceeds to go towards the fighting fund to support Eastbourne Airshow.

With the final batch of tickets now available, airshow enthusiasts have only a couple of weeks to book their place at the packed evening, which will include an airshow-themed menu, Rat Pack entertainment from singer Tom Fitzpatrick, engaging guest speaker Group Captain Gordon Bruce and the opportunity to bid for exclusive RAF memorabilia in an after-dinner auction.

Director of Tourism for Eastbourne Borough Council, Norman Kinnish said “The Airbourne launch dinner is a great opportunity for airshow fans to really show their support for the 2009 event and enjoy an evening to remember. Guests can certainly look forward to an impressive evening and with tickets almost sold out; this really is the last chance to enjoy an exclusive dose of Airbourne action before the airshow in August.”

Organised by the Lions Hotel, owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar, is the first Eastbourne businessman to pledge his support for Airbourne, which returns to the town from 13-16 August this year.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Airbourne 2009 and contribute to the fighting fund to save the event’s future.

Tickets for the Airbourne lift-off dinner cost £40 per person and are available to book now, online from VisitEastbourne.com E-shop as well as from the Tourist Information Centre and Chatsworth Hotel. Guests can look forward to a scrumptious 5-course dinner, including themed courses such as ‘A fine display team’ for starters and ‘the final fly past’ for the finishing course of English and Continental Cheeses.

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

Sky high delights and fabulous fun at your feet

Excitement is mounting for the sensational Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on Sunday 24th May and Bank Holiday Monday 25th May.The finishing touches are now being added to the tremendous two-day event which offers enthralling spectacles in the air and on the ground. Both days feature fabulous flying displays starring the World Famous Red Arrows – and much much more besides.

Festival flying is set for take off at 1.50pm on Sunday 24th May when a terrific selection of aircraft roars above Southend seafront. First off the ground will be the Sar Role Demo, Mustang, B25 Mitchell, Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display and the Team Guinot Wing Walkers.

From 3pm, the well-loved Battle of Britain Memorial Flight gives us a rare glimpse of our airborne heritage. These historic planes will be followed by the Matadors, Apache Helo, Hawk, Tutor and Gnat Pair.

Then the matchless Red Arrows take centre stage at 4pm performing a daring new display sequence for their first UK performance of the season.

Afterwards, the Swift Team and Typhoon will be put through their paces, before the day’s proceedings culminate in a magnificent parachute display from the RAF Falcons at 5pm.

On Monday 25th May the displays are due to begin at 2.30pm with the Swift Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Then the Red Arrows return with their head-turning, jaw-dropping manoeuvres to wow the crowds at 3pm, followed by the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display and the Wing Walkers.

From 4pm the Tutor, Mustang, B25 Mitchell, Gnat Pair and Matadors take flight. The finishing displays at Southend Festival of the Air 2009 at 5pm include the Apache Helo, Hawk, Typhoon and the RAF Falcons.

Throughout both days there will be a dazzling variety of ground entertainment with activities for all members of the family to see, enjoy and take part in. On offer will be: giant inflatables, flight simulators and a full arena programme throughout both afternoons. Entertainments include the Royal Marines Unarmed Combat, a fitness challenge where civilians take on the armed forces in the “Survival of the Fittest”, acrobats, singers, stilt walkers, dancers and even a robot!

Attractions along the seafront include: the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Town Show, a Charities Marquee, the RAF Town Show the Red Arrows Village and Meet the Pilots area, the Army Town Show and Music Roadshows from Southend Radio on Sunday and Essex FM on Monday. Hungry Festival goers will find refreshments to suit all tastes offered by the international range of cuisine from the catering concessions.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism & Regeneration says: “Southend Festival of the Air 2009 is an unmissable extravaganza of entertainment and activities to captivate the whole family. We have thrilling aerobatic treats and ground-level delights where people can actually meet some of the pilots, test their nerve in flight simulators, see planes at close range, challenge their fitness against members of the armed forces, and experience a massive variety of other attractions.”

PLEASE NOTE: Flying programme times may vary. Check out the latest details of Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on www.southendairshow.com

Reds are Back for all FOUR Days at Eastbourne

Visitors to the World’s Biggest FREE Seafront Airshow will have four chances to see crowd favourite the Red Arrows in 2009 as the famous fast jets with their red, white and blue smoke formations will display on every day of Airbourne.

This year the iconic red jets will zoom through Eastbourne skies over the beautiful seafront setting on all four days of the seaside airshow entertaining crowds with their breathtaking loops and twists overhead. With Bournemouth only seeing three appearances from the Red Arrows, visitors to Eastbourne will not only be treated to four incredible flying formations but will also get a rare opportunity to greet the Reds arena-side on Saturday 15 August as they touch down in Eastbourne for a special ground appearance.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Red Arrows are a brilliant draw for any airshow but to have these world renowned jets on all four days is absolutely fantastic news and makes Eastbourne Airbourne the must see event of the summer. With Airbourne’s beautiful beach front setting and Eastbourne’s record sunshine hours, the event is the highlight of the resort’s calendar attracting thousands of visitors every year.”

Other displays confirmed for Airbourne 2009 when it returns from 13-16 August, include the F16, the US Fighting Falcon, plus the Eurofighter Typhoon making it a truly international event. With rival resort Bournemouth seeing a lack in international flying displays, Eastbourne is keen to uphold its reputation as the biggest international seafront airshow.

Visitors to Airbourne can also look forward to the welcome return of the Guinot Wingwalkers who amaze spectators with their daredevil displays, plus the Blades Aerobatic Formation Team, famous for flying at prestigious events including the Beckham’s pre-World Cup Party.

With plenty of entertainment on the ground too, including action-packed arena demonstrations, trade stands, children’s beach entertainment, full size replica aircraft and the chance to chat to the RAF Careers Team; Airbourne makes a packed day out for any visitor.

Plus with even more flying displays still to be added to the 2009 line up, Airbourne 2009 promises to be a bumper show, with plenty going on to keep everyone entertained all from the stunning setting of Eastbourne seafront.

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

Aviator Club is Front Row to Airbourne Aerobatics

Fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow can upgrade their experience in 2009 with tickets to the Aviator Club, an exclusive hospitality package available at Airbourne.Visitors can now book for arena-side hospitality at Eastbourne’s airshow where guests will be treated to uninterrupted views of the flying line with a champagne welcome and three-course summer lunch. Airbourne enthusiasts can enjoy the best seats on the seafront as they sit back, relax and watch the dynamic flying formations overhead as well as get a front row seat to all of the arena action.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Aviator Club promises to make what’s already a great event, even better, with guests looked after all day as they enjoy the biggest international seafront airshow. With top displays already booked for 2009 including the Red Arrows, the Aviator Club makes a special day out for family and friends, or a top setting for wining and dining corporate clients, all from the beautiful location of Eastbourne seafront.”

The Red Arrows are set to zoom over Eastbourne skies on all four days this year when the airshow returns from 13-16 August meaning that any Aviator guest will be able to witness the fast jet spectacle.

With the Reds also set to make a stop off at the ground on the Saturday of Airbourne, guests booking for this day will also get the chance to meet the pilots as they greet visitors around the arena.

Guests booking for Friday 14 August will also receive an extended VIP experience until dusk, with an extended flying programme and entertainment into the evening.

The Aviator Club opens at 12 noon on each day of Airbourne, welcoming visitors with champagne and canapés before they tuck into their three-course lunches served with plenty of fine wine, Pimms and champagne.

Tickets for The Aviator Club start at just £50 and promise an action-packed day out with the added luxury of chilling out in the hospitality marquee, close to all of the flying teams.

To book tickets or receive a booking form contact Jayne Howard in the Events team on 01323 415442 or e-mail jayne.howard@eastbourne.gov.uk

For more information about Airbourne 2009 telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Its a Ball for Airbourne Lift-Off

Fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow are being invited to celebrate the launch of Airbourne 2009 in a brand new dinner evening organised by the Lion Hotels.Tickets to a lift-off dinner on Saturday 30 May are now on sale and guests can look forward to an airshow themed menu, with proceeds from the evening being used to support Eastbourne Airshow. Taking place at the Chatsworth Hotel, dinner guests can expect a packed evening including entertainment from Rat Pack singer Tom Fitzpatrick, very entertaining guest speaker Group Captain Gordon Bruce, and the chance to bid for RAF memorabilia in an exclusive auction.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Airbourne launch dinner is shaping up to be a very impressive evening with plenty to entice airshow enthusiasts along to celebrate Eastbourne’s biggest event. It’s brilliant that the Lion Hotels have come forward and organised an event to show their commitment to Airbourne and provide an opportunity for us to raise funds towards sustaining the airshow for the future.”

Sheikh Abid Gulzar, owner of the Lion Hotels group in Eastbourne, is the town’s first businessman to actively step forward and pledge his support for Airbourne, which takes place from 13-16 August 2009.

Sheikh Gulzar said: “We are fully supportive of the Airbourne event as this is extremely important to raising awareness of the resort. Many of our guests return year after year for the airshow and we sincerely wish it continues for many years to come.”

Attracting thousands of visitors every summer, Airbourne has become a highlight of Eastbourne’s summer and Eastbourne hotels are always full.

However, now in its 17th year, costs of staging the four day event are rising. Eastbourne Borough Council are keen to work with the local business community during 2009 to turn the airshow into a self-funding event to preserve its long term future.

Tickets for the Airbourne launch dinner cost £40 per person and in return guests can look forward to a scrumptious 5-course dinner, including themed courses such as ‘A fine display team’ with a choice of smoked salmon and prawns, salad leaves and walnut dressing, or tomato and basil soup for starters and ‘the final fly past’ for the finishing course of English and Continental Cheeses.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Airbourne 2009 and contribute to the fighting fund to save the event.

Tickets are on sale now from the Tourist Information Centre, E-shop at www.visiteastbourne.com and the Lion Hotels. To book from the hotel contact Sharron Winter on 01323 748710 or e-mail sharron@lionhotelsltd.co.uk .

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