UK Airshow News – Page 72

Air Tattoo Welcomes Back Old Flames

AN aerobatic display team that attended the second International Air Tattoo in 1972 is set to return to the UK this summer to mark the 40th anniversary of what has since become the world’s largest military airshow.

Les Diables Rouges (The Red Devils) aerobatic display team, part of the Belgian Air Force, will be taking part in the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 16 & 17.

In 1972, the two-ship team took part in the airshow when it was staged at North Weald airfield. The pilots flew Fouga Magisters. Five years later, the team disbanded.

However, the Red Devils have now reformed, flying SF-260 aircraft, and they plan to return to the Air Tattoo in the summer to celebrate their historic links with the airshow.

A spokesman for the Red Devils said he was delighted the new team would be taking part in the Air Tattoo. He said: “I hope our participation will serve to emphasise not only our historical links but also the enduring relationship that exists between the Belgian Air Force at the Air Tattoo.”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince, who helped found the airshow in 1971, said the Red Devils’ would help conjure up a wonderful sense of nostalgia at this summer’s event. He said: “We had some good times at those early shows and I recall the Diables Rouges, with their Fouga Magisters, performed beautifully. It is a great honour to see them return for this special occasion.”

In addition to celebrating its 40th anniversary, this summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 16-17, will host a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Bada Gets Off To A Flying Start

Leading figures from the UK aviation and airshow industries met in Gloucestershire this month to launch the British Air Display Association (BADA).

The association, which announced an initial membership of 82, aims to be the focal point for developing and encouraging safe practices as well as promoting the industry to those involved in staging airshows, including display pilots, organisers, and authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority and the Military Aviation Authority.

Held at the headquarters of the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, the inaugural meeting saw the election of a committee to run the association. It comprises: Acting Chairman Ian Sheeley; Acting Vice Chairman George Bacon; Secretary Robert Windsor; Treasurer Colin Hitchins and committee members Geoff Brindle, Rod Dean, Dave Walton, John Davies, Rick Peacock-Edwards and Glen Moreman.

Ian Sheeley said: “the inaugural meeting was a great way to launch this new national association with an encouraging number of members present. The new committee provides a wealth of experience that will help BADA get off to a flying start”.

He added: “The key thing now is to maintain the momentum, and the first issue we’ll be looking at relates to airspace restrictions associated with the London Olympics next year and their effect on the airshow business – that’ll be receiving a great deal of our attention. The launch of BADA is an exciting development for the UK airshow industry and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the committee and our members to build for the future.”

http://www.airtattoo.com/

All New Aviator Club is Open for Business

Visitors to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow have the chance to book now for the new and improved Aviator Club hospitality marquee offering uninterrupted views directly on the flying line.

The popular seafront airshow returns to the UK’s sunniest place from 11-14 August and promises dynamic flying displays from fast jets to historic aircraft, and from freefall parachutists to international planes.

New for 2011, organisers are moving its popular Aviator Club to a better position directly on the flying line and will be offering guests exclusive chalets with two tables of eight in each.

Eastbourne Borough Council Events Manager Mike Marchant said “We are very excited to launch the 2011 Aviator Club packages and really kick off the countdown to this year’s Airbourne. Our new Aviator Club packages provide the ultimate way to soak in the fantastic Airbourne atmosphere while enjoying unrivalled views of the flying displays and the packages really are a must for airshow fans.

“Boasting a new smaller chalet arrangement this year, the Aviator Club will also offer a unique and private venue for wining and dining business clients and I hope we see many Eastbourne businesses taking advantage of this fantastic event on their doorstep.”

Guests can book now for the Aviator Club from just £60+VAT per person and look forward to a first class day out in August enjoying coffee and home made cookies and biscuits on arrival, champagne, two-course summer lunch and an afternoon strawberry cream tea. Guests will also receive a copy of the official airshow programme and have access to a private Aviator Club bar. Those who book before 30 April will also receive a 15% discount for the Thursday of Airbourne.

For more information on Airbourne 2011, to book a place in the Aviator Club, or to find out about other ways to support the event including sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415442.

Bournemouth Air Festival 2010

Despite the challenging weather conditions, Bournemouth Air Festival was still a superb event still delivered an incredible event and the Festival proved to be a huge draw for the resort. 2010 successes include Air Festival TV, a bigger and better Night Air programme, Thursday evening dusk display, more ground trading, iphone app, new look brochure and dedicated social networking team. Footfall estimates are similar to year one figure of approx. 750,000 over 4-days.

Feedback from the Forces and participating display teams has been superb, including:

“The third Bournemouth Air Festival has again lived up to expectations despite some challenging weather conditions. We have been treated to some spectacular displays from, across the services with the Royal Marine’s amphibious beach assaults supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, whilst in the air we have witnessed a range of outstanding air displays. This has been a fantastic event and an opportunity for the services to conduct essential training over the Festival, including the Royal Marines working throughout the night on an exercise.” – Commodore Jamie Miller, RN.

“It was out first time to Bournemouth, incredibly impressed with the event, the organisers and despite the weather, the crowds on the beach, we hope to be back next year!” – Tobias ‘Hitec’ Schutte, pilot F16.

“Once again Bournemouth Air Festival has proved to be a wonderful venue and attraction, despite the weather and reduced display programme. Crowds at the RAF Village were huge and we have engaged with Festival goers and guests. We’re looking forward to 2011” – Wing Commander Williams, RAF.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Watch Grand Firework Finale from Iconic Landmark

Airbourne visitors are being offered the opportunity to enjoy the airshow’s spectacular firework finale with exclusive seating at the Bandstand on Sunday evening.

The renowned grand firework finale sponsored by Eastbourne Pier is a huge draw for visitors to the four day free event providing the ultimate finish to the action-packed airshow on Eastbourne seafront.

New for 2010, visitors are being given the chance to book a seat on the upper balcony of Eastbourne Bandstand to watch the dazzling display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are delighted to offer visitors and airshow fans the chance to enjoy the wonderful firework finale with their own seat at the Bandstand. With hundreds of visitors expected to line the seafront to watch the display, the upper balcony at the Bandstand offers unrivalled views and provides a great way to enjoy the end of another year at Airbourne.”

Visitors can book exclusive viewing seats for the firework finale from the Seafront Office next to the Bandstand or by calling 01323 410611 and for just £2.50, they offer excellent value for money.

Exclusive viewers can take their seats from 9.30pm ready for the 10pm display to be launched from the end of the Pier.

With exclusive seating available during the day on all four days of Airbourne as well offering uninterrupted views of the flying line, avid airshow fans can enjoy their own seat for the day with prices starting from £7 per person per day.

For more information on exclusive seating at Airbourne go to www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk or call 01323 410611.

Airbourne Evening Extravaganzas

Visitors to the world’s biggest free flying extravaganza can enjoy the event all day and night long in 2010 with new evening entertainment every night at Eastbourne Airbourne from 12-15 August.

Eastbourne International Airshow is offering visitors the opportunity to extend their Airbourne experience into the evening with a packed programme of evening entertainment including Bandstand concerts, live bands and a spectacular firework display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “Airbourne is a fantastic event promising four thrilling days for the hundreds of thousands of visitors that are on their way later this week. With so many visitors enjoying the free event, we are very excited to extend the choice of evening entertainment for 2010 and offer visitors the opportunity to stay on the seafront and watch live concerts and evening flying too! Our new event, Picnic on the Proms, taking place on Saturday evening promises to be spectacular and we are very pleased to be welcoming The Shades of Blue Big Band for this special performance.”

Starting this Thursday 12 August, the evening entertainment at Airbourne kicks off with a Big Band Night at Eastbourne Bandstand with Swingshift playing classic hits from this memorable era.

Friday night really does offer non-stop Airbourne action all day, with Swing Street Band playing live in the arena from 6-8pm to a backdrop of flying displays from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Gnats, Blades, Spitfire and Hurricane Bomber for Come Fly With Me. Visitors will be invited into the arena to enjoy performances ranging from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse, with Easy Company exhibiting their military vehicles.

Visitors can then hot foot it down to the Bandstand for a Night of Dirty Dancing, with the audience invited to get up and dance at the tribute concert based on the popular 80s movie.

Saturday night offers a brand new experience for Airbourne in 2010, with visitors invited to Picnic on the Proms. This special evening event offers families the chance to bring a picnic and enjoy the sun setting on another day out at Airbourne with The Shades of Blue Big Band, part of The Band of the RAF Regiment, performing a free arena concert from 6-8pm.

From Big Band to Rock n Roll, the Bandstand extends the musical experience at 8pm with an Elvis tribute concert bringing the seafront to life.

And as the bumper filled airshow comes to an end on Sunday, visitors have one last chance to enjoy Airbourne into the night with an RAF Military Concert at the Bandstand from The Band of the RAF Regiment and a Spitfire flypast at 8pm, followed by the free dazzling firework finale from Eastbourne Pier at 10pm.

Tickets for all Bandstand concerts are on sale now from the Seafront Office, next to the Bandstand, or by calling 01323 410611.

For more information on the evening entertainment at Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Spectacular South Downs Steal Photo Competition

A spectacular image capturing an iconic Red Arrow Hawk flying over the South Downs has triumphed in the 2010 Eastbourne Airbourne Photo Competition beating off more than 200 entries.

The winning photograph taken by Andrew Campbell was a favourite amongst the judges showcasing one of the most popular flying displays against a backdrop of Eastbourne’s thriving beaches and breathtaking South Downs countryside.

Attracting a record number of entries this year, the Airbourne Photo Competition received an outstanding selection of images this year, with entrants showcasing the busy beach setting, the iconic Pier and Bandstand, fantastic smoke formations, wide range of aircraft and white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “What a fantastic number and range of entries we received this year! The standard of entries was really high, which made it very tough to pick a final winner but we feel the winning photograph really captures what a fantastic event Airbourne is. Not only can you see the busy beaches reflecting Airbourne’s status as the world’s biggest free seafront airshow, but you can also see one of the most popular flying displays zooming past the magnificent backdrop of the South Downs. I’m sure we’ll see this image flying around the world as a postcard this summer!”

Andrew’s winning image is being turned into a limited edition souvenir postcard available for visitors to buy from the Information Tent at this year’s Airbourne, which starts next Thursday 12 August.

Promising a thrilling line up of flying over the four day event, including fast jets the Red Arrows and The Blades, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Cataline, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, F-16, Breitling Wingwalkers, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Vampire and more, there will be plenty of opportunities for photographers and airshow fans to get snapping again this year.

With the arena line up also promising action-packed displays such as the Essex Dog Display Team with their canine friends leaping through hoops of fire, and the Globeriders performing gravity-defying motorbike stunts inside a giant steel ball, it’s not just the skies that will capture photographers’ attention next week.

With the free event taking place from 12-15 August now just a week away, visitors can join the final countdown and purchase a copy of the official 2010 souvenir programme for just £3, and get expert information on all of the displays coming up this summer.

For more information on Eastbourne Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Thrilling Flying at Eastbourne Airbourne Next Week

There’s just a week to go until Eastbourne International Airshow zooms back to the UK’s sunniest place with visitors ready to enjoy hours of spectacular flying, seven days of live Radio Airbourne broadcast, 35,000 ice-creams, brand new Picnic on the Proms and a dazzling firework finale!

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront next week from 12-15 August and now in its 18th year, promises to be bigger and better than every before with fantastic flying, evening entertainment, arena displays, Bandstand concerts and more!

Headlining this year’s event is four days of displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, commemorating 70 years since the Battle of Britain was fought out over south east England with Saturday evening offering a special anniversary display. Visitors can look forward an exciting Dogfight re-enactment between the Spitfire and Bucon Messerschmitt 109 in an attack on a pleasure boat before a new evening extravaganza.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “I am extremely excited for this year’s Airbourne and the fantastic programme of displays and entertainment coming up next week! Not only do we have a brilliant flying programme and the chance for visitors to get their hands on the latest flying schedule when they buy the souvenir programme, but there are great new evening events, the popular Bandstand concerts, the wonderful RAF Village and of course, the acclaimed firework finale to round off four bumper packed days! Set on our stunning seafront, with lots to see and do, Airbourne is the perfect event to keep you entertained for a long weekend by the coast!”

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows, whose display is sponsored by TravelInsured.co.uk, are back for three days of flying on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a special ground appearance on Saturday afternoon finishing with a flypast on Sunday. And the Reds will be joined by a top line up of international aircraft over the four days including the Belgian F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, P-51 Mustang, and Catalina.

With such a vast line up of flying, Airbourne is going into the evening on both Friday and Saturday night in 2010. Come Fly With Me! returns on Saturday evening with the Typhoon, Gnats, Blades, Spitfire and Hurricane Bomber performing an evening display from 6-8pm while the Swing Street Band perform in the arena playing a variety of music, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble!

Brand new for 2010, Saturday evening offers another evening extravaganza with Picnic on the Proms. Following the special Battle of Britain 70 display, The Shades of Blue Big Band, part of The Band of the RAF Regiment, will perform in the arena and visitors are invited to bring a picnic to the lawns and chill out as the sun goes down on a busy day at Airbourne.

With plenty of reasons for visitors to have their eyes to the skies, there is also lots to look forward to on the ground including the RAF Village on the Western Lawns offering a fascinating insight into life in the Royal Air Force. Children can sit in a replica Red Arrow cockpit or climb aboard a replica Chinook, while the RAF Careers team speak to budding young pilots, and the Mobile Catering Unit carry out field cookery demonstrations.

For those who want their own personal soundtrack to the airshow, visitors can buy Airbourne radio headsets from the Information Tent at the event and tune into Radio Airbourne on 87.7FM promising 165 hours of live commentary, pilot interviews, music, weather and travel updates with a programme and radio headset available together for only £6.

The airshow opens from 10am – 6pm each day from Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 August, with extended flying until 8pm on Friday, a live band until 8pm on Saturday, and a firework finale launched from Eastbourne Pier at 10pm on Sunday night.

For more information on Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Bournemouth Air Festival – by the sea and completely free

Backed by the Royal Navy and with air cover provided by scores of heavily-armed military aircraft and Royal Navy ships, a crack team of Royal Marines will launch a waterborne assault on Britain’s best-loved seaside resort this August.

The mock “coup” is just one of the countless events that make up Bournemouth’s spectacular annual Air Festival, taking place over four days from August 19th – 22nd.

More than a million visitors are expected to flock to the town’s clifftop and beach for the event which includes displays from the world of aviation, including the world famous Red Arrows (Friday 5pm, Saturday 12.30 & 4.30pm Sunday), the incredible Typhoon and Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team. Displaying for the first time at the Festival will be the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16, The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team – ‘The Red Devils’, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment’s Parachute Display Team ‘The Tigers’, war bird Hunter Jet, ‘Miss Demeanour’ and recently announced Vulcan – all of this is completely free of charge!

When the skies aren’t filled with vibrant aircrafts and colourful smoke, there’s 1.5 miles of trading space along the Festival site, trips to HMS Bangor and even the Guild of Aviation Artists exhibition in the town centre.

In the evening, ‘Night Air’ entertainment is the perfect way to end an incredible Festival line-up. On Thursday, Friday & Saturday watch performances by the Royal Marines Combat Display Team and HM Royal Marines Band – there’s also fireworks, a hot air balloon glow, an evening to night time air display, live music, circus workshops, Saturday night concert, street entertainers, fireworks and outdoor film screenings.

New for 2010 and not to be missed is the fantastic dusk air display on Thursday evening starting from approx 8pm and featuring the Red Devils, Glider, Miss Demeanour and Dutch F-16… the perfect reason to ‘stay longer and see more!’

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said: “After two successful years, we did wonder how we could improve on the event, but we have secured some fantastic aircraft and incredible entertainment. We strive to create a line-up that is bigger and better than before and have just announced another addition – the historic Vulcan bomber. This year’s event will no doubt cement our reputation as the leading aviation festival of its kind – I am sure the hundreds of thousands of people expected will enjoy every minute of the free Bournemouth Air Festival!”

Before even stepping foot onto the 1.5miles of Festival arena be sure to download the Bournemouth Air Festival iPhone application. The official app comes with a GPS map, aircraft facts, programme of events and must-have Bournemouth information so you can plan ahead and make the most of your time in the UK’s leading resort. Simply search ‘Airfestival public free’ and connect to the free WiFi, courtesy of Etherlive, you can also tweet, share pictures and stay connected with friends and family.

A four-day festival jam-packed with awesome aircrafts, miles of trading stalls, day and night attractions and of course, it is all free – it’s certainly the perfect August attraction.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Countdown to Eastbourne Airbourne with Official Programme

The world’s biggest free seafront airshow is just a week away and fans are being invited to join the final countdown with the official souvenir programme on sale now.

Visitors to Eastbourne Airbourne, taking place from 12-15 August, can enjoy an early taste of the spectacular flying, action-packed arena displays and bumper schedule of evening entertainment with the 2010 Souvenir Programme already hitting the news shelves around the town.

With hundreds of fans already ordering their airshow programmes, visitors are getting ready for a bumper 2010 event, with expert information on the flying displays, exclusive competitions, money-saving coupons for local attractions, and vouchers to exchange for up to date flying times on the day.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “This year’s souvenir programme really is bumper packed from start to finish with a whopping 62 pages full of behind the scenes information on all of the flying displays, a guide to the RAF Village, a plane spotter’s guide, fantastic family competitions and much more! Containing daily flying vouchers to exchange for an up to date flying schedule at Airbourne, we will be able to bring visitors the very latest times so they can plan what to watch when!”

This year, the souvenir programme is available at more outlets than ever before making it easy for airshow fans to lay their hands on a copy. As well as being available to buy online from VisitEastbourne.com and from the Seafront Office and Tourist Information Centre, the Airbourne programme is now also available to buy from independent newsagents and outlets in and around Eastbourne.

With official Airbourne radio headsets also available to purchase offering the chance for visitors to listen to the official airshow radio station on 87.7FM, visitors can buy both for just £6 and enjoy the ultimate guide to Airbourne.

For more information on Airbourne 2010 or to order a copy of the programme online visit www.visiteastbourne.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.