UK Airshow News – Page 75

The Sky is Not the Limit

The UK’s sexiest formation display team and the world’s only globally accredited aerobatic airline; The Blades, are preparing of take Southend by storm! The Team will be debuting their brand new 2008 display at the Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow on the 25th and 26th May.The Blades, who consist of 4 of the country’s most accomplished aerobatic pilots, have all served as front-line fast jet pilots and Red Arrows in the Royal Air Force. With a combined total of more than 15,000 hours they have flown in the most challenging of single seat aircraft. It is with this wealth of experience that The Blades continue to impress celebrities, aviators and the public alike.

Last year was incredible for the Team with the detachment out to the Middle East in early 2007 for the Formula One Grand Prix setting the tone for the year to come. Back in the UK, The Blades continued at full power displaying at the F1 GP at Silverstone, P1 Powerboat racing, Skandia Cowes Week, the launch for the UK leg of the World SuperBikes and at all the major Airshows in the UK. In total The Blades displayed in-front of a live audience of over 5.5 million people. The team were also overwhelmed by media interest and flew over 50 journalists and presenters from across the country, they even took centre stage, early this year, as part of a major storyline on ITV’s Flagship soap, Emmerdale- Watch out Hollywood!!

The Blades fly the outstanding, high performance 2-seat Extra 300 LPs, turning harder and tighter than anyone else, making their award winning 12 minute display a breathtaking collection of opposition passes, gyroscopic tumbles and close formation manoeuvres that have never been seen before.

“We are all really excited about displaying at Southend this year, especially as it was where we debuted our first ever show in 2006” said Team Leader Andy Offer, “the weather last year was not ideal, but we are all doing a sun dance to make sure the weather is perfect for the show”. For more information visit www.2excelaviation.com

Sponsor the World’s Biggest Seafront Airshow

Airbourne, the biggest seafront airshow in the world, is offering major companies across the country an opportunity not to be missed.Sponsors are invited for this popular aerobatic event with the chance to reach over 500,000 visitors. Eastbourne Borough Council are organising Airbourne and this week are sending out sponsorship packs to more than 750 organisations up and down the UK, as well as locally, to lure them to Eastbourne’s premier airshow in 2008.

Potential sponsors will receive a letter, copy of the 2007 Airbourne programme plus a detailed pack outlining the sponsorship opportunities available, including access to 500,000+ visitors, branding in 20,000 souvenir programmes, features in 50,000 pre-event promotional materials plus multimedia opportunities through the web and Radio Airbourne.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Airbourne 2008 really is an opportunity not to be missed. Any company, however big or small, can get involved and promote their product to hundreds of thousands of people. Set on Eastbourne’s beautiful seafront location and attracting exciting flying displays year in year out, Airbourne is the main event on the south coast and I can’t wait to see the responses we receive.”

Potential Airbourne sponsors have been identified and are being offered the chance to sponsor the event in a variety of ways, from being named the event’s headline or title sponsor, to sponsoring individual flying displays.

Keen to secure sponsors as soon as possible, a special promotional DVD trailer is being made to follow up this initial sponsorship pack. This will use exclusive footage from Airbourne, including unseen cockpit footage, helmet-cam vantage points from the RAF Falcons Parachute Team, and unique aerial views of Eastbourne’s jam-packed coastline. Targeted companies will see for themselves the excellent opportunities presented by this event.

With trade space available for sponsors, as well as companies wishing to sell and exhibit from Eastbourne’s Western Lawns over the four day event, Airbourne presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses too, with the chance to increase brand awareness and promote the company locally.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne this year from 14-17 August and promises four days of action-packed flying fun. Filling the skies with spectacular aerobatic displays, visitors can watch a vibrant mix of fast jets, helicopters, warbirds, historics and freefall parachutists.

If this isn’t enough the entertainment continues through to the evenings too, with a packed programme of events, including Big Band night and concerts at the Bandstand plus a spectacular and breathtaking firework finale on the Sunday night.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities at this year’s Airbourne, email airbourne@eastbourne.gov.uk or telephone 01323 415442. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Spectacular Air Dynamics Return in 2008

The biggest seafront airshow in the world will return to Eastbourne seafront next year from 14-17 August with four days of action packed flying to entertain visitors.Airbourne has just celebrated its 15th year and regularly attracts a vibrant mix of fast jets, aerobatics, helicopters, freefall parachutists and old warbirds, with the world famous Red Arrows always a hot favourite.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “I’m very excited to announce the dates for next year’s Airbourne. It’s the highlight of Eastbourne’s summer with such a variety of displays that get everybody involved. Kids love the activities and chance to speak to real-life pilots on the ground, while visitors return every year to find themselves bedazzled by even more daring air dynamics.”

Organisers Eastbourne Borough Council and the RAF are joining forces to put on an entertaining and exciting show for 2008, which sees the RAF celebrate its 90th anniversary so watch out for some special displays, in addition to the spectacular aerobatics which are a tradition at the show. Airbourne also features exciting ground demonstrations with full size aircraft, cockpits and displays from the RAF careers team. Visitors can speak to crew members, experience flight simulators and watch arena demonstrations all from the open landscape of the Western Lawns.

The show has a wide range of trade stands to suit all pockets from children’s attractions to a diverse catering village with Eastbourne beaches providing a magnificent setting to watch all the action.

The entertainment at Airbourne continues through to the evenings too. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of events, including the Big Band night and concerts at the Bandstand and a spectacular and breathtaking firework finale on the Sunday night.

Join Friends of Airbourne free to receive newsletters and special offers as well as priority information on all of Eastbourne’s other events. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Casino draws the crowds

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is again delighted to be working alongside the Westcliff Casino to bring this prestigious event to Southend.

The Casino has sponsored the Airshow since 2001, and this year it is going one-step further and will be giving visitors to the airshow an opportunity to win a Caribbean holiday in a special prize draw.

Mike Phillips, General Manager of the Westcliff Casino, says: “We are very happy to be supporting the Southend Airshow. We have been involved for the past six years and it just keeps on getting better and better every time. The event happens right outside the Casino and we have the best views of the Airshow in Essex. The Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow is a massive event for the community of Southend and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country. It really puts Southend and the Westcliff Casino on the map. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Red Arrows perform again this year – the show promises to be very exciting. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the event and take part in our fabulous competition.”

Councillor John Lamb, Southend’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, says: “The Airshow is fantastic free family fun and is the biggest event in Southend’s calendar. It’s hugely popular with residents and people flock from miles to see the spectacular air displays. However, the Airshow is not just a huge tourist attraction, it also generates significant, essential income for many of our local businesses, supports more than 60 local jobs and gives the town year round world-wide publicity which puts us and our leisure industry firmly in the public eye.”

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com or call the Airshow Hotline on 01702 390333.

Lots do to – thanks to Airshow ground crew!

There’s more than just spectacular aerial stunts at this year’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow.Residents keen to enjoy Southend’s premier event, on Sunday 27th and Bank Holiday Monday 28th May 2007, can expect plenty of lively attractions.

Southend’s famous seafront will be packed with activities, market areas, big brand name exhibitors such as Honda, Hyundai, Waitrose and EA Games, military town shows and lots of opportunities to mingle with the pilots taking part in Europe’s largest free Airshow.

New for 2007 will be the Veterans’ Village – a place where ex-service men and women of all ages can come together to get in touch with lost friends and apply for their coveted Veteran’s Badge. The Veterans’ Village is being backed by the Ministry of Defence and supported by Friends Reunited.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration says: “This year promises to be the best ever! We’re showcasing exciting aerial teams and the seafront will be buzzing with activity, so come along!”

Landing again is the ‘Meet the Pilots’ area. This crowd-pleaser is expected to be one of the show’s biggest draws, where people of all ages have the chance to meet up with the stars of the show, take some photos and get some autographs!

People that want to experience some ups and downs of their own they can try out the flight simulators, whilst huge inflatables will keep the kids occupied when the planes are gearing up for action. The more daring can impress their friends with a go on the infamous ‘sling shot’ ride.

The Army and RAF will be there, demonstrating their weaponry and equipment, and the Royal Marines will take on any challengers up the climbing wall.

Hungry plane enthusiasts can choose from plenty of popular market and food stalls serving up a variety of snacks and drinks.

BBC Essex is broadcasting special programmes live from the seafront and there will be exclusive coverage of the entire flying display. Radio Airshow is broadcast at the event, on 1530mw from 12 noon on both days. Essex FM will be bringing some great entertainment over both days of the Airshow with roadshows, competitions and giveaways.

If the public have any queries or lost property then staff at the Airshow Information Centre, opposite Westcliff Casino, can help them out. Visitors are advised to arrange to meet their friends and families at the Information Centre should they accidentally split up; staff will be ready to look after any lost youngsters.

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com, or call the Airshow Hotline on 01702 390333.

Get reunited at the Veterans Village

Hundreds of former service men and women are set to arrive in Southend next weekend as the town supports Veterans Day 2007, part of this year’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow.A huge Veterans Village will be created on the seafront, hosted by many local Veterans Associations. They are calling for veterans of all ages, including those who have served in more recent conflicts such as the Falklands and Iraq to come along and share their stories.

There will be the Pegasus Collection (the largest collection of WWII memorabilia), “then and now” photographic exhibitions and weapon displays, plus a giant interactive screen where people can leave messages for former colleagues and friends who they may have served with.

The Veterans Agency will also be on hand to promote the support available to Veterans, and there will be opportunities for all ex-service people to apply for their “Veterans Badge”.

Southend’s Veterans Village is being supported by Friends Reunited.

Jonathan Clark, Head of Friends Reunited, says: “Friendships forged between comrades in the armed forces form amongst the strongest bonds especially for those who served in war-time Britain, so it’s particularly hard when friends lose contact over the years. We’ve heard of some particularly heart-warming stories of old pals reuniting through the site and the changes we’ve made to improve the service mean it’s now easier than ever to find that special person you may be looking for.

“One member reunited with a fellow evacuee after 60 years apart and another with his Navy cabin mate after 30 years. It would be wonderful to see more reunions at this year’s airshow.”

Councillor John Lamb, Southend’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, says: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Veterans Day at the Airshow. Please come along and support the veterans, hear their interesting stories and how they continue to contribute to their local communities.”

Veteran’s Day has been organised by the Ministry of Defence and officially takes place on the 27th of June.

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com or call the Airshow Hotline on 01702 390333.

Jumbo Boost for Airshow!

The organiser’s of the next weekend’s Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow have made a huge coup with this year’s flying display – with an appearance from a jumbo jet!A Boeing 747 from Hong Kong based Oasis airlines will be making its Southend Airshow debut on the Sunday of the show. It is the largest aircraft ever to display at the show and will be an awesome sight for spectators – especially as it’s rarely seen at an airshow, let alone a seaside event.

Airshow flying director Ray Thilthorpe says: “It really is very exciting to have the Boeing 747 in our Sunday line up. It’s a massive aircraft and will look spectacular set against the dramatic backdrop of the Thames Estuary.”

Another big star set to appear in Monday’s flying programme is the RAF’s Typhoon. This state-of-the-art aircraft, which is set to be the RAF’s major front line fighter replacing the Tornado F3 and Jaguar, will be making a welcome return to the free seaside show. The Southend Airshow in 2005 was the first public display from the Typhoon and wowed the crowds with its amazing manoeuvrability.

Taking place over the Bank Holiday 27th & 28th May, the Airshow attracts approximately three-quarters of a million people to Southend and generates more than £10 million into the local economy each year.

Other aerial highlights for this year include the welcome return of the world famous Red Arrows. The RAF’s flagship aerobatic team will be taking to the skies on both Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be adding a touch of nostalgia with the Hurricane, Spitfire and C-47 Dakota formation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the flight and its appearance at Southend will be a chance for the public to see a piece of history in action.

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com or call the Airshow Hotline on 01702 390333.

French National aerobatic team to star at Duxford’s Autumn Air Show

The Patrouille de France, the world famous French aerobatic team, will amaze the crowds with their precision aerobatic display at Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Autumn Air Show on Sunday 8 October.
The Patrouille, in their Duxford debut and only UK appearance this year, will perform a breathtaking display of aerobatic manoeuvres in their eight Alpha Jet aircraft.Says Christian Pratt, Duxford’s Head of Commercial Services, “We are delighted to welcome the Patrouille to Duxford in this, their only performance in the UK this year. As a world-renowned aerobatic team they will combine precision and speed in an outstanding display of skill sure to thrill the crowd.”

With a French twist, the Autumn Air Show will feature, alongside the Patrouille, the Curtiss Hawk 75 and two T-28 Fennecs as well as air show favourites such as Spitfires, Mustangs and the ever-impressive RAF Chinook display.

The whole of the Museum will also be open for visitors to enjoy with plenty to see including Duxford’s dramatic new £25 million AirSpace exhibition, The Battle of Britain and the evocative Forgotten War exhibitions, conservation work in progress and the stunning American Air Museum. There will also be over 80 trade stands selling all kinds of aviation and military related merchandise.

Duxford is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Gates open at 8.00 am and the flying begins at 1.30 pm. Tickets – Adults £22, Senior Citizens/Concessions £19, Children £10. Superb VIP-style Gold Pass tickets are available in advance – for more information about tickets or the flying programme call 01223 835000 or visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford.

All aboard the world’s biggest bus rally!

On Sunday 24 September Showbus, the largest bus rally in the world, will take place at Imperial War Museum Duxford. Over 500 buses, both single and double-decker, historic and modern, are expected to gather at the show, now in its 13th year at Duxford.A magnet for bus enthusiasts from the UK and beyond, the show has also proved immensely popular with the general public. Many of the vintage and classic buses are privately owned and have been lovingly restored by enthusiasts, with every decade since the 20s represented.

A record number of entries have been received for the show so far and organisers are hoping for a bumper show. Says Christian Pratt, Duxford’s Head of Commercial Services “Showbus grows in popularity every year, with 2006 being no exception. The event, the biggest of its kind in the world, brings together an unrivalled collection of classic and modern types and Duxford is delighted to host such a special occasion.”

The show will feature the ever popular ‘gold-run’ of London Routemasters, with a procession of these classic double deckers arriving at Duxford around 11.30am. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to take a tour of Duxford village on new and vintage buses.

As well as the display of several hundred buses, visitors will be able to browse a selection of trade stands selling all manner of bus-related ephemera. The whole museum site will also be open, including limited access to Duxford’s new £25 million AirSpace exhibition.

Duxford is open daily from 10am and is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Ample free parking is available. Admission is FREE for Children under 16, £13 for Adults, £11 for Senior Citizens, and £8 for Concessions. Group rates are available. For further information please visit the Duxford Website at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford. For enquiries please call 01223 835000 or email duxford@iwm.org.uk. For more information about Showbus please visit the Showbus website at www.showbus.co.uk.

Preparations underway for last air show of 2006

Preparations are well underway for Duxford’s Autumn Air Show, the last major UK air show of the 2006 season. The show will take place on Sunday 8 October and feature a host of favourites from historic propeller-driven aircraft through to modern front-line jets.

The display has a distinctly French connection with the French national Aerobatic team the Patrouille de France headlining the show, supported by the French Curtiss Hawk 75 and two T-28 Fennecs. Other air show classics such as Spitfires, Mustangs and the B-17 Sally B, will also feature in the show, which has a special place in the Duxford calendar as the last chance each year to see all your air show favourites.