Visitors can join the final five-week countdown to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow by sending in their favourite Airbourne snaps for the chance to see their photo flying around the world on a special edition postcard to be launched at the event this summer.

Airbourne has welcomed some of the globe’s fastest and most dynamic jets and aircraft over the past 18 years that have always got spectators snap happy during the four day event in August.

After the success of last year’s Airbourne Photo Competition that attracted dozens of entries, event organisers Eastbourne Borough Council once again want to see visitors’ favourite photographs with a selection of the best entries to be posted on Facebook and Twitter.  

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very excited to be running the Airbourne Photo Competition again in 2010, and with just five weeks to go until this summer’s spectacular event, we really hope this will up the momentum and get everybody in the mood for this year’s Eastbourne International Airshow. I see thousands of people snapping away with their cameras every year at Airbourne so I’m sure there are some brilliant pictures out there and I can’t wait to see them come zooming in!”

Taking place on Eastbourne’s glorious sunny seafront providing magnificent views of aircraft flying in above the town, over the sea and from behind the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, Airbourne provides a picture perfect setting for endless photography.

Last year’s winning snap taken by Scott Morley captured the iconic Red Arrows flying past Eastbourne Pier and this year event organisers are looking for another breathtaking image to be turned into a postcard and launched at the airshow when it returns from 12-15 August.

New for this year, a selection of the best entries will be posted on Airbourne’s page on Facebook and Twitter and airshow fans will be able to post their comments before the final decision is made and the winning entry is picked.

As well as receiving copies of their winning postcard, the winning photographer will also receive Premium Friends of Airbourne Membership and a helicopter trip giving them great aerial views for even more photography during this year’s airshow.

Digital photographs must be a minimum 1MB in size and submitted via e-mail to competitions@eastbourne.gov.uk or can be posted on CD to Airbourne Photo Competition, Tourism Promotions, 68 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UH.

The competition closes on 31 July 2010. For more information and a full set of competition rules visit www.visiteastbourne.com or www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415556.

A new Live Chat feature has now been added to the Airscene toolbar.

Toolbar users need only to click on the chat icon (to the left of the news feed) and the room will open. Once logged in – edit your user name and details and begin chatting to other Airscene members.

Your user ID and details are always remembered (apparently) so no need to remember ID’s and passwords – just log in and see who is chatting at the press of a button.

I would like to thank those who made link suggestions for the toolbar – I have now added Twitter and Flickr. I will of course review any other suggestions which are put forward.

The Mayor of Eastbourne is leading the countdown to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow by taking to the skies with a wingwalk aboard the Breitling Boeing Stearman Biplanes.The Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Carolyn Heaps will take to the sky later this week to raise vital funds for her chosen charities and to launch the final five-week countdown to Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow.

The Mayor will follow in the footsteps of fully trained Breitling wingwalkers and defy gravity as she treads the aeroplane wings hundreds of feet into the air, giving a taster of just one of the flying displays that visitors can look forward to at Airbourne 2010 when it returns from 12-15 August.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “‘I am really excited about doing this sponsored wingwalk for my chosen charities – Eastbourne and Wealden YMCA and Care for the Carers/Young Carers – which support the young people of Eastbourne.

“I am always amazed by the fantastic wingwalking displays we see at Airbourne every year and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to mark the official countdown and give my charity fund a boost with a wingwalk of my own! I hope that the generous Eastbourne residents and Airbourne fans will dig deep to ensure that my wingwalking feat is a great success, and that my charity fund for 2010/11 gets off to a flying start.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the Mayor’s wingwalk with all donations going towards the Mayor’s nominated charities for the year, Eastbourne YMCA and Eastbourne Young Carers, can send donations to The Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UG. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Mayor of Eastbourne’s Charity’.  

This Thursday 8 July, the Mayor will take off from Lydd Airport with the Breitling Wingwalkers ready to take on a feat in aid of her chosen charities.

The Breitling Wingwalkers lead a thrilling line up of flying displays at Airbourne 2010 including, the Red Arrows, Blades, Eurofighter Typhoon, F16, Tigers Parachutists, Hawk and more.

Visitors have a packed programme on its way this summer with just as much action on the ground too including the popular Essex Dog Display, impressive motorbike stunts inside a giant steel ball from the Globeriders, and new evening displays on Friday and Saturday with Come Fly With Me and Battle of Britain 70 (BoB 70).  

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

Fans of the world’s biggest free seafront airshow have the chance to book into the exclusive Aviator Club at this year’s Eastbourne International Airshow with arena-side wining and dining.The Aviator Club is open for business again in 2010 offering visitors the chance to make their Airbourne experience extra special by becoming a VIP member of the prestigious hospitality club.

Airshow fans, visitors celebrating a special occasion, or businesses looking for an alternative away day or a unique venue to wine and dine clients, can take advantage of arena-side seats, champagne and canapés, and a three-course summer lunch with a day at the Aviator Club.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very excited to be opening the Aviator Club for the third year in 2010 offering Airbourne visitors the chance to really upgrade their airshow experience with a day in our exclusive hospitality marquee. Aviator Club guests can put their feet up and enjoy table service with a private bar and the chance to enjoy first class views of the arena action and flying line.”

Visitors can book now for the Aviator Club hospitality marquee from just £55+VAT per person per day with guests booking for Friday being offered the opportunity to extend their experience into the evening with the return of the Come Fly With Me evening display. To book a place at the Aviator Club call 01323 415442.

With a top line up of flying already confirmed for Airbourne 2010 when it returns to Eastbourne seafront from 12-15 August, visitors and Aviator Club guests can look forward to displays from the Red Arrows on all four days, a special display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight marking 70 years since the Battle of Britain, the impressive Eurofighter Typhoon, Catalina, Breitling Wingwalkers and much more!

For more information on Airbourne 2010, to book a place in the Aviator Club, or to find out about other ways to upgrade your airshow experience including Exclusive Seating and Friends of Airbourne membership, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.

From 10th July, the Royal Air Force Museum will be publishing a daily blog about the Battle of Britain on its website www.battleofbritainbeacon.org. Entries for this blog will be taken from the diary of a young pilot John Bisdee of No.609 (West Riding) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force; and will describe not only his combat sorties but also his hopes and fears as well as life off duty.

The dates of 10th July to 31st October were selected as the blog’s publication dates as this period in 1940 was later laid down by the Royal Air Force for the allocation of Battle of Britain honours to units, and for aircrew to qualify for the Battle of Britain clasp.

Peter Elliott, the Senior Keeper for the Museum’s Department of Research and Information Services, states:

“First-hand accounts, written at the time of the Battle, are rare. Bisdee’s diary shows that life on the front line could be a mixture of intense action and off-duty relaxation.

We tend to think of the Battle as taking place over the South-East but Bisdee’s squadron, based in Hampshire, saw action over an area stretching from the outskirts of London to Bristol. There are some gaps, but we have filled these with extracts from the daily Air Staff Operational Summaries, to give a picture of the overall campaign and we have also added relevant material from the Museum’s collections, such as portraits of Bisdee and some of his colleagues and a number of the squadron’s combat reports.

The blog gives an opportunity to see the Battle of Britain unfold through the eyes of a young man who went on to become one of the RAF’s more successful fighter pilots; and it provides us with an added insight into what it was really like to be one of ‘The Few’. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John Bisdee’s family for granting us permission to share his account, as a young man, with the Museum’s online audience.”

John Bisdee was born in Weston-Super-Mare in 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937. He saw action over Dunkirk in June 1940 and remained with 609 Squadron throughout the Battle of Britain being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and an OBE by the end of the war. He left the service in 1945 to resume his career with Unilever, before dying in October 2000. 

To view his blog please visit www.battleofbritainbeacon.org/pilots-blog. The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last admission being at 5:30 pm. Admission is free.

National Service (RAF) Association Parade Sunday 4th July 2010

Spitfire Display 1.00pm (weather permitting)

A scale model of the recently commissioned Bomber Command Memorial will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford as part of the National Service (RAF) Association parade taking place on Sunday 4th July 2010.

The model will be on display in the Museum’s Hangar 1 and Project Coordinator David Forsyth, an MOD civilian who works in the RAF’s Directorate of Air Staff will be there to speak with veterans and visitors about the project and answer any questions they may have.

The Bomber Command Memorial, scheduled for construction in London’s Green Park, commemorates the 55,573 aircrew who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. Including bronze sculptures depicting seven aircrew members as well as parts of a Halifax bomber shot down over Belgium in May 1944, this landmark Memorial is long overdue.

The Cosford Parade will commence at 11am with participants asked to fall in between the Airfield Hangars. This year, veterans parade in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, KCB, BSc, FRAeS, RAF who will be accompanied by Air Commodore CH Green, the Commandant of DCAE Cosford. 

The parade will be led by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force with visitors and guests also able to view a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, scheduled for 1.00pm (weather permitting). The National ATC Championship Marching Band from Royton in Lancashire will entertain guests both before and after the parade with a dizzying display of marching, commencing at 9.45am.

This event first came to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in 2004 and has grown in strength each subsequent year. Last year, over 3,000 guests attended of which 600 or more presented themselves for the parade. All Veterans who served in the Royal Air Force are welcome to participate in the parade, providing them with the opportunity of being re-united with lost friends and colleagues. Members of the public are welcome to spectate.

National Veterans Organisations, as well as many training camp associations will be represented in Hangar 1 alongside displays of memorabilia and the Museum shop. On completion of the formal events, guests will have access to the whole RAF Museum site to catch up with old friends, exchange news and view the exhibits.

The Museum gates will open at 9am on Sunday 4th July 2010, although the Museum itself will open at 10am. Museum entry is free. For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

A unique south coast landmark is preparing for a special concert to mark the final day of Airbourne 2010 with The Band of the RAF Regiment taking to the stage with a Spitfire flypast. 

Eastbourne Bandstand promises a very special end to the town’s 2010 seafront airshow with a military band concert taking visitors back to the 1940s as the fighter aircraft flies overhead at 8pm.

With the Bandstand hosting evening concerts every night during Airbourne from 12-15 August offering big band, tributes and military music, visitors to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow can round off their packed days with alfresco entertainment in the historic seaside venue.  

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “Eastbourne Bandstand promises a spectacular choice of evening concerts during Airbourne 2010 taking the fantastic airshow atmosphere through into the night. The military band concert on Sunday evening is a brilliant way for us to celebrate a fabulous four days with one final flying display from the Spitfire, before fireworks launch from Eastbourne Pier. I know I’ve already booked my place at The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment Concert and I hope plenty of others do the same.”  

Eastbourne Bandstand has a bumper programme of concerts already underway this summer but will be joining in the airshow celebrations with back to back evening concerts from Thursday 12 August until Sunday 15 August.

Les Paul brings Big Band Night to life on Thursday evening with favourite hits from this classic era, while Friday and Saturday offer more music nostalgia with Dirty Dancing and Elvis tribute concerts.

With Airbourne also offering two extended evenings of flying and music in 2010 with the return of Come Fly With Me on Friday followed by BoB 70 on Saturday commemorating 70 years since the Battle of Britain, visitors can enjoy twilight entertainment to make the most of the seafront event into the evening.

Tickets for all concerts are on sale now, with advance bookings saving up to £1 off on the door prices. For more information on the Bandstand Airbourne concerts go to www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk or telephone 01323 410611.

 For more information on Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

17-18 July 2010

Admission Charges Apply

Gates open 8.30am 

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 17-18 July 2010, with ticket prices held for the fifth year running. This famous air show in miniature is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast, attracting in excess of 10,000 visitors with hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft taking to the skies during the two-day event.

The main theme of this year’s show will be celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a full 2 hours of the show dedicated to flying aircraft from the era, including a mass flypast of fighters – possibly the biggest formation ever seen at a model air show.

An exclusive for this year’s show and new to Cosford will be the first public appearance of a 1/4 full size English Electric Lightning and the new formation of Vulcan and Victor flying together. The show also features airliners history slots, where modellers will be flying airliners through from the Handley Page HP 42, Ford Trimotor, DC3 Dakota, Comet airliner and two Airbuses from the modern day.

Chairman of the Large Model Association, Dave Johnson says:

“Nowhere else in the country will be displaying such a wide variety of aircraft this year and most of these cannot be seen flying in full size form anymore, so a real pull for aircraft enthusiasts everywhere. ”

Events and activities on the airfield include trade stands selling both modelling and non-modelling related items plus for the families, there will be a fun fair to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the day. In addition to all this, why not try one of the aircraft simulators? Sit inside and feel what its like to fly in many of the full size RAF aircraft of today.

Plus, the Museum will be open to visitors on both days where you can see the full sized aircraft including the world’s oldest Spitfire and the award winning National Cold War Exhibition home to the much loved Victor, Valiant and Vulcan.

Admission prices to the Large Model Aircraft Rally including entrance to the Museum are just £9 for adults, £5 for children and £7 for senior citizens with a family ticket of 2 adults and up to 2 children retailing at £20. On site camping is only £40.00 for the weekend. Gates open at 8.30am and don’t forget, if you take any photos, to enter them into the Museum’s Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary Photography competition.

 For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org

Visitors to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow can make their experience even more special in 2010 with exclusive seating, arena-side hospitality and a friends’ membership scheme on offer.

This summer the skies over Eastbourne seafront promise a hive of activity with the Red Arrows’ red, white and blue smoke formations, dazzling aerobatics from the Breitling Wingwalkers, a 70-year commemorative display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and much more.

Airbourne visitors have the chance to enjoy all of the action in the skies with a choice of upgrade options on offer including uninterrupted views of the flying line from their own seat for the day at Eastbourne Bandstand, arena-side dining at the Aviator Club hospitality marquee, or the ultimate guide to the event with Premium Friends of Airbourne membership providing everything needed for a fabulous day out.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “Airbourne promises a bumper four days when it returns from 12-15 August jam-packed with fast jets, exciting arena displays, evening entertainment and a spectacular firework finale. With Exclusive Seating, Friends of Airbourne and Aviator Club all on sale now, there are many opportunities for visitors to make their day out extra special. Whether you’re an airshow enthusiast who wants the best views of the flying or you’re a business looking to wine and dine corporate clients, Airbourne offers a packed four days to remember this August.”

Exclusive Seating is available at Eastbourne Bandstand on all four days of Airbourne and offers visitors the chance to book their very own seat for the day with clear views of the flying line. Priced from just £7 a day, flying fans can reserve their seat now by booking online at www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk.

The Aviator Club is open on all four days of flying and offers arena-side hospitality with three-course summer lunch, champagne and canapés, the perfect VIP experience whether visitors are celebrating a special occasion or on a business meeting.

2010 also offers visitors and families the chance to show their support for Eastbourne Airbourne by becoming a Premium Friend of Airbourne for just £10 per person or £30 for families. Premium Friends will receive an Eastbourne Bag for Life containing everything needed for a packed day out including souvenir programme, radio headset, special offer vouchers, half price Bandstand ticket and more.

For more information on ways to upgrade your airshow experience in 2010, find out what flying displays you can expect to see and what else is taking place during Eastbourne Airbourne go to www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Fans of the prestigious Eastbourne International Airshow are being offered the opportunity to upgrade their experience at the 2010 event with a brand new Friends of Airbourne package on offer. 

This year, airshow enthusiasts can opt to become a Premium Friend of Airbourne and show their support to the world’s biggest free event, now in its 18th year.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront from 12-15 August and Premium Friends will receive the official Eastbourne Bag for Life containing the official Airbourne souvenir programme and radio headset, and packed with exclusive offers and discounts to use at local businesses.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very excited to be re-launching the Friends of Airbourne membership scheme for this year and offer visitors to the airshow a way to enjoy exclusive benefits whilst supporting the popular event. This year’s Eastbourne Airshow is already looking set to be action-packed with a top line up of flying including the Red Arrows, F16 and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Premium Friends’ packages provide everything needed for the perfect day out at Airbourne.” 

There will still be the opportunity for fans of the airshow to sign up for free at www.eastbourneairshow.com to become a Friend of Airbourne and receive regular e-newsletters. With over 6,000 free members already signed up, Airbourne fans will continue to have the option to register online and receive the latest news and exclusive competitions.

The new Premium package offers avid fans and families the chance to go one step further and purchase a Friends’ membership package from VisitEastbourne.com that offers all the ingredients for the ultimate Airbourne experience. 

For just £10 per person and new for 2010, £30 for families, Premium Friends will receive a membership package that promises savings at local attractions including a half price ticket for the popular 1812 Firework Concerts at Eastbourne Bandstand.

The Premium Friends of Airbourne packages are on sale now from www.visiteastbourne.com, where visitors looking to upgrade their airshow experience can also book tickets for the Aviator Club hospitality marquee and Bandstand Exclusive Seating.

For further information on Friends of Airbourne visit www.visiteastbourne.com or www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.