Tag: Airshow

Seafront Packed for Airbourne 2009

The south coast is recovering after its busiest weekend of the year as the sun shone for Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow 2009, with huge crowds every day plus record programme sales.The resort’s 17th annual airshow attracted flocks of visitors to the seafront setting last weekend to marvel at more than 60 flying displays at the free event, including the Red Arrows flying every day plus a rare double appearance greeting visitors on the ground on Friday AND Saturday.

With glorious sunshine on all four days, the airshow brought thousands of visitors to the resort with the official souvenir programme flying out with more sales than ever before.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “What a weekend! Airbourne 2009 was truly fantastic and after months of planning to improve the event and put on a great show, we are extremely pleased. It was wonderful to see the seafront looking so busy and for visitors to really be enjoying themselves and judging from the feedback we have already received, 2009 appears to be one of the best years ever for Airbourne. For the first time this year we introduced a retiring collection, with proceeds going to both Airbourne and the Sussex Air Ambulance and anyone who did not get an opportunity to contribute can still do so at either the Tourist Information Centre or the Seafront Office”

A brand new Come Fly With Me evening extravaganza took place on Friday this year and delighted visitors with an extended flying schedule into the evening with a Swing Street Band entertaining visitors on the ground. As the Blades, Typhoon, and Hawker Hurricane Bomber flew overhead, visitors got on their feet to dance along in the arena.

The addition of the Globeriders performing daredevil motorcycle racing in a giant steel ball to the arena line up for 2009 meant the Western Lawns were swamped with crowds during the day too, all desperate to witness the exciting new display. Plus the return of the Essex Dog Display team impressed visitors with their canine performance leaping through hoops of fire.

With a great line up of flying displays taking place in 2009, including the Blades Aerobatic Formation Team, agile Eurofighter Typhoon, F16, and the Tigers Parachute Display Team, visitors were desperate to take in top views. Exclusive seating at Eastbourne Bandstand sold out over the weekend, as visitors booked in to enjoy uninterrupted views from the seafront venue.

With the number of trade stands up by 27% in 2009, the ground was packed at Airbourne with visitors treated to a top standard of stalls to browse including the Wii and Pokemon stands entertaining families.

The show came to a fitting close on Sunday night with a moving Sunset Ceremony at Eastbourne Bandstand with music performed by Eastbourne Silver Band, followed by a spectacular firework display from the Pier lighting up the seafront skies and uniting the community for the airshow finale.

With 25 sponsors behind Airbourne 2009, including Barratt Southern Counties and TravelInsured.co.uk, fans of the airshow can keep up to date with the latest news as well as share their views on this year’s event online at www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk.

Once the final income and expenditure figures are available, Cabinet will be able to confirm the 2010 airshow, early indications are positive.

Countdown to Airbourne 2009

There’s less than a week to go until the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow lands in Eastbourne and with forecasts of 21ºC, visitors are expected to buy a staggering 35,000 ice-creams during the four day event! This year the free airshow promises to be bigger and better than ever before as it enters its 17th year with the popular Red Arrows zooming through the seafront skies on all four days. Plus the Reds will touch down for TWO ground appearances in 2009 on Friday and Saturday, meeting and greeting fans around the arena, a feat that is unprecedented in the history of the team.

The Reds will be joined by a bumper line up of flying displays including a top flight of international aircraft such as the F16, Eurofighter Typhoon, US Air Force KC135 and Belgian Sea King, Airbourne promises a packed weekend for the thousands of visitors expected to descend on the town over the next few days.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The excitement at this year’s spectacular line-up has really kicked in now and I can’t wait for Airbourne this Thursday! We’ve got some fabulous flying, action-packed arena displays, and plenty of evening entertainment to really please visitors so I’m sure we’re in for a brilliant weekend. And as the country’s sunniest place, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the good weather continues for Airbourne!”

As the biggest international airshow, Airbourne promises some surprising statistics. During the four day event that gets underway this Thursday 13 August, Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre expects to receive over 2,000 enquiries a day directly relating to Airbourne!

Members of the RAF will hand out a whopping 5,000 stickers to budding pilots from the RAF Village on the Western Lawns. Providing an educational and hands-on area to get an idea of life in the force with replica aircraft, mobile catering demonstrations and displays from the Bomb Disposal Squadron, air enthusiasts can speak to pilots on the ground.

And for those who want their own personal soundtrack to the airshow, visitors can buy Airbourne radio headsets from the Information Stand at the event and listen to 165 hours of live commentary, pilot interviews, music, weather and travel updates on 87.7FM Radio Airbourne.

Plus this year there is more to Airbourne than ever before too, as a brand new Friday evening flying extravaganza takes place. Come Fly With Me kicks off at 6pm on 14 August with Swing Street Band performing on the ground against a backdrop of flying displays including The Blades, Eurofighter Typhoon, and a special appearance from the Hawker Hurricane Bomber performing at its first seafront airshow since recommission.

The airshow opens from 10am – 6pm each day from Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 August, with extended flying until 8pm on Friday.

Buy a copy of the Official Souvenir Programme for just £3 from selected newsagents across the town, the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office or programme sellers at the event, and read up on the displays, enter exclusive competitions and find vouchers to exchange for up to date flying times on the day.

For more information on Airbourne 2009 sponsored by Barratt Southern Counties and TravelInsured.co.uk visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Come Fly With Me at Airbourne 2009

Get set for more dynamic flying action than ever before at Eastbourne International Airshow in 2009 as Airbourne hosts displays into the evening with a new Come Fly With Me programme on Friday 14 August.The World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow returns to Eastbourne seafront from 13-16 August with a jam-packed display schedule for 2009, including all new flying ‘til dusk on Friday evening.

Come Fly With Me will get underway at 6pm with Swing Street Band performing on the ground against a backdrop of flying displays including The Blades, Eurofighter Typhoon, and various historic displays. Plus visitors can also look forward to a special appearance from the Hawker Hurricane Bomber performing at its first seafront airshow since recommission.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “This year’s airshow promises to be bigger and better than ever and I’m really excited by the new evening display on Friday. Extending the event into the evening will mean that visitors can come along after work and enjoy some spectacular displays to a big band soundtrack, with the entertainment carrying on long after that with a tribute concert at Eastbourne Bandstand offering visitors non-stop activity all day long.”

Airbourne visitors can enjoy evening entertainment on all four days of the airshow with Eastbourne Bandstand hosting a packed programme of concerts.

The Les Paul Band fill the stage on Thursday evening for Big Band Sound, while those enjoying the evening display on Friday can head straight for a Dirty Dancing Tribute Concert when the flying stops. Relive the popular songs from the Patrick Swayze movie.

Saturday sees a Buddy Holly tribute act take to the stage for a Rock ‘n’ Roll evening with Sunday welcoming the return of the popular Sunset Ceremony and Proms Concert culminating in a spectacular firework display from Eastbourne Pier for all Airbourne visitors.

The 2009 Official Airbourne Souvenir Programme is on sale now at selected stockists throughout the town and online from www.visiteastbourne.com.

Order a copy and find out about the packed 2009 flying programme, which includes a fast and furious display from the Red Arrows on all four days, plus appearances from the Guinot Wingwalkers, futuristic Eurofighter Typhoon, Hawk, Tutor, F16, US Air Force KC135 Stratotanker, Tigers Parachute Display Team and more.

Plus there will be nostalgic displays from the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight providing a moving tribute to the heroic World War II battle, plus historic flights from the Spitfire, Mustang, Hawker and Gnat.

For more information on Airbourne 2009, sponsored by Barratt Southern Counties and TravelInsured.co.uk, visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

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