Posts Tagged ‘Folkstone Airshow’

Airshow – magnificent – but will there be another like it?

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

ALTHOUGH last weekend’s Folkestone Airshow attracted record crowds, organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd says that the event did not reach its revenue target and the future of the show is being evaluated ‘very carefully’.

“We promised that Folkestone Airshow 2014 would be the biggest and best yet – and everyone agrees that we delivered two days of aerial spectacle and ground events magnificently”, says project director Yvonne Holder. “But, sadly, income did not match the high costs of staging this quality event and at the same provide – as was planned – a sound financial platform for future shows.

“As a consequence, we are considering very carefully whether a show on this year’s scale and based on sponsorships, donations and public generosity is viable.It may be some time before decisions can be made.

“But let not this take anything away from the fact that the show attracted and gave pleasure to scores of thousands of visitors and residents. The many, many messages of thanks we are receiving is evidence of that. We reckon that attendance was in the region 190,000, with consequent benefits for shops, restaurants, bars, accommodation and entertainment providers.

“We thank everyone who helped to make it such a wonderful weekend – people behind the scenes as well as those who spectators saw in action. Even the weather played fair”.

http://www.folkestoneairshow.com

Folkestone’s air spectacular is ready for take-off

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

UP to 200,000 people are expected to watch Folkestone’s biggest-ever airshow next weekend (June 7 and 8). After almost a year of meticulous planning, preparations are complete for two days of thrilling air displays, ground events and family fun entertainment.

Organised by specialist outdoor events management company Open Air Promotions Ltd, the event – Kent’s only 2014 free-to-watch airshow – is expected to attract spectators from across south east England and the London area as well as from across the Channel.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said that the event would provide sky-watchers with two days of thrills and excitement. “More than twenty types of military and other aircrafthave been booked to take part. The sensational RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team and iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will head the line-up on Saturday.The impressive Sunday flying programme will includeperformances by stunt and other aircraft popular on the international air show circuit. Freefall parachutists are due to drop in on both days and there will be a dramatic demonstration of a sea rescue.

“There’ll be plenty going on at ground level, too – on the Leas and in the harbour area -from 10am on both days. Attractions will include exhibitions and displays in the Armed Forces Village, flight simulators, fun zones, food, drink and shopping areas, vintage car rallyas well as livemusic and entertainment on two stages.

“And that’s not all. The opening day will end with a spectacular live concert – thehugely popular rock revival Abba Bjorn Again plusinternationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Chris Andre- and grand firework finale on Folkestone seafront”.

Open Air Promotions has made special arrangements to help visitorsenjoy their visit to Folkestone. Teams of meet-and-greet marshals will be on duty at Folkestone Central railway station, the town centre bus station, car parks and seafront information points. Public address systems will keep spectators on the Leas and in the harbour area informed about what’s on, where and when.

Park-and-ride services will be available from Folkestone Racecourse and Radnor Park.

“Traffic on all routes is bound to be heavy on both days and we strongly urge car-drivers to book a space in advance via our website – www.folkestoneairshow.com“, said Ms Holder.

For latest information and to book tickets for the Abba Bjorn Again concert and for car parks call 01303 246925, visit the Fly Folkestone office at 67 The Old High Street, Folkestone, or log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com

Saga helps Airshow fly high

Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

FOLKESTONE AIRSHOW 2014 organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd has named the Saga Group as headlinesponsor of the event.

Announcing Saga’s sponsorship, Open Air Promotions director Yvonne Holder said that the company’sfinancial support would not only help to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet but also provide a funding platform forfuture airshows.

“It is fantastic and immensely encouraging that Saga has joined other local businesses, Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council – they are joint funders of the Red Arrows’ display – and a generous public in helping us to stage a two-day free-to-watch event planned to entertain up to 200,000 residents and visitors.

“Saga, one of Kent’s biggest employersand born in Folkestone, is an idealtitle sponsor of the town’s biggest weekend event”.

Folkestone Airshow is to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8.

For more information call 01303 246925 or visit www.folkestoneairshow.com

Folkestone Airshow sponsor books Hawk display

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

KENT-BASED independent financial advisors Investaco has signed up as the first Official Sponsor of Folkestone Airshow 2014. The deal secures a display, subject to operational availability, by an RAF Hawk, a high-speed trainer version of the aircraft type flown by the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Annabel Clarke, Investaco marketing manager, said that the company was ‘thrilled’ to support Folkestone Airshow. “This is great family event and we are proud to be involved”.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said: “This is a splendid start to our New Year sponsorship campaign. Several other businesses have expressed interest in joining the scheme which enables us to hire a particular aircraft or flying display in return for promoting their products or services via our website, video, social media marketing activities, posters banners and in the official programme. We are delighted that Investaco, a leading provider of financial services to the local community, has trailed the sponsorship way of supporting Kent’s great free airshow”.

The Folkestone Airshow Official Supporters scheme, launched last month, which gives patrons of five popular restaurants and bars an opportunity to sponsor an aircraft of their choice, has also made a promising start, according to marketing manager Maddison Broom. “Customers of The Chambers raised more than £280 at their Boxing Night quiz – nearly ten per cent of the amount money necessary to put a Tornado into the air”.

Organised by Open Air Promotions Ltd, Folkestone Airshow 2014 will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. Both days will include flying displays as well ground activities and entertainment on the Leas and in the harbour area.

http://folkestoneairshow.com