Posts Tagged ‘Southend’

Festival fund-raising

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

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

Sky high delights and fabulous fun at your feet

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

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

Airshow Displays will be Flying High!

Friday, March 7th, 2008

Southend’s biggest event is ready to take to the skies, promising more thrills, spills and action than ever before!Held over the Spring Bank Holiday 25th & 26th May, the spectacular 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow will tempt thousands of people to the seafront to see the high flying action!

The aircraft participation for the Southend Airshow 2008 is already looking exciting as the Royal Air Force has come out in strength to support the event. All of the available RAF displays have been confirmed, including the Typhoon and the Red Arrows. In fact it will be the first chance to see the Red Arrows new display before they go on a month long tour to Canada and the US.

As well as the modern military, Southend will celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the RAF with displays from historical aircraft covering the whole history of the service.

Display Director Dave Walton says: “Southend is the first major show of the RAF’s anniversary year and we are delighted that so many display aircraft have been allocated to the event. We hope to demonstrate the aviation highlights of the last 90 years alongside the Royal Navy and other crowd favourites such as the Team Guinot Wingwalkers and The Blades.”

The flying programme for the two day show will be constantly updated in the run up to the event.
For the latest news check out www.southendairshow.com

Airshow Ready for Take Off

Friday, March 7th, 2008

The 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow is taking place on Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.

Now in its 23rd year, the event is one of the largest free Airshows in Europe attracting more than half a million people to Southend over the two days.

Sponsored by the Maxims Casino Southend in Western Esplanade, Southend, and organised by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, this year’s show will feature the best in military and civilian aviation as well as a packed programme of ground entertainment.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism & Regeneration says: “The 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow looks set to be better than ever. This official launch marks the start of the publicity build up to the event, although work has been going on behind the scenes for months to plan the show.”

He adds: “This Airshow is the jewel in the crown of our busy Southend events programme. We hope that by encouraging as many people as possible to come to Southend for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, they will return to the town again during the course of the year to see the rest of what our wonderful town has to offer.”

John Harland, Public Relations Manager at the Maxims Casino Southend, says: “The Airshow is a massive community event and one that we are proud to be involved with. We are delighted to once again be supporting such a prestigious event that has such a benefit to Southend.”

For more information log onto www.southendairshow.com

Lots to do Thanks to Airshow Ground Crew

Friday, March 7th, 2008

There will be more than just spectacular aerial stunts at the 2008 Maxims Casino Southend Airshow.

Those coming along to enjoy Southend’s premier event, on Sunday 25h and Bank Holiday Monday 26h May 2008, 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 one of Europe’s largest free airshows.

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! On the Monday, the world famous Red Arrows pilots will be on the ground too, the opportunity to get their autographs is one not to be missed!

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.

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

There are plenty of ways to reach the Airshow. Two train lines run from London and connecting stations into Southend, with a minimum of 7 trains per hour and the journey taking between 45 – 60 minutes. For fares, ticket options and times call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950. National Express operate a coach service from London Victoria to Southend; for details call them on 08705 808080.

The Sky is Not the Limit

Friday, March 7th, 2008

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

Casino draws the crowds

Monday, May 21st, 2007

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!

Sunday, May 20th, 2007

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

Saturday, May 19th, 2007

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!

Friday, May 18th, 2007

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.