Find local news in Kent

Home   Folkestone   News   Article

Businesses in Folkestone reach for the sky in new scheme to sponsor flypasts at 2014 Folkestone Airshow

17:55, 10 December 2013

Progress is really moving along in preparations for the 2014 Folkestone Airshow as five of the town's restaurants and bars agreed to put their 'own' aircrafts into the sky for flypasts.

This year's event planned for June was famously cancelled due to a lack of funding.

But organisers Open Air Productions believe next year's show can come back bigger and better than ever.

The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows

The latest scheme invites customers to help out the businesses to raise money for flypasts to enable certain aircraft or aerobatic teams to perform displays.

The Chambers in Cheriton Place hope to raise £3,000 for a Tornado fighter.

The View in West Terrace have targeted £2,500 for Trig Aerobatic Team while Fresh & Easy in the Old High Street, The Frenchman in Christ Church Road and The Royal Norfolk in Sandgate High Street are looking for £2,000 for a Grob Tutor, King Air and Sea King search and rescue helicopter, respectively.

Steven Bains and Pauline Caulfield of The View with Maddison Broom of Folkestone Airshow
Steven Bains and Pauline Caulfield of The View with Maddison Broom of Folkestone Airshow

The fundraising scheme launched this week and will run until the flying programme is finalised in the new year.

Each restaurant are now designated as official supporters of the airshow.

Big crowds on The Leas for past Folkestone Airshow
Big crowds on The Leas for past Folkestone Airshow

Maddison Broom, PR and marketing manager for the Folkestone Airshow, said: "They have their own ideas about how to hit necessary targets - by organising events and activities, for example - and we will help by promoting them through our social media websites.

"Their efforts will be invaluable in lining up the fly-pasts and thrilling high-speed aerobatics performances we are programming."

Chris Smith, owner and manager of The Chambers said: “We are thrilled to be fundraising to bring the Tornado to Folkestone Airshow.

"It will be one of the loudest aircraft in the flying display and we aim to make as much noise with our fund-raising."

The Airshow is planned to take place over the weekend of June 7 and 8 next year.

For more information log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com follow @FlyFolkestone on Twitter or search Folkestone Airshow on Facebook.

What do you think? Are you pleased the airshow is returning next year? Which display are you most excited about?

Join the comments section below.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More