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Airbourne gets all set to ride sky high
AIRBOURNE takes off tomorrow as organisers give the annual free four-day event a final chance to prove it can succeed.
After last year's controversial 5 entry charge, it is hoped the world's biggest seafront airshow will get off to a flying start and be self-funding.
Tourism bosses say the council will no longer be able to stage the airshow if 2009's event is not a success.
However, Airbourne organisers say everything is in place for an excellent show this year and spectators are promised a packed line up of international aircraft displays and a world class flying programme.
Visitors will enjoy displays from the Belgian Sea King, Royal Netherlands Air Force and Rescue aircraft, the popular F16, and the extremely agile Eurofighter Typhoon.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism Councillor Susan Morris said, "This year's Airbourne keeps on getting better and better.
"We already have crowd favourites 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."
Spectators will also be treated to the Blades Extra 300, which famously displayed at the Beckhams' pre-World Cup Party, Guinot Wingwalkers, Swift Glider Team and the Tigers Parachute Display Team.
And East Sussex County Council is helping to make the event a success by suspending pay to park along Eastbourne seafront during the show.
Eastbourne Borough Council welcomed the decision to allow free parking during 2009's airshow and borough councillor Sandy Howlett said she was 'delighted'.
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce has made appeals to businesses and supporters to get behind this year's show.
A chamber spokesperson said, "Put simply, under the worst circumstances, there will not be an event in 2010 – a situation that those of us committed to Eastbourne and its prosperity would find unpalatable.
"We are committed to work in partnership with all elements of the local community to ensure that Airbourne 2009 is the success that our town deserves.
"Without everyone's help, we may not have an Airbourne to enjoy and benefit from after this year."
Last year's show made a 380,000 loss and it needs to be self-funding this year if it is to continue.
Volunteers from Eastbourne Hospitality Association will carry out a bucket collection in a bid to raise funds to pay for Airbourne 2009 and secure the future of the show. Seventy per cent of the money raised will be used to offset the costs and the remaining 30 per cent will go to the association's designated charity, the Sussex Air Ambulance.
• The world's biggest free seafront airshow kicks off at 10am on Thursday and full details are in the 24 page supplement inside your Eastbourne Gazette today (12th August) and Friday's Herald (14th August).
DAY-BY-DAY FLYING AND EVENTS GUIDE
Thursday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays 1.50pm – 4.53pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Blades
F16
Hawk T1
KC-135 US Air Force Stratotanker
King Air B200
Spitfire
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 4.30pm
Friday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays 2pm - 5.05pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
F16
Hawk T1
KC-135 US Air Force Stratotanker
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 2pm
Come Fly With Me! 6pm - 8pm
Swing Street Band
Easy Company military vehicle display
6.15pm Eurofighter Typhoon
6.45pm Gnats
7.10pm Spitfire
7.25pm Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
7.40pm The Blades
Saturday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays 2pm - 5.50pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Blades
Eurofighter Typhoon
F16
Gnat
Hawk T1
Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 4.35pm
Sunday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays noon-4.22pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Blades
Eurofighter Typhoon
F16
Gnat
Hawk T1
Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 12noon
Fireworks 10pm
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
