Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Organisers aiming high this year
Thousands are expected to descend on Herne Bay this Sunday when the spectacular air show returns with a bumper line-up.
The free event, which attracted 70,000 people last year, will feature a total of 22 display teams and 47 aircraft – including 18 jets.
Bosses at the Baypromoteam shelved plans to take a year out this year after the Red Arrows confirmed they will take to the skies again this weekend.
Organiser Gerald Mccarthy said: “Last year the bar was raised with Herne Bay events.
“We were not entirely sure we could better it, but we have had a good go this year.
“We have international aircraft and helicopter displays – I think our show will match some of the best off-shore air shows in the country.”
After two no-shows, the Lancaster bomber will feature in the new line-up, which also sees the return of the aweinspiring Eurofighter Typhoon.
Mr Mccarthy added: “It is a fantastic spectacle for the town – the seafront is the shop window and there will be a lot of people looking.
“The weather forecast is looking good, but they key to people enjoying it will be to use public transport.
“People need to take sensible precautions, like sun cream for the little ones and looking after their children at the event.”
The display will start at midday on Sunday, with the Eurofighter jet on show at 12.50pm before the Red Arrows arrive at 2pm.
They will join dozens of other display teams and aircraft, including the Tigers freefall parachute team.
Mr Mccarthy said: “The crowd-pleasers are obviously the Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon, but many people will be looking forward to seeing the Russian Mig 15.
“I am looking forward to seeing the Lancaster bomber.
“Two years ago it was stopped by bad weather and last year it had an engine fire, but they are all ready and it will be a big box ticked in terms of upping the display to have the Lancaster bomber.”
Mr Mccarthy thinks the show – which will follow the town’s carnival on Saturday – can match any other display.
He said: “On a like-forlike basis, I think we will be matching any off-shore display.
“A lot of those shows have huge financial backing from the local council, so I think we do stand out as doing something quite remarkable.
“The weekend is a big one. It is probably the biggest the town has seen because of the carnival as well.”