Airshow plays big part in Battle of Britain 75th

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Second World War air campaign will be a key feature of this year’s show.

Airshow organiser Derek Harber said: “We owe a lot to our dedicated team who have put Shoreham on the map as one of Europe’s major aviation events

“We are delighted to announce that the 26th Shoreham Airshow has been added to the official RAF Battle of Britain listings for 2015.

“We plan to make this year’s event a fitting tribute to those who so bravely took to the skies to defend our shores.”

Flying display director Rod Dean is already working with many of Europe’s top display pilots to bring some exciting aircraft to Shoreham on August 22 and 23.

The Airfield Scramble and Attack will be the largest to date, with an array of historic fighter aircraft taking to the air, together supported by pyrotechnics and ground support teams.

Mr Dean said: “There will be more set pieces involving display formation flying,which went down so well last year.

“Among eagerly-awaited aircraft will be the Bristol Blenheim 1 L6739, which has recently been restored by the Aircraft Restoration Company. The Paris-based Junkers Ju 52 will also be basing itself at Shoreham, giving spectators an opportunity to see both aircraft close-up.

“The welcome return of the de Havilland Sea Vixen, the only flying airworthy example in the world, will add a little noise to Shoreham over both days. There will be several other fast jets participating, including the Hunter and Jet Provost. We try to please all.”

More than 50 aircraft will take part each day in a flying display lasting more than six hours, with a one-hour lunch break.

Press officer John Periam said: “I don’t want to give too much away at this stage.

“The World War One team is back and, also from last year, the Extra Duo 9 model aircraft flying with its real counterpart, which received a standing ovation.

“Of course, we will have the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Lancaster, along with many other military and civilian display favourites that have graced Shoreham’s skies over many years.”

Shoreham won many accolades for its 2014 airshow, including Best Community Event in the Herald & Gazette Community Stars awards and Best Family Airshow in the UK from Aeroplane Magazine. It was also named by Flypast Magazine as the best UK warbirds display venue outside Duxford.

Mr Harber said: “This will not change, from a fun fair, which this year will see more of the old traditional rides, to vintage cars, look alikes, harmony singers, trade stands, aircraft simulators and a craft tent, along with one of the largest historical static aircraft displays to be seen at any UK airshow, where you can meet the pilots.”

Organisers are working closely with Southern to make access easier, by increasing the ‘train and ride’ link from Shoreham railway station.

Advance tickets are £18 adults, £5 children. Visit www.shorehamairshow.co.uk or call the airshow office on 01273 441545 for more information.