Shoreham Airshow passes £2million mark

The Shoreham Airshow committee celebrates passing the £2million mark with RAFA president Sir Dusty Miller

As the committee launched the 26th Shoreham Airshow, which takes place at Shoreham Airport on August 22 and 23, members looked back over the hard work of the team.

Airshow organiser Derek Harber said: “What a year it was last year, for our 25th anniversary. All records were broken and we received praise from many areas.

“It was 2006 when Air Marshal Philip Sturley came to accept the £1million cheque. Here we are again today, presenting the RAFA with a £2million cheque, the total raised from 25 years of Shoreham Airshow.

“We have a right to pat ourselves on our backs. It is a record unequalled by any other airshow.

“We are all volunteers. Shoreham has worked because we have tried to make it just that little bit different. It is a family airshow, the pilot’s favourite.

“Over two days every year, Shoreham Airport takes a step back in time to the days when airshows were just that bit special. I think the word ‘barnstorming’ was used at times.”

This year’s airshow will feature more than 50 aircraft and more than five hours of flying each day. It will also be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Flying display director Rod Dean said: “We had a super year last year. This year, we believe, we are going to have a show that can match last year, which I think everyone agrees was the most popular show that we have put on.

“We are going back to the traditional Battle of Britain Scramble, with two Buchons, two Spitfires and two Hurricanes. We are also going to go on and look at the other veteran of that campaign that is still flying, the Blenheim. It will be delightful to see the Blenheim down here at Shoreham for its display.”

Last year it was hoped two Lancasters would fly together over Shoreham, but a technical problem put paid to that.

Mr Dean admitted: “Being totally mercenary about it, the fact that the Canadian Lancaster went tech on the day before the show actually just added £12,000 to the bottom line.”

This year, there may be no Lancaster at all, as the last airworthy British version was hit by an engine fire two weeks ago and it may not be back in the air in time.

Tickets for Shoreham Airshow are £18 in advance, £22 on the gate for adults and £5 in advance, £8 on the gate for children. Book online at www.shorehamairshow.co.uk or call 01903 282360.