25th anniversary Shoreham Airshow set for take-off

August 30 and 31 will be the days organisers will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the airshow, which to date has raised almost £1.9m for RAFA funds.

From humble beginnings, the show has now become one of the highlights of the aviation flying display calendar. The organising team are all volunteers and the pilots say it is one of their favourite airshow venues.

Airshow organiser Derek Harber said: “The 2013 event was one of the most successful shows we have had to date. The weather was on our side – ticket sales were exceptional, and the flying display was considered by many to be one of the best.

“Rod Dean, our flying display director, himself a display pilot, managed to bring some new events into the flying schedules.

“We have proved that under the new team ‘the show will – and can – go on’. Our late founders, Don Bean MBE and Peter Eager, would have both been delighted.”

He said the 2014 show would see them celebrating in ‘true style’.

Mr Dean said: “Already, discussions are under way with the MOD events teams, civilian display pilots and some possible overseas visitors to make next year’s show that little bit special.

“Many of the pilots contact us asking to return, before we have even confirmed our dates.”

With the show expected to be more popular than ever, tickets will go on sale earlier than usual.

Airshow press officer John Periam said: “We are addressing some issues re parking and exiting the event, which caused some traffic-related problems for some of our visitors.

“We cannot please all, and most major events suffer from this issue when you get an influx of people to a venue.”

The budget for the show will reflect the fact it is the silver anniversary.

Mr Harber explained: “We have budgets, and costings have increased. However, we are able to spend money wisely, so that we can afford some of the best displays the airshow circuit has on offer.

“Next year, our budgets will reflect your views as paying guests, along with the fact that this show has now been running for 25 magnificent years.

“We know we will never please all, but rest assured we are going to make efforts to make it just that little bit special.”

For updates, go to www.shorehamairshow.co.uk or contact the airshow office 01273 441545.