Southend Airshow party as RAF turns 90
7:11am Monday 10th March 2008
AIRCRAFT covering the history of the Royal Air Force will take to the skies as part of the Southend Airshow.
The event, which tales place on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26, is one of the largest free airshows in Europe.
Displays by the RAF have been confirmed, which means the world famous display team, the Red Arrows, will be jetting through ahead of setting off on a month long tour of the USA and Canada.
The show will also celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the RAF and spectators will see aircraft covering "the whole history of the service" flying past.
Display director Dave Walton said: "Southend is the first major show of the RAF's anniversary year and we are delighted so many aircraft have been allocated to the event.
"We hope to demonstrate the aviation highlights of 90 years serving alongside the Royal Navy."
Throughout the weekend spectators on the seafront will be able to visit many trade stands set up by big name exhibitors, ranging from Honda to Waitrose.
Another popular feature, the meet the pilots area, will be back and Southend Council are again organising the show.
John Lamb, councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and regeneration, said: "The two day event attracts approximately three quarters of a million visitors to Southend.
"It generates more than £10 million for the local economy and sustains more than 50 jobs in the town.
"Since the annual show started more than 20 years ago it has attracted over ten million visitors to the town."
Once again Southend's seafront casino, now named Maxims, will be sponsoring the show.
The casino's public relations manager, John Harland, said: "The airshow is a massive community event and one we are proud to be involved with.
"We are delighted once again to be supporting such a prestigious event which has such a benefit to the town."