Air display will mark Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary

THIS year’s Guernsey Air Display will be even more poignant than usual as it marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which saw 544 RAF pilots and aircrew lose their lives over 112 days.

Last year’s air display starring the Red Arrows was held on 6 June, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 27279981)

The display also returns to its traditional September date after being switched to June last year because the Red Arrows were not available in the autumn.

For more than 50 years, the Guernsey Battle of Britain Air Display has seen some of Britain’s most historic and iconic military and civilian aircraft take to the skies off Guernsey’s east coast, flying over St Peter Port harbour and the Little Russel.

The Red Arrows from June 2019. (27279987)

This year the display will take place on Thursday 10 September, remembering and honouring those who served in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War and, in particular, the pilots and crews who served in the Battle of Britain from June to October 1940.

‘The wonderful thing about the air display is that it’s open to all, everyone in the island can enjoy the planes and it’s rare for any event to be so inclusive,’ Natalie Davidson, event consultant at Black Vanilla, said.

‘Of course, the display does cost a lot of money and we are looking to local businesses and individuals to crowdfund the event for the benefit of everyone.’

Past displays have featured the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with its wartime Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, alongside the speed and aerobatics of the Wildcats, the Pitts of Rich Goodwin Airshows, the Blades and the iconic Red Arrows, providing a range of aircraft.

Team Raven form the 2019 display. (27279978)

The air display team, which has been joined by Black Vanilla, hopes the whole community will help to crowdfund the event by becoming a friend of the Guernsey Air Display.

Companies can support the display by becoming a consortium member and corporate friend. Packages are also available for businesses that use the display for corporate entertainment and staff events.

The 2020 flying display schedule will be announced at a later date.

. Visit www.guernseyairdisplay.com to find out more about the 2020 consortium packages along with information on how to become a friend of the Guernsey Air Display or call the team at Black Vanilla on 729229.

Search @gsyairdisplay on Twitter and Instagram and Guernsey Air Display on Facebook to keep up to date with the event.