Air display one of only a few in British Isles

AFTER months of uncertainty as to whether Guernsey would be able to hold an Air Display this year, thousands turned their heads to the sky as planes soared above the Little Russel on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Battle of Britain Air Display 2020 director Barry Neal. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 28674894)

Display director Barry Neal came over from Devon especially for the event on a ‘critical workers’ permit, and said it was likely to be one of only three or four air displays in the British Isles this year. ‘It’s brilliant that we’ve been able to put it on – and it’s testament to a huge amount of work done by my team and the display crews to get ready in time,’ he said.

‘But it has of course stemmed from the fact that the States have worked so hard to keep the coronavirus out of Guernsey.’

He said islanders were lucky to be able to enjoy a show, particularly on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, when places as nearby as Jersey have had to cancel their displays.

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 10-09-20. Battle of Britain Air Show. Yakovlevs.. (28675069)

Event consultant at Black Vanilla Natalie Davidson said much of the display depended on the situation in the UK, as many display crews were based there.

‘For example, Team Raven were due to come but two of their pilots live in Caerphilly which went into lockdown on Monday.

‘The Blades stepped in at the last minute and have been absolutely fantastic to watch.'

As well as the Blades, islanders enjoyed watching the Spitfire and Hurricane duo, the Channel Islands Air Search plane, the Yakovlevs, the Muscle Biplane, the Fireflies, a Catalina sea-plane and, of course, the Red Arrows.

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 10-09-20. Battle of Britain Air Show. Red Arrows. (28675086)

‘It could be that this is the only Red Arrows air display in Britain this year,’ Mrs Davidson added.

‘It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to put something like this on for the island to celebrate the end of lockdown – and we have to give special thanks to our Consortium members, corporate friends of the air display and sponsors for their continued support.’

Echoing this was RAF Association president Alan Brunger, who said it was wonderful to see so many people supporting the charity air show. The RAFA looks after ex and serving members of the Royal Air Force who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times.

Alan Brunger President of RAFA. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 28674896)

‘To be able to hold an air display in such perfect weather conditions, and to have Barry [Neal] here again as without him there is so display,’ he said.

‘Thanks to all involved, and to the Guernsey Air Display Foundation, who have worked tirelessly to get this in place.’

Four-page picture display in the centre pages of today's Guernsey Press.