States intends to keep supporting yearly air display
THE STATES has confirmed it intends to continue to support the annual Battle of Britain Air Display after Jersey’s government announced it was looking to reduce its financial offering.
However, local backing for the event is far more modest than in Jersey. The States gives a grant of £5,000 – more than 10% of the event’s sponsorship, which is reviewed every year.
In Jersey the displays have traditionally been supported by an annual grant given to the Ports of Jersey, which was £100,000 in 2021 and £60,000 last year.
However, its government has said it wants to reset its support next year after a number of concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the display.
Four organisations have expressed interest in running the Jersey event next year.
The majority of Guernsey’s Air Display funding comes from tiered consortium membership packages, which include advertising, reception places at Castle Cornet, smaller corporate packages, and its Friends of the Guernsey Air Display Scheme.
This, alongside the grant, ensures the event remains free for islanders.
This year it is taking place on Thursday 14 September from 10.45am to 1.15pm and will see a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster take to the skies alongside the Red Arrows, which are returning after a year out.
The Lancaster has been especially chosen to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, carried out by Avro Lancaster bombers.
A Tutor, used as a training aircraft, will also make an appearance at the event.
n All information on the Air Display can be found on its website at guernseyairdisplay.com
