Guernsey Air Display is moving to evening slot
Aircraft involved in this year’s Guernsey Air Display will be taking to the skies later in the day than in previous years.
The event is due to be held between 6.30pm and 8pm on Wednesday 10 September, breaking away from the Thursday late morning time slot it has traditionally occupied.
The change aims to make the display more accessible to all age groups, in particular younger children and students and their families.
Guernsey Air Display Foundation guardian Russell Clark said the move to the evening would allow the foundation to evolve the display while keeping its core traditions and aims intact.
‘It’s a chance to welcome more spectators, try new ideas, and ensure the display remains a highlight of Guernsey’s calendar,’ he said.
The display will come to a close with a pyrotechnic team, similar to one that drew large crowds into St Peter Port back in September 2016, and Mr Clark said an evening display would allow organisers to recapture that magic, and welcome an even bigger audience into town.
Display director Barry Neal thanked Guernsey Airport, Aurigny and Blue Islands for their support, which had enabled his team to move the event to the evening.
‘Everyone we have spoken to has been very positive about the move, including the RAF Events Team, Joint Aviation Command, and the private display teams who are keen to work with us to make sure it remains an excellent display,’ he said.
‘It’s very exciting to be doing something different.’
Applications have been made to the RAF Events Team and Joint Aviation Command for military assets, and confirmation of their allocation is expected by the end of March.
The display relies almost solely on the support of the local business community to fund the event, alongside a grant and underwrite from the States.
‘We are incredibly grateful to the consortium of local businesses and corporate friends, as well as the States, for their ongoing support,’ said event organiser Natalie Davidson.
‘With the largest part of the budget being the aircraft and their costs, the more money we can raise, the better the display will be.
‘We hope moving away from the traditional time will increase the number of spectators, making the event more appealing to local businesses, which will in turn lead to more sponsors.’
Sponsorship packages range from a corporate friend for £795, to a Lancaster consortium membership for £3,500.
Individuals can also become a friend of the display for £17.50, and will receive a pin badge, their name listed in the programme and on the website, and the opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets to watch the display from Castle Cornet.
More information on the display can be found on the Guernsey Air Display website, guernseyairdisplay.com.
