After a tense couple of weeks The Looker can confirm that the planned air display at Folkestone next weekend (12th September) will go ahead. This follows the civil aviation authorities, public display intervention, following the tragic events of the Hawker Hunter T7 crashed killing 11 people at the recent Shoreham airshow.
In a statement from Shepway District Council stating; “There will be displays and flypasts over the coast by vintage aircraft culminating in a parachute drop in Radnor Park, Folkestone.” After contacting Chris Yates at Aero Legends who have choreographed the display confirmed that the display will be going ahead and will feature, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight a Royal Dutch Airforce B25, RAF Typhoon 2 Spitfires and a P51 Mustang.
With the leas being earmarked as the best vantage point to watch the displays, aero enthusiasts are hoping for good sunny weather with high cloud. The RAF Falcon parachute display team will finish off the display by flying their drop plane along the coast, escorted by two spitfires before parachuting into Radnor Park.
The full statement read…
“East Kent Remembers the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
On the afternoon of the 12th of September at Headcorn Dover and Folkestone will remember the brave men and women of the Battle of Britain.
After the traumatic incident at Shoreham the organisers have worked with the British Air Display Association and the CAA to ensure there is a safe environment for this commemorative occasion to take place as planned.
There will be a number of displays and flypasts from lunch time until later afternoon.
To include, the RAF Typhoon, Tutor, Battle of Britain Memorial flight as well the Royal Dutch Air force B25, Aero Legends Spitfire, the Hangar 11 Spitfire and P51 Mustang
The afternoon will end with the RAF Falcons parachute display team climbing to jump height along the Kent coast escorted by two spitfires where they will break off and the team will parachute into Radnor Park. This will then be followed by a 1 minute silence to remember those of the Battle of Britain as well as those currently serving.
Leader of Shepway District Council, Cllr David Monk, said, “The Battle of Britain Memorial Display will form the finale of a series of Kent-wide events. I am pleased that we are able to support what I know will be a moving and memorable anniversary tribute to The Few, especially given our district’s links with this historic Battle.”
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader Dover District Council, said: “We’re delighted that aspects of the anniversary display will take place in the sky above Dover, recognising the part the district played in the Battle of Britain. It is sure to be a memorable flying display that will evoke memories of the sacrifice made by the aircrew, and many local people whose lives were affected here in Hellfire Corner.”