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Latest NEWS TATTOO’S ‘ENTENTE’ SALUTE GOES VA VA BOOM! The largest single ignition of fireworks ever detonated in the UK will explode into a huge French flag during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire on July 17-18 as part of its ‘Entente Cordiale’ celebrations. The organisers aim to explode a huge burst of red white and blue coloured fireworks 150ft into the air as a French Mirage 2000 and a Royal Air Force Jaguar fly overhead. It will be the highlight of a series of special MoD sponsored events taking place at the Tattoo to mark the centenary of the signing of the Anglo-French ‘Entente Cordiale’. Charlie Adcock, owner of Somerset-based pyrotechnics company Event Horizon, said he was unaware of anything similar being done before. “I am really looking forward to pushing the button. It should be pretty epic,” he said. His team will connect 300 coloured ‘mines’ to detonating cable stretching along 300 metres of the runway. As the French and British aircraft pass along the display line, the mines will be ignited in a single explosion of colour that will form a spectacular backdrop to the flypast. Other Entente Cordiale attractions include the recreation of a World War One French Allied airfield; displays by both the RAF Red Arrows and the Patrouille de France; a joint flypast by a selection of British and French military aircraft plus a taste of British and French cuisine and culture. MoD Sponsored Events team leader Gp Capt Kyle Morrow said: “What ever spectators are doing during the Airshow I would advise them not to miss this stunning sight. But a word of advice, although the image is sure to live on in the memory - it will be over in a flash.” Satisfy your lust for thrust at RIAT
Experience all the thrills and excitement of The Royal International Air Tattoo this summer as the ‘roar’ power of some of the world’s most awesome flying machines are unleashed into the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. From the heart-stopping precision flying of the Red Arrows to the jaw-dropping aerial displays by many of the world’s leading ‘Top Gun’ pilots, Europe’s largest Airshow is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s lust for thrust. And on the ground there’s even more family entertainment with a concert, hot air balloons, stalls, exhibits, roadshows and exciting virtual reality rides. D-Day D-Day was arguably the most pivotal day of World War Two. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the largest-ever amphibious assault took place on the beaches of Normandy in France – the start of a battle that would decide the fate of Europe. Sixty years on, The Royal International Air Tattoo will host an MoD-sponsored tribute to this epic ‘invasion’ by recreating the sights and sounds of a D-Day airfield featuring some of the aircraft that contributed to its success, such as Dakotas, Mustangs, Spitfires, Lancaster and Austers. Entente Cordiale To mark the centenary of the signing of the historic ‘Entente Cordiale’, Tattoo organisers are promising a unique aerial display that will surpass last year’s stunning joint flypast by the Red Arrows and a USAF F-117A stealth bomber. In addition, there will be a feast of Anglo-French entertainment – in the air and on the ground – to highlight the ties that unite our two countries. Happy Birthday Herk
Few aircraft during the past 50 years have done more to directly relieve the suffering of starving people around the world than the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. From Ethiopia and Rwanda to Kosovo and Somalia, the Hercules has brought relief to many thousands of hungry people in some of the most inhospitable areas of the globe. But, far from simply being an international instrument of humanitarian goodwill, the ‘Herk’ has been used on a greater variety of missions than almost any other type of aircraft. To mark the 50th anniversary of this multi-talented ‘workhorse’, RIAT 2004 will spotlight the aircraft’s versatility in search and rescue, famine relief, in-flight refuelling, firefighting, Arctic operations support, ‘paratroop delivery and military support roles around the world. Fighter 04 This year’s operational theme Fighter 04 will see one of the largest collections of fighter aircraft from around the world including the Hunter, F-15, F-16, Tornado, Sea Harrier, the Mirage 2000 and Typhoon, in an unforgettable display of their air defence and air superiority capabilities. The Great Escape Joining us at the Tattoo to mark the 60th anniversary of The Great Escape will be the last two surviving UK-based veterans of The Great Escape. They will join our special tribute to those who took part in one of most daring – and infamous – episodes of World War Two history. The Hawk
The BAE SYSTEMS’ Hawk is among the most successful modern, two-seat advance jet trainer produced in the world and, after 30 years in production, it remains the aircraft of choice for many air arms. To mark this milestone, RIAT 2004 will highlight the appeal of this versatile jet by bringing together operators of this advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. Such is its speed and manoeuvrability, it has been the Red Arrows’ aircraft of choice since 1980. How fitting then, that as the Hawk celebrates its birthday, the world-famous Reds will be at The Royal International Air Tattoo to celebrate another landmark – their 40th display season. Airshow traffic improved On the advice of a team of professional traffic management consultants, a new traffic plan was designed to improve vehicle flows to and from RIAT 2003. In addition to this, the entrances to car parks were widened and resurfaced. These, and similar, initiatives won widespread praise for having a huge impact on traffic flow and organisers are confident they will prove just as effective in 2004. Shuttle bus Frequent shuttle bus service from Swindon Bus Station to RIAT, taking around 40 minutes on the express route. First bus leaves Swindon at 7.30am, last bus returns from RAF Fairford around 8.15pm. Free rides Once inside RAF Fairford, a regular shuttle bus service will operate free of charge within the showground throughout the day. Package Holiday
With three value-for-money packages to choose from, there’s no better time to join the Friends of The Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT). Whether you want to sample all of the action from beginning to end or simply enjoy the world’s greatest military airshow from the best vantage points, FRIAT is for you. No other airshow, anywhere, attracts more aircraft from more countries. And no other airshow pushes out the boundaries of airborne entertainment combining drama and excitement in a horizon-wide spectacle. For further details contact Marion Warsop, FRIAT Secretary, Tel: +44 (0) 1285 713300 (ext 5389) or e-mail: friat@rafbfe.co.uk Admission Charges Advance Adult: £29.95 On-the day Adult: £35 Children 15 and under FREECar Parking Free with an admission ticketCoach & Driver FREE Extra options The Waitrose Jubilee Garden A reserved enclosure on the crowd line offering comfortable deck chair seating a fine selection of summer refreshments. £15.95 per seat in advance, £19 on the day (does not include RIAT admission or refreshments). Public Grandstand Reserved seating with an uninterrupted birds-eye view of the flying display in the centrally located grandstand. Advance tickets £14.95 per seat, £18 on the day (does not include RIAT admission or refreshments). The Aviation Club A memorable day out in a marquee with private grandstand and garden overlooking the runway. All-inclusive price including RIAT admission, lunch, morning coffee and afternoon tea - £112 per guest. Park & View Park and view the amazing aircraft as they arrive at the Tattoo on Wednesday July 14 and Thursday, July 15 (advance tickets £10 per day, £15 on the day); watch the fast jets display on Friday, July 16 or view all the participants as they take off for home on Monday July 19 (advance tickets for Friday and Monday, £15 per adult per day or £20 on the day). How to Book Admission, Aviation Club, Jubilee Garden, Public Grandstand, FRIAT membership and Park & View tickets may all be purchased in the following ways: Telephone : 0870 758 1918 Calls charged at national rate at all times Online at http://www.airtattoo.com Admission tickets only, available from branches of Waitrose, selected branches of the Nationwide Building Society and Tourist Information Centres. Coming as a Group? Discounts are available for groups of 25 or more adults travelling together. Call Christina Iddon for further details. Telephone +44 (0) 1285 713300 ext. 5494Event Timetable July 17-18 Gates open: 7.30am Flying Display 10.00am: 6.00pm Evening Concert: 6.00pm-8.15pm Airfield Closes: 9.30pm SEE ALSO : Air Tattoo 2003 preview and highlights including video Air Tattoo 2002 including video
FREE TICKET COMPETITION (Now Closed) Our friends at the Royal International Air Tattoo have generously let us have 15 PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away to the lucky winners of our FREE PRIZE COMPETITION. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is e-mail us the answer to the simple question below by the CLOSING DATE OF JULY 5TH and you will be entered into the draw to select the winners. QUESTION: Which 60th Anniversary will RIAT be commemorating this year? E-mail your answer along with your name and address to : competitions@birmingham101.com with AIR TATTOO in the subject line Your details will NOT be passed onto anyone else or used for any marketing purposes!! GOOD LUCK ! PHONE
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