The world’s only aerobatic airline, The Blades, will
bring their spectacular daredevil display to the skies above Falmouth harbour
this summer, thanks to sponsors Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC).
The Blades are provisionally set to perform at 1815
on Wednesday, August 15, as one of the highlights of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week.
This is the first time the team will perform in Falmouth, in place of the Red
Arrows, which couldn’t make it to the town this year because of increased
demand across the country.
The
Blades are a leading display team of former Red Arrows pilots renowned
worldwide for flying precision close formation aerobatics to the highest level,
within a dynamic and cutting edge display.
Some
of the country’s most experienced display pilots, The Blades are experts in
aerobatics. The team started 2012 as world record holders after setting the
world record for flying 26 consecutive formation loops at the end of 2011.
Since
their debut display at the Beckhams’ pre World Cup party in 2006, The Blades
have performed at some of the most prestigious events in the world, including
the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, T4 On the Beach, Cowes Week and the Cannes
International Advertising Festival.
The four-aircraft display team flies at a height of
between 200ft and 2,000ft and will be best viewed from the same vantage points
as the Red Arrows in previous years.
David
Ellis, Chairman of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are all delighted to be able to bring something new and exciting to
Falmouth in this very special year.
“By sponsoring the display we are able to give
something back to the local community which supports us all year round, and
provide something extra special for Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week.
“The Blades have a fantastic reputation and we hope
to welcome as many people to Falmouth to watch the display as we have done in
previous years with the Red Arrows. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for
fine weather on August 15.”
The Blades display is 15 minutes long and is thrilling from start
to finish. The display contains a fantastic variety of very different aerobatic
stunts flown just feet apart and not only demonstrates the great skills of the
pilots, but also shows the incredible versatility of the Extra 300 aircraft.
From high rising looping manoeuvres and dynamic 10g formation
breaks, to high-speed opposition passes and breathtaking solo aerobatics, the
display is thoroughly exciting.
Richard
Gates, Falmouth Town Manager and Chairman of the Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week
shore-side committee, said: “I
am delighted that the Blades will be able to perform at this year’s Henri Lloyd
Falmouth Week, so many people work hard to ensure there are a variety of activities
throughout the week to cater for all ages and the Blades is a perfect example
of this.
“The
events include the carnival, the fireworks, the evening entertainment,
children’s entertainment as well as of course the racing on the water and much
much more. The Blades will certainly be one of the key highlights.”
Lance Smale, County
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), was instrumental in
bringing The Blades to Falmouth. He said: “When I read about the disappointment
that the Red Arrows couldn’t make it to Falmouth this year I immediately
pictured The Blades performing in the harbour and set about making it happen by
introducing them to the harbour commissioners.
“They
represent the RAF Association and help us to raise awareness of the charity,
which is a cause very close to my heart. I’ve seen The Blades perform and was
spellbound watching them – they do things you wouldn’t think could be done with
an aircraft. They are real crowd-pleasers and will look spectacular against the
backdrop of the estuary.”
As
well as sponsoring the Blades FHC plays a major role in ensuring sailors and
teams competing in events over the week long festival remain safe, both whilst
out at sea and when moored within the harbour.
For
more information visit www.falmouthweek.co.uk;
Twitter @HLFalmouthWeek and Facebook 'Falmouth Spirit of the Sea'.
No comments:
Post a Comment