Shoreham Airshow

The 2012 Shoreham Airshow will be the 23rd event with air displays and extensive static displays, arena displays, classic cars and trade stalls throughout the weekend. A real family day out with lots of attractions.

The theme of the airshow will be "Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RAF Central Flying School. The event will include more ground attractions linked to airside ground activity. The Flying Programme will include new displays for the Airshow.

It will be a first for this year’s Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Shoreham Airshow being held on September 1st and 2nd 2012 which will be Celebrating the ‘100th Anniversary of the RAF Central Fling School’.

The Royal Air Force has supported us well this year by sending in a pair of Tornado GR4 Aircraft to perform their Role Demonstration from XV Squadron.

This is not a normal aerobatic display as performed by other RAF Aircraft. Whereas the traditional display shows what RAF personnel can do, the Role Demonstration shows what the RAF is doing in support of UK and NATO troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The demonstration shows the kind of tactics and manoeuvres performed by RAF crews in their vital air support role providing a ‘show of force’ low fly-bys as well as the use of Brimstone and Paveway guided munitions.

The Tornado crews of XV Squadron’s sister unit at RAF Lossiemouth, the famous 617 Dambusters Squadron have just deployed to Afghanistan to take over from RAF Marham based crews to continue the vital role of providing battlefield reconnaissance and close air support.

We get comments that we sometimes lack our full quota of fast jet displays at Shoreham. This I am sure will make up for those that show concern.

One must remember that it now costs us ‘£400,000’ to put this event on over the two days. The cost of aviation fuel and aircraft takes up much of this. We are also a charity show supporting RAFA and to date have given them almost one point seven million pounds funding.

The ground attractions this year will be larger than ever catering for ‘The Family’ linked to new ground airside attractions. Lots of extra items for the children with extended trade stands. A Large funfair and craft tent and more static aircraft displays.

The Airfield attack with Spitfires, Hurricanes and German aircraft will be the central theme and other displays confirmed to date include THE BBMF Lancaster, RAF Hawk, Falcons Parachute Team (Saturday), Red Devils Parachute Team (Sunday), B-17G Sally-B Flying Fortress, Breitling (4 ship) wing walkers, Blades Award Winning Aerobatic Team, PBY-5A Catalina, Swip Team and Jet Provost.

“More displays both in the air and on the ground are currently under negotiation,” said Derek Harber, Acting Airshow Organiser. “We try to please all but in the current economic climate we must take costing into consideration.” He added, “We once again are keeping ticket prices to the minimum as we are aware that often a day out now involves advanced budgeting.”

“The 2012 Olympic Games have meant a re-scheduling of dates but we are sure that with this taken into consideration we will have one of the South’s best Airshows. One must remember Shoreham is not a seaside event it is a traditional airshow where spectators can meet the crews and watch the displays from the UK’s oldest privately owned airfield with the backdrop of Lancing College and Chapel. This makes it unique,” said John Periam Airshow Press Officer. Adding, “It is also one of the pilot’s favorite venues.”