Herne Bay’s spectacular air show is set to make a sensational return this summer… if the world-famous Red Arrows agree to take part.

Last year 70,000 people lined the seafront as the display team headlined an event thought to be the biggest the town had ever seen.

And now we can exclusively reveal that air show organisers have shelved plans to take a year out and already have a breathtaking line-up booked for August.

However, it hinges entirely on the Red Arrows confirming they will take to the skies, with the event a no-go if RAF chiefs reject a bid from the BayPromoTeam.

Organiser Gerald McCarthy said: “We had initially decided 2017 would be the preferred time for another event.

“But after discussion and a hint that we might be able to get the Red Arrows back this year, we decided it’d be great to treat the town again to this magnificent summer spectacle.

“We raised the bar last year with the air show and one thing was certain – the Red Arrows made much of that happen.

“In terms of sponsorship, funding and pure crowd-draw, the event hinges on our bid to bring the Reds to Herne Bay being successful.”

Sunday, August 14, has been pencilled in for the air show and a number of planes and display teams are already booked in to take part.

However, organisers will have to wait until the end of February for confirmation on whether their bid for the Red Arrows has been successful.

“I always have one eye on Eastbourne’s world-famous air show, which is the benchmark for me personally, and if we can move up a level to an international air show we’ll be getting ever closer..." - Gerald McCarthy

Mr McCarthy said: “If we can get further funding, bringing some international display teams here would be fantastic.

“I always have one eye on Eastbourne’s world-famous air show, which is the benchmark for me personally, and if we can move up a level to an international air show we’ll be getting ever closer.”

After two no-shows, the Lancaster bomber will feature in the proposed new line-up, which also sees the return of the awe-inspiring Eurofighter Typhoon.

Mr McCarthy said: “There are two main things that have to be in place for this event to be staged.

"One is funding from residents, businesses, the Herne Bay Area Member Panel and other groups that might be in a position to assist us in staging this brilliant advertisement for Herne Bay.

“The other is confirmation that the Red Arrows will appear again offshore here this summer.

“The outcome of our bid will be known by the end of February – until then we have everything crossed.”

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SPONSORSHIP

As well as winning the Red Arrows bid, the staging of an air show this year will also rely heavily on funding.

The BayPromoTeam have urged local businesses who reaped the rewards of last year’s event to put their hands in their pockets and donate some cash.

Mr McCarthy said: “We have a comprehensive sponsorship package available which suits all types of businesses and budgets, and we’d urge local businesses to get behind us with this event.

“Options range from event website, aircraft and app sponsorship to event programme and video advertising.

“Some seafront businesses and generous individuals have already once again stood up and pledged help, but realistically we need all of the seafront businesses, whether fish and chip shops, pubs, or restaurants, to support this event in any way they can.”

Mr McCarthy is also urging traders away from the seafront to get involved.

He said: “Other businesses in the town that see the longer-term value in bringing visitors to Herne Bay are also urged to support us, not just to help us stage the air show but understanding that an event like this brings new visitors back at different times of the year, as well as being the single biggest advertising opportunity of the year.

“Schools in the Herne Bay area also did a fantastic job of getting involved by raising money to help us fund last summer’s event and it’d be great if they’d like to help us again this year.”

Residents who would like to donate can Paypal a donation to baypromoteam@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/baypromoteam and click the ‘Donate’ tab.

Businesses eager to advertise or sponsor the event can email info@hernebayairshow.co.uk for comprehensive sponsorship information.

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PROPOSED 2016 LINE-UP

From the Hurricane to Breitling Wingwalkers, the planned 2016 line-up is bigger and better than last year.

After two near-misses, the Lancaster bomber is set to feature this year. Poor weather stopped its display in 2014 and an engine fire ruined its chances last year.

The North American P-51D Mustang will also feature, bringing its impressive V12 engine to the Bay.

Negotiations are also under way, subject to funding, to get a number of international display teams at the event, including Patrouille Reva from France, Russian MiG-15 from Norway and Holland’s B-25 Mitchell and the 10-strong Great War Display Team.

Organisers are also in discussions with the team who own a displaying replica of the 80s series Airwolf helicopter and a Bell UH1 Huey.

They are also keen to see the B-17 Flying Fortress perform offshore, as well as the Gloster Meteor, but displays are subject to funding.

Away from the skies, Mr McCarthy says more events are planned on the ground.

He said: “On the ground we plan more live music, the Red Arrows flight simulator will be back, along with Red Arrows ground crew, other aviation-related stalls and perhaps even fireworks to finish what will be another monumental day for Herne Bay.”

For the FULL proposed 2016 line-up with pictures, see this a special two-page report in this week's Herne Bay Gazette.