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Folkestone Airshow is set to return for 2014 but still requires public support

The Folkestone Airshow will be returning in 2014, following its failure to take off this year.

A lack of funding meant it had to be cancelled but Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council still managed to fund a display by the Red Arrows.

But next year promises to soar back to success and organisers are calling for the public to do their bit to help raise funds by joining the show's social media pages to prove to sponsors there is considerable local support.

The Red Arrows during the Diamond Jubilee year Folkestone Airshow in 2012.
The Red Arrows during the Diamond Jubilee year Folkestone Airshow in 2012.

The show is under new management and already has some funding in place for the event which is set to be held on the weekend of June 8 and 9 next year at The Leas and around the harbour.

But the organisers are keen to keep raising money so that bigger, better and more displays and activities can be laid on.

And there will be many pre-event fund raising events including a launch event next month which organisers hope will all add to the event's income and profile.

Yvonne Holder, director of Open Air Promotions who are organising the show, said: “Because the show is free - that is, there is no gate money or entrance fee - and the costs of staging it are high.

"It is necessary to raise money from sponsorships, donations and proceeds of pre-event fund-raising events and activities.

"We are in the process of planning our launch, which will be a free event taking place in October.

A Lancaster bomber
A Lancaster bomber

"Having a really good turn out, visitors buying the refreshments from our on site caterers and buy raffle tickets, which has some great prizes, will help go towards funding this major event.

"The more money we can generate, the bigger the flying display."

Discover Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh manager Chris Kirkham welcomed the news.

He said: “It’s an exciting event which has enormous potential to keep Folkestone firmly on the map as a leisure destination.

He added with the variety of events going on in Folkestone next year he hoped it would be a "mecca for event-watchers".

Visit www.facebook.com/FolkestoneAirshow or follow the show on Twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFolkestone.

Are you glad the Airshow is returning? Will you be happy to help fund it? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

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