Airshow Charity Success
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor.
Date: 13 December 2012
It’s been a great year for RAF Waddington as figures show that the 2012 RAF Waddington International Airshow has raised an impressive £73,000 for charity. Held on the weekend of 30 June and 1 July, record numbers passed through the gates of the Lincolnshire station to witness spectacular air and ground displays.
The RAF Waddington International Air Show is not only the largest RAF Air Show in the country, it is also one of the largest summer events in the East Midlands calendar where it regularly attracts crowds in excess of 120,000.
‘I was delighted with the 2012 Airshow, the best we have ever had' said Air Show Director Mr. Paul Sall. 'The awe-inspiring flying display, which included an unprecedented six national display teams, combined with a wide variety of interactive and engaging ground exhibits to give the 125,000 visitors an exceptional day.’
Over the past eight years, the annual air show has raised £2.82 million for charity. This year the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Royal Air Force Association will each receive a donation of £33,150. Both charities provide financial, practical and emotional support to all members of the RAF both past and present.
A donation of £6700 to the Station Charities Fund will also benefit the local community, the money being distributed to local charities through the course of the coming year.
RAF Waddington International Airshow 2013
Plans are already well under way for next years show which will be held on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. The 2013 Show has several themes including Combat Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance which will see aircraft and personnel at RAF Waddington to the fore.
The show will also mark the 95th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF and the 70th Anniversaries of both the Royal Air Forces Association and the Dambusters raid. A Waddington based flying squadron, the Sentinel R1 equipped 5 (AC) Squadron, will also mark its centenary.
'The unrivalled success of this year's Airshow means my team and I have our work cut out to provide something even better this year' explained Mr Sall. 'We are working hard to provide another world-class event and already have some surprises up our sleeve.'
Tickets
For those of you who are thinking that you have to wait to buy your tickets for the 2013 Airshow, you will be pleased to know that tickets for next year’s shows are already available and are selling well ... they are available through their website.
The event showcases the UK’s Defence capabilities as well as highlighting RAF Waddington’s contribution to Operations. Visitors can expect to see aircraft both old and new including favourites the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Aerobatics Team, The Red Arrows, a comprehensive static aircraft display to view, over 250 trade stands and exhibitors plus fun fair.
Hands on displays will range from exploring British Army armoured vehicles to handling the latest technology available to the fighting personnel.
Info
For more information and tickets please visit WaddingtonAirshow.co.uk
Our RAF Waddington Air Show 2012 article.
To see more pictures from the RAF Waddington International Air Show 2012, visit the Album on our Facebook page HERE!
