Count-down to take-off
WITH six weeks to go before the Folkestone Airshow, preparations for the several-hour flying programme and three days of ground events and activities which will make it ‘the biggest and best ever’. are in their final stages. Now, says organiser Folkestone Town Centre Management the focus is on money matters.
To augment the revenue so far produced by sponsorship, donations and collections, the not-for-profit organisation is urging ‘a surge of support’ during the next few weeks. Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said that response to the fund-raising campaign had gone a long way towards providing the firm financial platform necessary to stage a quality event.
“The target is within reach. Now, we need a surge of support for the remaining part of the campaign to help us reach it. Because there is no gate money or entrance fee, the funding of Folkestone Airshow is dependent on support from local companies, organisations and members of the public. The costs of staging the event are considerable. The biggest part of the bill is the hire of the aircraft, flying crews and support teams – several thousand pounds for each performer. Thanks to public-spirited companies and generous people, the revenue target is now within reach. The rest of our fund-raising campaign – it includes a gala dinner and auction at the Burlington Hotel on Saturday, May 18, Friends of Folkestone VIP spectating offer, grand raffle, etc. – will help us to raise the extra cash we need”.
Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh manager Chris Kirkham, a member of the Airshow management team, said that public and media interest in the event was huge, not only in Kent, neighbouring counties and the London area but also across the Channel.
“We are planning to host as many as 100,000 people during the weekend. What they spend in shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and on accommodation and entertainment could amount to several million pounds – a welcome boost to summer season income”.
Folkestone Airshow is from Friday to Sunday, 7- 9 June.
Information and tickets for events, raffle, etc. are available at the Airshow Pop-up Shop at Folkestone Town Hall (open 10am-4pm, Mondays to Fridays) or by e-mail to fundraising- @folkestoneairshow.com
From the May 2013 “Rye’s Own”
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