Folkestone Air Show to return in 2013

Preparations for a 2013 Folkestone Air Show are underway, organiser Folkestone Town Centre Management Ltd (FTCM) has announced.

Branded as Folkestone Airshow, it will take place on Saturday June 8th, the middle day of an action-packed weekend which will also include ground displays, exhibitions, entertainment, family fun and children's activities.

With Folkestone town centre manager John Barber in overall charge of arrangements, FTCM has appointed a dedicated project team to plan and promote the event. Project manager responsible for day-to-day planning and marketingis Yvonne Holder, previously co-ordinator of Shepway District Council's Inspiring Communities and East Folkestone Together programmes. Matt Davidson provides social media and other support.

As this year, the show will be funded by local sponsors, donations and the proceeds of sales of memorabilia, and, in a bid to keep most of the spend of the scores of thousands of spectators in Shepway, FTCM is engaging retailers, accommodation and hospitality-providers, entertainment venues and other businesses in its plans.

Said Ms Holder:

"We aim to make theair show weekend even more successful than the one staged in June, the first since 2003.The flying programme will not be announced until nearer the date, butwith thrilling displays in the air and plenty ofevents on the ground to entertain visitors and residents Folkestone AirShowwill give a flying start to the month-long Folkestone Festival, also organised by FTCM, which follows."

"Lessons have been learned from the 2012 event, and our plans include dealing with the important issues of on-the-day parking and communications with spectators. Support from Shepway District Council, the business community and tourism organisations is fantastic.

"A big promotion programme to stimulate and sustain local, regional and farther-afield interest starts this month. It will include print, online, radio, TV, film, website and social media. A separate campaign will target tour and coach operators and group organisers. No one will be able to say that they don't know about next year's show.We're looking to attract bumper crowds throughout the weekend."

Folkestone Airshow 2013 will be officially launched in January by Visit Kent chairman Amanda Cottrell OBE at a ceremony at The Grand.