Air Display to take off in the evening

Tuesday 14 January 2025

The 2025 Guernsey Air Display is moving to a new time slot.

This September's show will take place during the evening.

Previously, it has always been held on the second Thursday in September, starting late morning, continuing over lunchtime. The Red Arrows often bring the show to a close at around 13:00.

This year though, the show will start at 18:30 on Wednesday 10 September, breaking away from the traditional Thursday morning time it has occupied for many years. 

The organisers say the new format - which will end at 20:00 - aims to make the event more accessible to all age groups, in particular younger children and students and their families.

As pupils and students are often back in lessons when the air show is held, the evening time slot will allow more of the community to enjoy the spectacle together, they said.

Pictured: The 2021 Air Display.

"Moving the Air Display to the evening allows us to evolve the event whilst keeping its core traditions and the aims of the display intact," said Russell Clark, Guardian of the Guernsey Air Display Foundation.

"It’s a chance to welcome more spectators, try new ideas, and ensure the display remains a highlight of Guernsey’s calendar.

"This year we will be ending the display with a pyrotechnic team, similar to the one that drew large crowds into St Peter Port in 2016. An evening display allows us to recapture that magic and welcome an even bigger audience into town."

Although the Red Arrows are often the grand finale of the Guernsey Air Display it is thought they might not be appearing this year as that slot has already been assigned to the pyrotechnic team. 

The Red Arrows schedule for the year is due to be released soon, with the full line up of aircraft to be confirmed for the Guernsey Air Display closer to the time, said the organisers, who are confident people will support the show in its new time slot.

"We must thank Guernsey Airport, Aurigny and Blue Islands for their support to enable us to move the display," said Barry Neal, Flying Display Director.

"Everyone we have spoken to has been very positive about the move, including the RAF Events Team, Joint Aviation Command and the private display teams who are keen to work with us to make sure it remains an excellent display. It’s very exciting to be doing something different."

Pictured: The 2021 Air Display featured a Typhoon.

The Guernsey Air Display commemorates the Battle of Britain which occurred in 1940.

The show has been a mainstay of the calendar for more than six decades, partially funded by a grant and underwrite from the States of Guernsey.

Event Organiser Natalie Davidson said a lot of the funding comes from corporate and individual donations too.

"Sponsorship is essential for us to be able to stage the display and we are incredibly grateful to the Consortium of local businesses and Corporate Friends, as well as the States of Guernsey, for their ongoing support," she said.

"With the largest part of the budget being the aircraft and their costs, the more money we can raise the better the display will be. We hope moving away from the traditional time will increase the number of spectators, making the event more appealing to local businesses, which will in turn lead to more sponsors.

"Over the years we have developed sponsorship packages to suit all budgets, ranging from a Corporate Friend for £795 to a Lancaster Consortium membership at £3,500.

"Members of the public can also become a Friend of the Air Display for just £17.50. In becoming a Friend, you will receive a pin badge, your name listed in the programme and on the website, and the opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets to watch the display from Castle Cornet."

Pictured: The 2024 Guernsey Air Display featured a variety of aircraft.

Last year's Air Display was moved to June to accommodate the Red Arrows which were already booked to perform elsewhere in September.

Jersey's Air Display is usually held the same day as ours, during the afternoon. Last year theirs was held in September as normal. This year, theirs is booked for Thursday 11 September, between 11:00 and 17:00.

Both Air Displays have suffered financial problems in recent years, relying on donations to maintain the event.

Pictured top: The 2023 Air Display (Milly Mallender).