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Excitement as countdown to Blades begins

06/08/2012

Excitement is building across Falmouth as the countdown begins to the spectacular Blades display, which will be wowing crowds for the first time this year thanks to sponsors Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC).

 

The world’s only aerobatic airline, The Blades, will bring their spectacular daredevil display to the skies above Falmouth next Wednesday, August 15 as part of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week. Last year an estimated 30,000 people flocked to the town and took up positions along the waterfront to watch the awesome Red Arrows display.

David Ellis, chairman of FHC, said: “The Blades are sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week – and rightly so. We are proud to be bringing something new and exciting to Falmouth in this very special year and are counting down the days until they perform.

“By sponsoring the display we are able to give something back to the local community which supports us all year round, and provide something extra special for Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week.

“The Blades have a fantastic reputation and we hope to welcome as many people to Falmouth to watch the display as we have done in previous years with the Red Arrows. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather next week.”

The Blades are a leading display team of former Red Arrows pilots renowned worldwide for flying precision close formation aerobatics to the highest level, within a dynamic and cutting edge display.

Some of the country’s most experienced display pilots, The Blades are experts in aerobatics. The team started 2012 as world record holders after setting the world record for flying 26 consecutive formation loops at the end of 2011.

Since their debut display at the Beckhams’ pre World Cup party in 2006, The Blades have performed at some of the most prestigious events in the world, including the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, T4 On the Beach, Cowes Week and the Cannes International Advertising Festival.

The four-aircraft display team flies at a height of between 200ft and 2,000ft and will be best viewed from the same vantage points as the Red Arrows in previous years.

Mr Ellis said: “The Blades are very busy and have an intense schedule so we were all delighted when they confirmed. The great thing about it is that everyone can enjoy it; be it racers or non-racers, visitors or locals.  It is great to have something that has such a wide appeal.”

As well as bringing the Blades to town, FHC is preparing for a busy week both on and off the water.

Hundreds of extra boats and visitors are expected to take to the water throughout the week-long event and FHC, longstanding supporters of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, once again prepare themselves for the influx.

FHC play a major role in ensuring sailors and teams competing in events over the week long festival remain safe, both whilst out at sea and when moored within the harbour.

As part of the safety campaign, FHC is providing extra patrols for the duration of the event. They also work closely with race organisers and commercial shipping to ensure the events run as smoothly as possible. 

Falmouth Week is one of the busiest weeks in Falmouth and the level of activity in the harbour is no exception.  With so many visitors in the town and additional vessels on the water, extra vigilance and consideration is needed to ensure that everyone enjoys their time at sea.

Harbour Master, Captain Mark Sansom said:  “Falmouth Week is always busy and we want everyone to enjoy themselves while they are here so we are reminding all those out on the water to make sure that they maintain a proper lookout, keep safety at the forefront of their minds and be considerate to others.”

The Blades will perform at 1815 on Wednesday, August 15 2011, weather permitting. For more information visit the website, www.falmouthport.co.uk.

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