ORGANISERS of the Jersey International Air Display are appealing to the public to help save this year’s event.
Mike Higgins – who has run the event for the last 23 years – said that while they welcomed the support they received from Ports of Jersey and the government, they needed Islanders to help close their funding gap.
“In 2023 and 2022 we received £60,000 from the government. In previous years various amounts up to £100,000 were received as a grant. However this year, due to budgetary restrictions, the annual grant has been limited to £40,000 and sadly costs have not gone down and in fact have increased substantially,” Mr Higgins said.
A crowdfunding page has been launched and Mr Higgins said that if each person who watched the display were to donate £5, it would not only fund this year’s display but also put the event on a more sustainable footing for the future.
“The Jersey International Air Display is part of the DNA of our Island community. Not only is it a significant event in the Island’s calendar for locals and visitors alike but, with its origins in the previous Battle of Britain Air Display, it also remains a poignant reminder of the reasons behind our Liberation, and our liberty. It also remains a significant day for relevant charities to raise funds to care for our military veterans,” Mr Higgins said.
Watched in person and online by more than 50,000 people – the organisers say – the display is funded from a combination of private and government sources. Mr Higgins explained that, having had to reduce its scale as a result of restrictions following the Covid pandemic, they now aspired to return the event to its previous stature with enhanced static displays and educational areas.
Aircraft booked for the 2024 display include the Équipe de Voltige de l’Armée de l’Air (French Air Force Extra 330), the RAF Falcons parachute display team, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, the French North American OV-10 Bronco, French Conair Turbo Firecat (ex-Sécurité Civile fire fighting aircraft), Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat and the Dutch Fokker D.XXI WW II fighter.
Mr Higgins said that, in the event that the 2024 display did not take place, all funds raised would be put towards next year’s event, or split between Jersey’s Helping Wings charity and British Military Service charities if the decision were taken not to proceed permanently.
Those wishing to support the event can do so using the link: sportsgiving.co.uk/sponsor/activity/appeal-for-12-september-2024/jersey-international-air-display.
