Spectacular Southend Air Festival 2010 takes off!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Air Festival which promises a packed programme of aerobatic delights and tremendous ground attractions.

Airborne thrills include: The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Falcons Parachute Team, Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano, Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Breitling Wingwalkers, P-51 Mustang, The Blades Aerobatic Team and the Gnat Pair, with even more still to be added to the programme.

Meanwhile, on the ground on both days will be the sensational Southend Radio roadshow featuring tribute acts, dance groups and the magnetic Essex Pirates Basketball Team.

There will be military town shows from each of the armed services featuring static aircraft, weaponry and a 'Meet the Pilots area' from the RAF, Chieftain and Challenger tanks, weaponry and an assault course from the Army, and the Royal Navy will be bringing the Royal Marines Commando Display Team with their climbing walls.

Throughout both days there will be thrilling arena events such as unarmed combat from the Royal Marines and - by popular demand - the return of Titan the Robot.

Among the thrills and spills will be cycling skills demonstrations, giant inflatables, flight simulators, water walkers, bungee trampolines and a huge selection of exhibitors.

Especially new for this year will be the guest appearance of the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory roadshow.

The mobile version of the captivating science education programme enthrals onlookers of all ages, and Southend Air Festival is one of only seven places in Britain to be visited by the roadshow this year.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Corporate Director for Enterprise, Tourism and the Environment, Andrew Lewis, said: "Our Air Festivals have been expanding in range and scale ever since we staged our first one 25 years ago, and now Southend Air Festival is hailed as one of Europe's largest free air shows.

"It is a landmark date in the national calendar and attracts up to 750,000 people over the two days, many of whom come to Southend from other parts of the country. The Air Festival introduces new visitors to the town and encourages residents and regular visitors to discover Southend afresh.

"We are delighted this year to be presenting such a wealth of free fun and entertainment for all the family."

For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702-215000 ext 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk.