Flying high on Air Festival success!

The two day spectacular, which is one of Europe 's largest free air shows, took place along the dramatic backdrop of the Thames Estuary on Sunday 30th and Bank Holiday Monday 31st May.

More than 500,000 people flocked into the town to experience Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's 25th annual Air Festival.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Enterprise , Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor Ian Robertson, said: "This year's event was a truly fantastic show which was enjoyed by the Southend community and hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town.

"As well as the thrilling airborne displays, there were tremendous attractions on the ground which encouraged people to come down to the seafront early to make the most of everything on offer.

"Youngsters revelled in all the fun, such as the chance to meet pilots, try flight simulators, sit in the cockpit of static aircraft, and leap around on an exciting collection of giant inflatables.

"The Challenger tank also prompted a great deal of interest, along with a special parachute drop tower to simulate a real-life parachute drop.

"The aerobatic excitements were truly breathtaking. Highlights included the dramatic Blades, the Hawk, the Tucano, the Tutor, the popular Breitling Wingwalkers, the Royal Navy Black Cat helicopter flown by former Westcliff High School for Girls pupil, Becky Frater - and culminated in the absolutely unmissable Typhoon.

"Crowds were awestruck and also humbled when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took to the air on Monday, celebrating this year's 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Spectators burst into rapturous applause in honour of these heroic planes.

"Also on Monday we were delighted to have a special appearance from Britain 's Eurovision entrant, Josh Dubovie. He flew back from Oslo specially to sing at Southend Air Festival and won a wonderfully warm welcome from Festival visitors.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped make this magnificent event possible. We are delighted with the success of Southend Air Festival this year, which attracted more than half a million people to the town.

"We hope they left with some very pleasant memories will come back to visit us again very soon. This weekend really was a showcase for us to display all of the good things we have on offer in Southend."

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