The Helicopter Museum.

Press Release 06th April 2008

International HeliDays on schedule.

Despite problems with local authority budget cuts and a narrowly averted clash with Channel 4’s “T4 on the Beach” pop concert, the 18^th International HeliDays event is on schedule to take place once again this year on the Seafront at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Opening on Thursday 24^th July with Military Arrivals Day, International HeliDays will get into full swing on 25^th and continues through the weekend until 6pm on 27^th when the last helicopters in the static display will depart.

Increasing overseas commitment for the UK battlefield helicopter fleet and similar pressure on other overseas air arms has affected military participation in recent years, but the organisers are expecting to make this up with additional civil and parapublic helicopters. The ever popular “trips around the bay”, with pleasure flights from the beach, will also add to the flying activity.

The other side of HeliDays, organising displays of military vehicle, vintage motorcycles, and other attractions is also well underway.

Event Director Elfan Ap Rees says “As usual we shall have a whole mix of family entertainment, including an art and craft marquee, children’s rides and stalls, along with a number of local charities being given space to raise funds for their particular causes. In addition we are providing space for the Lions to organise a Real Ale Festival and are discussing with potential new sponsors other attractions for the weekend.”

Meanwhile North Somerset District Council is expecting to continue to provide practical support for the helicopter show, whilst Weston Town Council is providing grant funding to help promote the show and contribute towards the overheads.

Space bookings for trade stands at the four day event are now being taken and potential exhibitors are asked to contact the HeliDays organisation preferably by e-mail to westonsuper@helidays.freeserve.co.uk or telephone ( 01934 822 524 ) for an application form. As a charity event HeliDays also relies heavily on volunteers to help over the four days and is interested in hearing from local residents or enthusiasts willing to give a minimum of a half-day to the event.

Training is provided where necessary.

EDITORS : FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ELFAN AP REES, EVENT DIRECTOR ON 01934-822524.