30/08/2024
Good Morning all,
I thought that I’d take this opportunity to say hi and welcome you to the 2024 Battle of Britain Proms (Friday 1800-2300), the RAF Brize Norton Families Day (Saturday 1100-1630) and the main event, BrizeFest (Saturday 1700-2300). For our SEN community, you have a private hour (Friday 1700-1800) with the fairground followed by a private hour on the static aircraft (Friday 1800-1900).
Whats going on?
Those that have been here before will notice the general same layout as previous years but with some subtle changes. The stage is bigger to allow the RAF Band/Orchestra and musicians additional room during setup, there is an extra row of gazebos to help with unprecedented demand, the food area is bigger to allow more choice as well as catering for vegans, vegetarians, gluten free and 47 allergen free with the stalls area showcasing the largest number of vendors we have ever had. There is a petting zoo, magicians, the Knights of Middle England and our very own Falcons display team . The Voyager has to be parked away from the main static area due to its size over 60 m square), so this year we have linked the aircraft pans to allow ease of access and stop the huge walk around base hanger and finally more music acts and arena displays than ever before. The static display is back with all Brize Norton based aircraft for you to explore as well as select visiting aeroplanes and helicopters, not to mention the Auto Sports team and archery on the same pan. On the Saturday, all eyes to the sky for visits from a Spitfire, a Vampire and Yak 3 with hopeful appearances from Brize based aircraft (subject to operational requirements).
There is a lot going on and its looking to be an amazing event across the 2 days and I’ve even arranged some beautiful weather so please bring suncream/hats, money (as the reception for card machines can be intermittent and if you want to use this “posh loo’s”, its £0.50 a go) and of course your party shoes.
The team
The committee who have planned this event is about 10 strong with my event team being approximately 100 strong on the Friday and 150 on the Saturday. All are volunteers from both the military and civilian sides of the Brize Norton family, some have even used paid leave from work to be here and deliver this event. Please be kind and courteous (as they will be to you) and follow their directions when they give them. To distinguish themselves, you can look for the following shirt colours:
Light blue – Myself & 2IC
Black - Production team
Dark Blue – BrizeFest Committee
PCS with hi vis vests – Working parties
From myself, the BrizeFest committee and both Commanders, we hope you have an enjoyable, memorable and ultimately safe event and thank you for all you do in support of RAF Brize Norton.
