MARGATE’S BIG EVENT FEATURING THE AIRFIX AIR SHOW

Margate’s Big Event is flying into the centre of the town, with this year’s free event taking place at a new location, on the town’s main beach.

Aiming to bring thousands of visitors into the town’s shops and restaurants, Margate’s Big Event featuring the Airfix Air Show takes place over Father’s Day weekend, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June. Building on the success of the Turner Contemporary, which has already attracted 100,000 visitors in its first six weeks, the event, which is free this year, promises thrilling flying displays, alongside live music and entertainment.

The Avro Vulcan bomber, arguably the world's greatest aircraft, and a piece of British history, and the Red Arrows display team will be the main stars of the Airfix Air Show. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be returning to the area again, while the Tigers parachute team will be jumping into the sea off Margate Main Sands.  

On the ground, visitors can enjoy a selection of live bands, catering for all tastes and ages, a fairground offering white knuckle rides and gentler rides for children. You can enjoy traditional seaside fun and taster sports sessions on the beach. The Hornby Village will be beside the Clock Tower, along with an Airfix Make-and-Paint area for families to sit and enjoy Airfix modeling, a Hornby layout and Scalextric track.

On the Saturday night, once again, the event will have live music and a firework finale. The Sunday will also see the town’s popular annual Raft Race, organised by the Margate Carnival Group, taking place at 1.30pm.

Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services, said: “The Big Event is already renowned as Kent’s leading free air and land festival and for good reason. As anyone who’s been before knows, there’s always a superb line-up of entertainment, both on the ground and in the flying programme. It’s family friendly, with something for all ages, and best of all, it’s free for everyone to enjoy.

“This year, we’re bringing the event right into the centre of Margate. That’s something that businesses have been keen for us to do, as it brings thousands of people to the area. The council wants to do everything it can to help support traders during these difficult times and we believe that moving the Big Event on to Margate Main Sands will help us to do that. We’re looking forward to a busy weekend for the town, as people flock to Margate to celebrate Father’s Day on the beach with us.”

Darrell Burge from Hornby said: "Hornby Hobbies Ltd are very pleased to have the Airfix brand as the main sponsor of this event in Margate to cement the strong local links with the Isle of Thanet, and encourage more people into Airfix modelling and the other fantastic hobbies the company provides.  We are very excited about working with TDC taking the event forward over the next few years."

Margate’s Big Event will be open from 10.30am to 10.00pm on Saturday 18 June and from 10.30am to 6.00pm on Sunday 19 June. For more information about the event, contact 01843 577577. Sponsorship opportunities for Margate’s Big Event are still available by calling 01843 577167 or 01843 577638 or e-mailing events@thanet.gov.uk