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A sky spectacle which has delighted islanders for more than 70 years is under threat again after the Government slashed its annual grant funding – at a time when costs are escalating.
Organisers of the Jersey International Air Display – which is watched annually by around 50,000 people – have again warned that the aviation festival may not be able to lift off without a huge swell of urgent crowdfunding support from the public.
While half of the necessary funding for this year has been secured – through a £40,000 Government grant and additional corporate sponsorship – there is still more fundraising to do help the festival take flight in September 2024.
Last year's display nearly didn't happen, had it not been for a successful last-ditch call for funding made by organisers, as well as a £60,000 grant from the Economic Development Department.
At the time, the Government said it would put 2024’s air display funding out to tender and invited ‘expressions of interest’ from would-be event organisers. Four potential organisers, including the long-time incumbent, not-for-profit company Jersey International Air Display Ltd, led by Mike Higgins, applied.
However, this year's Government grant is even lower.
Video: Organisers are calling for islanders to support with a donation as little as £5.
Mr Higgins said his team were grateful for the money but conscious of escalating costs.
"We very much welcome the support of the Government of Jersey and of Ports of Jersey, however we need the help of the public," he explained.
"In 2023 and 2022 we received £60,000 from the Government. In previous years various amounts up to £100,000 were received as a grant. However this year, due to budgetary restrictions the annual grant has been limited to £40,000 and sadly costs have not gone down and in fact have increased substantially.”
Although funding has remained up in the air, organisers have continued in their efforts to find acts to delight islanders as they take to the skies over St Aubin's Bay.
Although the fan-favourites, the Red Arrows, will not be making an appearance this year – as they will be on tour in Canada on the usual September date – Mr Higgins revealed back in April that the show was "trying to get a number of airplanes that we have never had before".
The first of these were:
The Fokker D.XXI fighter (pictured below) – a single seat 1940s Dutch fighter that was flown by the Dutch Air Force before the country was overwhelmed by German forces during the Blitzkreig in May 1940. The Fokker D.XXI has not flown in a UK air display.
The Saab B17 (pictured below): a single engine World War II dive bomber designed and built in Sweden. The Saab B17 has only once flown in a UK display, which was over 20 years ago at Duxford.
Other aircraft now confirmed to be booked are:
The organisers teased that they are in touch with the owners of other "rather unique" aircraft, which could be booked if funds become available. They also noted that they had first brought over the AeroSPARX aerobatic team, which were later booked for the Battle of Flowers night parade finale.
The Red Arrows did, however, feature in Guernsey's Air Display, which was this year held in June. Some islanders managed to sneak a glimpse of them as they made a stop-off in Jersey before heading to the other island.
The Jersey International Air Display has been a feature of the island for 72 years.
The largest free event in the island, it was awarded the Paul Bowen Trophy best European Air Display in 2013.
While it often attracts tourists and aviation enthusiasts from further afield, with surveys estimating a £1.5m value to the economy resulting from last year's display alone, the festival has always aimed to connect the community. Organisers say they hope that, with support, they'll be able to put on static displays and STEM areas in the Lower Park to complement the spectacle.
"The Jersey International Air Display is part of the DNA of our Island Community," the team said. "Not only is it a significant event in the Island’s calendar for local and visitors alike, but with its origins in the previous Battle of Britain Air Display it also remains a poignant reminder of the reasons behind our Liberation, and our liberty. It also remains a significant day for relevant charities to raise funds to care for our military veterans."
Organisers are hoping to raise at least £50,000 through crowdfunding.
The team said that, "if £5 was donated for every person who watched the display in the bay alone last year, not only would that fund the 2024 display, it would also start to put us on a more sustainable footing for future displays, which is our ultimate objective".
In the event that the Air Display is not able to go ahead, organisers said all funds raised will be put towards the 2025 Display. In the event the Display is permanently cancelled, donations will be split evenly between Jersey's Helping Wings Charity and British Military Service Charities.
As well as donations, the team said they would "always welcome any approach from anyone interested in assisting with supporting the Display and the organisation and logistics surrounding it".
You can make a donation by clicking HERE.
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