A PRIZE draw has been launched to win a unique trip to the home of the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

As the 2018 Bournemouth Air Festival approaches, the Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons Club has announced the competition alongside the opportunity to sign up for next year’s Patrons Club.

The Air Festival Patrons Club is open to any local business or member of the public, offering a series of social and networking events held throughout the year.

Membership is via a charity donation of £250 or more which goes towards supporting Night Air and the nominated Air Festival charities.

New and existing patrons will all be entered into the draw to win the exclusive prize.

David Bailey, Patrons Club Ambassador said: “This year we have secured a wonderful day trip to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the home of the RAF Red Arrows.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to meet The Reds at their home base and spend time discovering more about this world famous military air display team. It is even more special given that the MoD has just announced the closure of RAF Scampton which has historic importance, being home to 617 Squadron as they prepared for the Dambusters mission in World War Two as well as housing the Red Arrows since 2000.”

The Government announced RAF Scampton would close in 2022, with the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team moving to a site “more fit for purpose”.

Stunning flypasts from the Red Arrows will feature in three out of the four days at the 11th annual Bournemouth Air Festival, which takes place between Thursday, August 30 and Sunday, September 2.

Fans can watch their spectacular displays at 5pm on Thursday, 3pm on Friday and 12pm on the Saturday.

David added: “Our amazing Air Festival would not be the same without the involvement of the military and the assets and personnel they bring to our town.

“Our support as patrons is a way of saying thank you for their involvement. Many businesses join each year to enjoy the informal networking opportunities, as well as individual members who have an interest or possibly a career history in aviation.

“It’s fun, its informal and it does great work for charity, and new members will be made very welcome.”

The Air Festival Patrons Club meets up to 10 times per year, with members and a guest enjoying drinks and canapes at a wide range of host venues where a guest speaker, usually aviation or military related presents to the group followed by a Q & A session.

New members who sign up before the end of September 2018 will have their membership carried forward to 2019, and existing patrons will also be entered into the prize draw to win the exclusive day out with the Red Arrows.

For details call David Bailey on 07889 509229, email contact@bafpatrons.co.uk or go to at www.bafpatrons.co.uk