Dover 2009 - Blériot Celebration

An amazing weekend of events is ready for take off in Dover from 25-26 July - as the town prepares for a high-flying celebration of the hundredth anniversary of Louis Blériot's epic flight across the English Channel.

Dover District Council, with Cresting Ltd, the organisers of Dover 2009, has announced a detailed programme of events for the weekend of celebrations - and details/timings can be seen at http://www.dover2009.com/events.html.

A range of highlights includes a spectacular Air Pageant on both days including: a historic re-enactment by Bleriot Xl aeroplanes, led by Mikael Carlson, due to arrive at the Duke of York's Royal Military School between 6pm-6.30pm on Saturday; displays by a Spitfire and by the Great War Display Team; an air race organised by the Royal Aero Club; a procession of hundreds of microlights; a fly-past by the RAF Red Arrows and La Patrouille de France at 6.45pm on Saturday, the transformation of Dover Seafront, with village areas providing a range of specialities and exhibitions from France, Italy and England, with trade stands, live music at Granville Gardens, food and drink outlets, and a range of entertainments for all the family, (Saturday 10am-10.30pm, Sunday 10am-6pm), the Duke of York's Royal Military School open to the public on both days (Saturday, 10am - 7.30pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm) with events throughout the day, including static and aerial displays, exhibitions of historic and vintage aircraft, and a range of entertainment , and a Firework Spectacular across Dover Harbour from around 10.15pm on Saturday.

Admission is free along the seafront. Tickets prices for the Duke of York's will be £10 adult, £5 child, £25 family, £5 for a Senior, under 5s free - tickets are available now either online at www.dover2009.com or from the Dover Visitor Information Centre, or on the gate on the day, subject to availability.

Cllr Bernard Butcher, Chairman of Dover District Council, said: "This is a fantastic event for Dover. The celebrations on 25 and 26 July will be an amazing experience for the thousands of people expected to attend and especially for the people of Dover. It is an event that commemorates a momentous occasion in the past, and by celebrating its centenary we are marking out the achievement of Louis Bleriot to future generations and keeping the story of his triumph alive."

Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, said: "The RAF is delighted to be able to support this event, which marks a milestone in aviation history. Notwithstanding the huge technological changes that we have seen over the past 100 years, the spirit of Blériot and other aviation enthusiasts lives on today in the modern Royal Air Force. We salute these pioneers."