NEWS insideSTORY
MANSTON INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW ANNOUNCES 2025 CHARITY PARTNERS
Manston International Airshow has revealed Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex( KSS) and Brain Tumour Research will both benefit from the profits raised from this year’ s show taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August.
Both charities have been selected for their local and national impact and are close to the heart of airshow founder and organiser Bill Giles, who said:“ In setting up this event, I wanted it to not only celebrate the history of aviation of Manston, but to help raise awareness of and funds for charities which means a great deal to me personally and to the aviation community as a whole.”
KENT COUNTY SHOW 2025 CELEBRATES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
A royal visit, camels in the main ring and the brand-new Festival of Food were just some of the highlights from this year’ s Kent County Show, which took place on 4- 6 July.
Over three days, livestock, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more, converged onto the Showground for a festival celebrating the very best of the county’ s agricultural splendour.
Air Ambulance Charity KSS is made up of skilled experts who respond to emergency incidents across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. From open heart surgery to emergency anaesthesia, the helicopters become a flying emergency room, reaching people within 30 minutes, saving lives 365 days a year.
Just 1 % of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002, but Brain Tumor Research is determined to change this. From raising awareness and funding to carrying out research, the charity is focused on finding a cure and supporting those who need it most.
Visitors discovered aspects of rural life through educational and interactive demonstrations, enjoyed performances from the famous dancing sheep, watched as Kent’ s Federation of Young Farmers’ Club went head-to-head in livestock classes showing off their knowledge and skills, and discovered delicious food from artisan producers across Kent.
“ Kent County Show 2025 has been a hugely successful event with increased footfall and a fantastic atmosphere around the showground,” said Nikki Dorkings, general manager of the Kent County Agricultural Society.“ It was an honour for us to host a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh.”
© Gary Hawkins Photography
The 95th Kent County Show will take place on 3-5 July 2026, with tickets due to go on sale later this year.
ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL EXHIBITION TO HONOUR MEDWAY’ S AVIATION HISTORY
Rochester Cathedral announces a £ 36,414 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the pivotal role Medway played in aviation history and the lasting impact of the Short Brothers in an exhibition this August.
The history of the Short Brothers is a largely untold story given the global significance of the Short Factory, employing over 12,000 people and located just a short walk from Rochester Cathedral. The Short Brothers were among the first to establish an aircraft manufacturing company and aerospace engineering.
Pioneers of Flight: Made in Medway will feature a collection of artefacts and archival materials allowing visitors to gain insights into the factory workers, engineers and visionaries who helped shape the future of flight and is set to run until August 30. Located in Rochester Cathedral’ s crypt with free admission, Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester, hopes this will be an opportunity to tell people the importance of Rochester in aviation history and celebrate the thousands of lives who made it happen.
The exhibition will accompany the newly restored Short Scion Floatplane display in the nave of Rochester Cathedral, which has been developed by Rochester Bridge Trust.
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