Concorde set to ‘land’ at South Downs’ Graffham
04 October 2024
7.30pm to 22.30pm
The world’s only supersonic airliner is set to ‘land’ at Graffham, between Midhurst and Petworth in West Sussex, on Friday 4 October as ‘Captain Concorde’ Mike Bannister touches down to share his unrivalled insight into the most iconic aeroplane to take to the skies in a unique fund-raising event.
Mike knows Concorde better than anyone – from being appointed its youngest first officer shortly after it started flying in 1977 to commanding its final flight as British Airways’ Chief Concorde Pilot 26 years later. Since then, he’s become the best-selling author of the definitive Concorde book – and an in-demand and entertaining speaker.
In a talk featuring videos and photos from his personal library, he’ll outline the history of the world’s most distinctive passenger aircraft and what it was like to fly as a pilot – and passenger, sipping Champagne and dining on lobster while travelling faster than a bullet, at almost 25 miles a minute. He’ll also touch on Brooklands Aviation and Motoring Museum, in Surrey – where the concept for Concorde first took off and where he is a trustee.
After a break for refreshments, the evening will continue with Mike swapping Concorde anecdotes with former British Airways Chief Press Officer Michael Blunt, who will also invite questions from the audience. Boarding starts at 7pm for a 7.30pm departure, at the Empire Hall, Graffham GU28 0QB. There will be a bar and Concorde-style canapes before take-off and mid-flight.
Tickets, at £15 each (plus booking fee), from www.ticketsource.co.uk/stgilesgraffham Proceeds from the event will go towards maintaining the building and churchyard of Graffham’s historic and beautiful St Giles Church.
