This year's 13th annual Fun Day & Air Show was a huge success, attracting almost 26,000 visitors to the free event and raising at least £35,000 for charity.
Fun Day had a sporting theme with the opportunity for visitors to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics coming to Newham, the airport's home borough, in 2012. A whole host of activities were laid on for visitors of all ages, from climbing walls and race tracks to a basketball court operated by NBA. West Ham United Football Club's coaches were on hand to offer tips to budding players on an inflatable football pitch. Visitors were also given an exclusive opportunity to have their photo taken with the Barclays Premiership Trophy.
Crowds gathered all around the Royal Docks to see the only air show in London, with sensational aircraft like the Hurricane XII Z5140 and a rare Spitfire ML407 taking to East London's skies.
The Fun Day's major sponsor, British Airways, offered visits on board two BA CityFlyer aircraft, rides on de-icing rigs and the British Airways mobile flight simulator. The airline also manned cabin crew workshops for children, using mini uniforms and an aircraft mock-up, as well as giving away thousands of kiddie packs.
All money raised on the day is being donated to Richard House Children's Hospice which provides care and respite to children with life-limiting illnesses.
The airport's chief executive, Richard Gooding OBE said: "The London City Airport Fun Day has become an important part of Newham's social calendar and is welcomed by a very large number of people in our neighbouring communities. This year was our most excellent Fun Day ever which was further enhanced by good weather and a great crowd. We look forward to seeing you all at next year's event".
Planning an event of this scale takes a full year with a dedicated in-house team fine-tuning every detail to ensure a successful and enjoyable day for the thousands of visitors. On the day of the event, the operational airfield is transformed into an event space ready for thousands of visitors in just under two hours - an incredible feat that is undertaken by airport staff who volunteer their own time to the day. Fun Day would not be possible without the contribution of the army of volunteers and the event's sponsors.
Next year's Fun Day will take place on Saturday 3 July 2010.
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