The Jersey International Air Display is going ahead today (12 Sept), after a crowdfunding appeal raised £32k to help organisers pay for it.

The online donations were in response to an appeal last month, when those behind the annual event said they might have to cancel if they could not raise an extra £50,000.

It echoed a plea for help made in 2023, to cover a shortfall after the government grant was cut and in the face of escalating costs.

Mike Higgins, who organises the JIAD, said he was 'eternally grateful' for islanders' support, and that the 2024 display would go ahead, albeit it on a smaller scale - without static displays or planned workshops to promote STEM skills.

There were already notable absences for this year, with the popular RAF Red Arrows aerobatic display team unavailable because of a tour of Canada.  Guernsey moved their air show from September to June to keep the famous jets in their line-up.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight of the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire is also missing following the death of a RAF pilot in the UK earlier this year.

Then, just this week, there have been further setbacks with the withdrawal of the Viggen and Cri-Cri for operational reasons and the Yak 3 and Breguet Alize due to weather conditions.

An array of aircraft will take to the skies over St Aubin's Bay though, including a Fairey Swordfish - a biplane torpedo bomber, SAAB 17 dive-bomber, the American Bronco, and the Catalina - a flying boat and amphibious aircraft. 

There is also the French aerobatic display team, Èquipe de Voltige de l'Armée de l'Air, and a show finale from the RAF's parachute display team, the Falcons.

The latest timetable for the show, which is subject to change, can be found here.

Victoria Avenue will be closed to traffic between 12.30 and 5.30pm.