Beach closed for air display

Tuesday 06 September 2016

Tighter safety controls will mean St Aubin's beach is closed during this year's Jersey International Air Display on Thursday, as well as Elizabeth Castle.

It's all in response to the disaster at the Shoreham Air Show last August, when a vintage jet crashed into the crowd killing 11 people and injuring another 16.

After that accident, new rules governing air displays in Britain have been brought in. 

It means on both Wednesday afternoon this week, and on Thursday for the actual display, the following restrictions are being imposed:

• The marine exclusion zone in St Aubin’s Bay, which prevents the use of water craft, including jet skis in the area has been extended and now stretches between the southern end of Elizabeth Castle breakwater and St Aubin’s Fort, including the waters around La Haule;
• Access to and from St Aubin’s Harbour and its outer moorings by water craft will be prohibited during this period and St Aubin’s Fort will be closed to the public;
• Vessel access to/from Elizabeth Marina and pedestrian access to the West Wall is prohibited during Wednesday afternoon’s practice and Thursday’s Jersey Intl. Air Display, Elizabeth Marina will remain open to boat owners who wish to access their vessels from the shore side.
• Elizabeth Castle will be closed to the public;
• The beach between Elizabeth Marina and St Aubin’s Harbour will be closed to the public.

The aircraft will continue to fly over the bay from the south-east, meaning the main focus of the display remains over Victoria Avenue and the Lower Park.

A spokesman for Ports of Jersey commented:

“Air Display organisers together with Ports of Jersey must comply with these increased safety measures to ensure that the event can go ahead. We are confident that these increased measures will not impact on the overall enjoyment of the display, which coupled with an impressive line of visiting aircraft and fine weather expected will undoubtedly ensure a memorable and enjoyable afternoon."