21 June 2017
From the RAF re Norfest – press release…
NORFEST – ENHANCED SECURITY AND PROTECTION MEASURES
In the interest of ensuring a safe and fun day for all our friends and their families attending Norfest we are sorry to announce that public vehicles can no longer be admitted entry to RAF Northolt on Saturday 22 July. This decision has not been taken lightly and follows clear advice from the Metropolitan Police. We apologise sincerely for any difficulties this will cause those currently intending to arrive by private vehicle, but ask now that all public parking tickets holders use public transport or other means to travel to the event and enter on foot.
In addition, all visitors will be requested to consent to enhanced security screening measures, including 100% bag searches. All visitors are therefore kindly encouraged to bring a minimum of personal belongings, including bags, picnics etc, in order to facilitate a smooth entry to the event. The event starts at 10.00am, but ticket holders will be now be admitted from 09.30am on account of these enhanced protection measures. Anyone attempting to access to the event with a public car pass will be refused entry.
These decisions have been made in the interest of the security and protection of everyone attending Norfest, following the recent tragic events in Manchester and London and after full consultation with the Metropolitan Police. Those that have purchased car passes from See Tickets for the event will automatically receive full refundsThe offer to ‘Blue Badge’ holders remains and will still be able to enter RAF Northolt on the day in their vehicles and gain entry, provided they consent to full vehicle checks of their vehicles by security staff. ‘Blue Badge’ entry and security checks will now be via Crash Gate 3, at the end of Glebe Avenue, off the West End Road, between the A40 and the White House Gate entry to RAF Northolt; signs will be in place on the day to direct eligible traffic.
The Project Officer for the event, Wing Commander Gaz Littlechild, said: “For Norfest our first objective has to be the security and protection of the public. To this end, we are putting in place a full range of security measures in consultation with and as advised by the Metropolitan Police. This includes the prevention of public vehicles from entering the event and personal search procedures. We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this causes but our first consideration is always everybody’s safety and I’m sure our local community will understand, in light of recent events, the reasons we are now required to take such measures. The whole team is working hard to ensure that this causes as little disruption as is feasible and put on a brilliant day for our friends in the local community. We would like to thank everyone for their patience, support and understanding in advance”.
The nearest Underground station to the entry point is South Ruislip on the Central Line, or ‘Station Approach/South Ruislip Station’ on Bus Route E7.
Look out for further updates by following the RAF Northolt Twitter and Facebook pages as they are confirmed, and through local media such as GetWestLondon.
See Tickets:
Online: http://rafnortholt.seetickets.com
Phone: 0871 220 0260
RAF Northolt Social Media. Join us at:
Twitter: @RAFNortholt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rafnortholtoff
Squadron Leader James Tenniswood
Media & Communications Officer, RAF Northolt
Note to editors:
NORFEST takes place at RAF Northolt on Saturday 22 July 2017. The concept behind NORFEST is for RAF Northolt to host a day of entertainment for all the family and give something back to the local communities which support the Station. A very limited number of public tickets priced at £5 are still from See Tickets agency and can be purchased online or by phone.
A whole host of entertainments and attractions for the whole family have been planned including a variety of children’s entertainments, a food court, a small static display of aircraft and the central Performance Arena. The Queen’s Colour Squadron, RAF Regiment; The Band of the RAF Regiment. The most recent confirmations include: BMX stunt bike group Savage Skills who will both perform and hold a workshop; local Cheerleader group The Babettes; Jay Kumar Bollywood Dancers; and children’s entertainer Epico the Dragon. A Dakota aircraft from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a flypast.