Weston park helifest who's going???

[Pj1969]

I'm hoping that the weather stays like this and that the sun shines all weekend!!!

[bigpops]

I've been trying to get a camper van so I can glamping, but they want £625 for 3 days. Looks like I'll be sleeping with ginge in his tent at that price lol. Will be there early door Saturday morning if I can't get there Friday night. From the look of it, it looks like it's going to be the biggest one to date, can't wait to see the fpv quad racing, my little lads so heli mad, he's going to love it.

The quad racing ALMOST got cancelled! I was just reading that the BFPVRA have totally pulled out. It's only because the ERSA have stepped in (they were providing most of the equipment) that it's still happening.

[KnifeEdge]

Can't wait gonna be a great weekend

[GIXERMAN]

Jumbo making cakes!!!

[myxiplx]

The quad racing ALMOST got cancelled! I was just reading that the BFPVRA have totally pulled out. It's only because the ERSA have stepped in (they were providing most of the equipment) that it's still happening.

Why would they pull out of one of the largest RC events in the UK two weeks before it? Kind of defeats their mantra of promoting FPV doesn't it?

[bigpops]

Why would they pull out of one of the largest RC events in the UK two weeks before it? Kind of defeats their mantra of promoting FPV doesn't it?

Allow me to quote ERSA dude and founding BRFPVA member Nigel Tomlinson

Hi Guys, you have probably have seen the announcement from BFPVRA this morning that they have pulled out of the Weston Park event.

Sadly, the wording used in their announcement has led to speculation that BFPVRA have, in essence, washed their hands of the event and this is due to something ERSA has done. Please allow me to clarify the situation.
BFPVRA held the first race event at Weston Park back in 2015, which was a great event and the first big event of its kind in the UK. Many remember the event with fond memories. They should have been arranging the 2016 return to Weston Park, however due to a shortage of resources, staff and equipment and an ever-expanding list of other commitments, BFPVRA were struggling to facilitate the event at Weston this year.
As a founder member and former BFPVRA committee member, I did not want to see the Weston Park event fail and so I offered ERSA’s assistance to BFPVRA in arranging the event. This was agreed by their former Chairman. Below is a list of what ERSA offered and has put in place to assist the BFPVRA with this event.

• Supply of upgraded race track which now includes the high gate and the Split S gate and professional pylons instead of flags. This has cost ERSA £3,500 to arrange, with no cost to BFPVRA.
• Facilitated the track going on the Dronesimulation.co.uk simulator so pilots could practise before the event.
• Supply all the VTX and ground stations so we can race more than 4 pilots at a time.
• Supply generators, lighting, cables, etc., at a cost of £1000 to ERSA.
• Pay the site fees to Weston which is £1200 so that we can subsidise the ticket costs. (If done through Weston, entry would be £15 and camping £45). Subsidising means you pay only £10 entry and £10 camping.
• Supply all gazebos and tents, at zero cost to BFPVRA.
• Supply staff (some of whom are flying in from Europe at ERSA’s cost).
• Arrange for the Tornado XBlades to be at the event to raise the profile and bring in much needed publicity for BFPVRA and the sport.
• Bring in much needed sponsors.

BFPVRA were to handle registration and communication with pilots as well have primary control of the event itself. The event was to be a BFPVRA event in partnership with ERSA.
A few day ago the BFPVRA held their annual AGM and a new committee was put in place. It is the decision of this committee that BFPVRA will no longer take part in the Weston Park event. The reasons given are that the new committee were not a part of the original plans for Weston and so do not now have time to get up to speed with the event as it’s only 2 weeks away. Also, as BFPVRA have not contributed very much to the event, they felt it unfair to share the publicity, therefore they felt it best to pull out completely.
In no way is ERSA the reason behind this decision, ERSA were merely helping BFPVRA to put on this event. With BFPVRA pulling out, this leaves ERSA with a decision! Do we cancel the event or do we pick up the reins and go ahead with the show?

ERSA have decided that the Weston Park event is too important to cancel, that the pilots who have already registered deserve a good event and that the wider Weston Park international model show, who opened their doors to drone racing in 2015, deserve a show.
So to all the pilots who have registered “The show will go on!”
That being said, BFPVRA pulling out has left us with a lot of work to do and a little under staffed so if anyone wants to assist at the event, volunteers will be gratefully appreciated. We will be passing out lots of updated info over the next few days including info on the VTX system, Rules, event schedule etc.
I would like to say that ERSA still fully support the BFPVRA and hope that it thrives in the months and years to come. ERSA was set up to support all the national organisations across Europe and that is what we will continue to do.

Anyone who wants to volunteer or has any questions please email me at n.tomlinson@ersa.eu.com

[exiged]

Is there heli flying all weekend or only from sunday onwards?

[_tj_]

all weekend, funfly saturday. comp sat n sun

[Rachel]

the main anyone can fly day is Friday,.... there will be chances to fly between the comp rounds, which usually means arond lunch time and after its finished , which is about 5.30 , hope that helps

[exiged]

Excellent! Looking forward to this

[Rich_H]

I'll be there with my daughter Lucy both days as we have been for the last 5 years! Please say Hi if you bump into us.

Looking forward to another great Helifest!!

Rich

[Grant_beltcp]

Thank you you all for the great comments on Helifest over the years! We've been working hard to keep the event growing and have some excellent pilots coming over to put on an amazing display for us, it's a really exciting year!
There's a few things we would like to say, the first being if you haven't already booked in as a pilot the please do so ASAP as time is running out. HeliFest 2016 Pilot Entry |
The Saturday nightflying now has a new prize. As well as 3 awesome custom made trophies, Align-Trex.co.uk have put up £150 cash prize for first place. So please make sure you get your night flying gear at the ready we had huge crowds last year for the night flying, we hope to have the same again with some exciting flights too!

Our principle sponsors Fast-Lad Performance and Midland Helicopters will both have large trade stands again this year, with plenty on offering and show discounts on various products to boot. Please help support our UK model shops where possible. Without the support from all of our sponsors we couldn't make this event happen.
GIVEAWAY! Midland Helicopters have kindly donated a Mikado V-control to giveaway. All pilots signed up for Helifest will be automatically entered into the draw to win. That gives you a pretty good chance to win This is for the pilots only, so don't forget to register for your pilot pass.


As you can see on the poster attached, we will be running another event on the 1st-2nd October at Ragley Hall. This is another lovely location, in conjunction with the new Ragley Hall Model Airshow. We will be running a large Heli Funfly, with demonstrations. We are also extending the flightline to run FPV racing and freestyle at the same time, side by side. This will be the first event where proper helicopter and FPV events are combined, merging enthusiasts from both to create another excellent event.
With regards to the BFPVRA at Weston park, it's not as clear as ERSA say and as of next year things will be in much better hands

Again thank you all for your support. And see you at Helifest!

[Pj1969]

Thanks Grant, great event helifest and my cars all packed up ready lol. Hope to bump into you and say hi.

[spindle]

I'll be there. 1st port of call will be watching in amazement what people can do with a heli in the right hands. You will know it's me watching, as I'll be the the guy green with envy and muttering under my breath at the 10 year old flying a heli the way I can only dream about. %^$#@£₩

[pg8899]

I'm planning on going but the only day I can make it is Friday. I've never been before, is helifest a separate section of the Weston Park model show? Do you pay entrance to the whole event and can you walk to and from both shows?