MORE than 4,500 people attended Cornwall Air Ambulance’s blue light festival, Helifest, for an exclusive chance to see the charity’s second helicopter for the first time.

The family-friendly event, held at Scorrier House near Redruth on July 19, celebrated Cornwall’s vital emergency services. This year was particularly special as the charity has just taken arrival of an additional AW169 aircraft, which was on show.

Following the success of the Heli2 Appeal, to raise the final £2.85-million needed for the purchase of the second helicopter, the public were given the chance to see G-CNLL up close and chat with the aircrew.

Doctor Dan Bawden said: “It was great to be at Helifest with the supporters, and to thank the public for helping us get the new helicopter, as well as talk to them more about what we do.”

Adam Smith, unit chief pilot, said: “Helifest was the first opportunity for people to see the new helicopter and for us to show it off to the public. We really appreciate everyone who came along and made the effort to attend, and everyone who supported us in getting the new aircraft. We’re now looking forward to bringing it into service.”

The event also gave supporters the chance to meet other emergency services, watch live demonstrations, to enjoy local live music across the day, a wide range of children’s entertainment and of course an array of great food.

One parent said: “My five-year-old girl has loved it, she has sat in every emergency vehicle possible and we’ve had a look around the new helicopter which was great, there is so much here for families to do, a great atmosphere and a real buzz.”

Helifest 2025 raised an impressive £38,500 which will go towards ensuring the crew can continue to attend critically ill or injured patients. The charity needs to raise more than £8-million every year to keep its operation running. They receive no direct government funding, and rely on the generous support of local people, communities, and businesses to keep flying and saving lives.

Tim Bunting, chief executive, said: “Helifest was a wonderful community-spirited day, celebrating our fantastic blue lights services along with fantastic music, fun, games, retail, food, and everything that you might want. We were blown away by how many people turned out and it was fantastic that the public had the opportunity to see the new aircraft, as they have been part of the process from start to finish.

“People were finding their names on the Heli Heroes boards and spoke to the crew to find out how the new aircraft is elevating the level of care we’re able to offer. Cornwall is a phenomenal community, but we can only carry out our lifesaving work with that support, so for people to come out in their thousands means a huge amount.”

Next year’s Helifest will be taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Information on ticket sales will be announced in due course.

To find out more about the lifesaving work of Cornwall Air Ambulance, visit cornwallairambulancetrust.org