Jacob the Pilot

We had the pleasure of hosting special guest Jacob the Pilot at the home of RAF Force Protection here at RAF Honington on Thursday 24 February 2022.

Station Commander Group Captain Dutch Holland said: “We are delighted to welcome Jacob here to RAF Honington today. At the home of RAF Force Protection, the RAF Regiment and the RAF Police, we value determination, courage and selflessness in the face of adversity above all else, and Jacob demonstrates these qualities every day. We’ll provide him a fun day of new experiences to stretch and challenge this most impressive of young men!”

As he plans his latest fundraising venture for both the RAF Benevolent Fund and St Gemma’s Hospice, Team Honington put Jacob (8) through his paces in preparation for his arduous challenges ahead. Jacob likes an assault course and we thought it was only fair to show him the best one in the Royal Air Force; the RAF Regiment Assault Course, of course. Physical Training Instructor Corporal Bovington shouted the orders and kept a watchful eye on Jacob as he shouted ‘Clear!’ after completion of each obstacle, with a little help from some fellow RAF Regiment Gunners occasionally. In Jacob’s own words he ‘smashed it!’ Jacob also got to sample the Virtual Reality training as is currently being trialled at both the RAF Regiment Training Wing and Force Protection Centre here at Honington. Lunch was ‘rationed’ as Jacob tried the many delicacies of the ration pack. He also met a few of the armoured vehicles used by the RAF Regiment including one that was much nearer to his size. To finish the day Jacob got to meet the Paramotor Club as they demonstrated a rather different way of flying in the Royal Air Force.

In May, Jacob will take on his 25km Dunkirk challenge as he continues to raise vital funds for his chosen charities. Lisa Hunt, Regional Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Jacob has been fundraising on our behalf since 2019 and it’s heart-warming that his passion for all things RAF remains sky-high three years on. Later this year, Jacob will be completing a 25km walk to Dunkirk in aid of the Fund and St Gemma’s Hospice, so it’s wonderful to see the serving community here at RAF Honington sharing his enthusiasm.”

We look forward to seeing Jacob again perhaps when he joins as a new recruit. Only question is, have we changed his mind on which career path to take in the RAF… Pilot? Or Gunner?!

RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR 2022 AND WILL BE LIGHTING THE BEACON TO OPEN CELEBRATIONS FOR THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE ON JUNE 2ND

Red Rooster welcomes Seasick Steve as the headliner of Red Rooster 2022 on Friday night. Steve has come a very long way in the 15 years since he burst into the public consciousness with his amazingly raw, powerful and emotional performances on Jools Holland becoming a household name overnight. It is those astonishing and engaging live performances that have turned Steve and drummer Dan Magnusson into such a powerful force both Iive and on record (selling over 1m albums) and selling out venues all over the world in the process. Born and raised in California, Ex UEA student Nick Waterhouse tops the main stage’s Saturday billing, bringing his intoxicating Rhythm and Blues to Euston Hall. His latest album ‘Promenade Blue’ represents rebirth and reinvigoration as well as a clarity of purpose, vivid and magnetic.

Memphis man Sugarray Rayford is a real catch for Red Rooster; his new album ‘In Too Deep,’ the follow up to his 2020 Grammy nominated ‘Somebody Save Me,’ an album which also earned Rayford two major Blues Music Awards for B.B. King Entertainer and Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year (over 2 consecutive years!). Combining classic soul melodies with funky R&B groove. Raw blues power mashed up with contemporary sounds. Joshua Hedley has been on Red Rooster’s wish list since his amazing Third Man album ‘Mr Jukebox’ was release by Jack White’s label in 2018. Joshua has been making a name for himself as Nashville’s righthand guy. Known as the “mayor of lower Broadway” by collaborators and comrades, Hedley is a fixture at Robert’s Western World, where he plays for tips with his band the Hedliners. The multitalented singer-songwriter has played fiddle with Justin Townes Earle, Robert Ellis and Jonny Fritz. Now, Music City’s favourite son is breaking out on his own and he’s heading to Red Rooster.

Another Third Man act are Smoke Fairies, who were the first UK band to release a record on the Nashville based label. Their latest album ‘Darkness Brings the Wonders Home’ reached #1 in the UK Rock chart and went top 10 in the Indie Album charts.

A twice winner of the British Blues Award for Best Acoustic Performer and Best Songwriter, Marcus Bonfanti signs up to Red Rooster, Bristol’s Beth Rowley brings her Americana inspired lullabies, and the very welcome return of slide guitar maestro, Martin Harley, who will blow our minds once again. Danish/Brazilian duo The Courettes make their Red Rooster debut, whilst William The Conqueror return with their fuzzy roots rock n’ chops. He Was In Heaven Before He Died: A Tribute to John Prine, will feature Robert Chaney, The Magic Numbers, Beth Rowley, Felix Holt, Louis Brennan, Josh Flowers, Laura Tenchert, Pat Ralla & Joe Harvey Whyte. After a stellar show at Red Rooster 2021 with their homage to legendary music doc ‘Heartworn Highways’, this unique collective of musicians & songwriters are back once again to pay tribute to one of the most influential songwriters of a generation.

Also newly announced are:

Awkward Family Portraits, The Schizophonics, Lady Nade, Alan Tyler & The Tapadoband, PM Warson, Red Hot Riot, Old Baby Mackerel, Chastity Brown, Mudlow, East Lonesome Drifters, The Dashwood String Band, Professor Baba & His Invisible Band, Ags Connolly, Jake Morrell, Sister Suzie, Lucy Grub, The McGuilty Brothers, East Angles Brass Band and Loose Leaf Drifters. With DJ sets from Eddie Pillar, Iraina Mancini, Ross Allen + Rocky, Wendy May, DJ Diddy Wah, Dean Thatcher, Dean Chalkley + Neil Barker, Oh Gunquit, Crispy Cowboy, Hank JD Sleek, Shola Aleje, and Andrew Hackett.

This fantastic line-up will join the previously announced:

North Mississippi Allstars, Cedric Burnside, Robert Finley, The Sheepdogs, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, Elles Bailey, Danny George Wilson, and Dom Pipkin & The Ikos.

Red Rooster has consistently sold out the last 4 years and expect to sell out quicker in 2022. We’re one of the best value festivals out there at just £109.50 + Booking fee for the whole weekend, which includes 3 nights of camping and parking FREE. Kids under 12 are free as always and we’ve also introduced a teen weekend ticket for just £50 + Booking fee.

Get your ticket before it’s too late – we don’t want you to miss this one! JOIN US HERE To celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on June 2nd Red Rooster festival is pleased to announce it will be opening these historic celebrations by lighting the beacon in Euston Park on its opening day. Red Rooster will also be joining the Festival of Suffolk, which aims to build a £5m Festival Fund by 2024, administered in partnership with the Suffolk Community Foundation. This fund will support grant funding to charities, community groups and social enterprises in Suffolk who share festival values, and act in one or more of the six core areas: Culture & Tourism, Opportunity & Education, Enterprise, Community, Environments and Health & Wellbeing.

Harry, Duke of Grafton says: “We are all hugely excited to be hosting Red Rooster 2022 over the platinum jubilee bank holiday weekend. Red Rooster 2022 is shaping up to become a hugely memorable weekend with a fantastic music line-up, delicious BBQ from the new Red Roaster zone and a huge array of activities for all the family. The Red Rooster team cannot wait to see you in June.”