Take the mic! Former Red Arrows Red 10 launches Blades' Commentary Competition
The RAF Benevolent Fund has collaborated with the Blades Aerobatic Team to launch an exciting online competition. Fronted by Blade 3 Mike Ling, former Red Arrows Red 10, the team are searching for the next display commentator extraordinaire.
The competition, which closes on 28 August, is open to three age categories: 11 and under, 12-18 and 19-30. Entrants are encouraged to submit a short video of themselves demonstrating their commentary skills using this video clip.
Entrants are encouraged to commentate over the footage and must state their full name in the video clip. Their submission should be filmed and shared on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the guidance set out at the bottom of this page.
Mike said: "I'm really excited to launch the commentary competition. Although the air show season has been hit hard by the pandemic, the Blades and I want to remind people that we’re still here and we can still have some fun amidst all the uncertainty.
"By launching the competition, I also want to remind members of the RAF Family that the RAF Benevolent Fund is here and ready to support them. Whether you're serving in the RAF, a veteran, or a dependant, the Fund can help during difficult times – you don't have to struggle in silence. They were a massive help to me when I was injured in 2010 and spreading awareness of their vital work, especially during these anxious times, is really important to me."
Mike added: "I'm hoping our commentary competition provides some light relief over the summer. I'm always keen to inspire people, especially younger folk, encouraging them to give new things a try and have some fun – you never know where it might lead and you might even enjoy it!"
Mike will review the submissions and identify a winner from each age category. The three winners will then be invited to attend a Blades' training day at Sywell for first-class, professional commentary training by the man himself. The day will entail watching a live display, sitting in on the team's display briefing and de-briefing and a variety of interactive classroom sessions.
A special commentator pack is available, packed with helpful facts and tips from Mike and Blades' commentator Annie Stone, can be downloaded here.
How to enter
1. Take a look at the commentators' pack for helpful advice and tips.
2. Share your commentary video on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the #BladesMicDrop hashtag.
On Facebook, tag @TheBladesOfficial and @RAF Benevolent Fund.
Or for Twitter, tag @TheBladesTeam and @RAFBF.
Alternatively, you can send your clip to info@theblades.com by email or WeTransfer.
3. If you're 17 years old or younger, and you are chosen as a winner, a parent or guardian must support you. We will require a declaration form to be filled out, which we will send to you on confirmation of being shortlisted for the Blade' training day.
The Blades and the Fund wish you the best of luck!
See the full terms and conditions for full terms and conditions.