UP, up and away for the 2010 NI International Airshow. The popular aeronautical event, held annually at West Bay, Portrush will grace the skies over the seaside resort this coming weekend featuring over twenty different aerial displays from current jets to historic and privately owned planes.
The free event, organised by Coleraine Borough Council, was given a welcome funding boost in 2010 by over thirty local businesses and multinational supermarket chain, Tesco. The necessary capital raised saved the show from being cancelled and has been put towards the delivery of another spectacular event that is set to attract up to a quarter of a million visitors to the area this weekend.
Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis is looking forward to welcoming the pilots and visitors to his hometown of Portrush, he said; “The NI International Airshow is undoubtedly a major highlight in Northern Ireland’s yearly events calendar. Annually attracting large crowds to Portrush, the Airshow makes a significant contribution to our local tourism and hospitality sectors and we are indebted to our local businesses and Tesco who pulled together to generously fund the show.
“Residents and visitors to the North Coast can enjoy a full and free programme on land, sea, and air. A particularly poignant element to the Airshow is the Remembrance parade and Poppy drop on Sunday afternoon. The parade on the beach will be followed by a short service and the release of 4 million Poppy petals over the crowds to remember and honour our service men and women, in particular those who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain seventy years ago.”
Aircraft from all over the UK fly in to display at the show. Closer to home is the Wild Geese Parachute Display team from Garvagh who have jumped at every airshow since 2002. 2010 will be their ninth consecutive year jumping into West Bay to support the event.
To entertain the young and young at heart there will be a full offering of ground attractions, including, exhibitions, trade stalls, simulators, children’s entertainment and road shows.
Coleraine Borough Council would like to draw your attention to the following information: Both piers at the Harbour will be closed to spectators under instruction from the Civil Aviation Authority. West Strand beach will remain closed until 7pm on each day. All aircraft appearances are subject to weather conditions and technical availability.
West Bay will be closed to all traffic. Please note that vehicle access to West Strand Road and West Strand Avenue is strictly for residents only. Free parking is available at Dunluce Centre, Landsdowne Crescent, East Strand and along the Coast Road to Portstewart..
Disabled parking is available at the Ballyreagh Golf Club car park for holders of valid ‘blue badges’. There will also be limited additional parking for blue badge holders at the Harbour quayside, the painted bays on Kerr Street, the harbour and around Portrush. Tune into Q97.2FM for traffic reports.
For more NI International Airshow details and full line up list, visit www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk , visit the Facebook or Twitter sites or contact Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7234.