With a double dose of the Red Arrows to look forward to, the sky may be the limit for this year’s Air Waves Portrush event on September 3rd and 4th, as the Causeway Coast and Glens prepares to front its best airshow weekend yet.
Causeway Coast and Glen Borough Council, organisers of the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland have also pulled out all the stops to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.
Visitors to Portrush can expect to fly back in time with the sights and sounds of the Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane. Also hotly anticipated are the jaw-dropping manoeuvres from the Typhoon Jet and the much-loved Red Arrows flaunting their spellbinding aerobatic displays on both days of the show. As an added attraction this year, there will be a stunning new one-off pyrotechnic aerial show in Portstewart on the Saturday evening.
Meanwhile on the ground, a wide and wonderful host of activities will expand the entertainment offering to make this year’s event the best yet.
Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey said; “The Air Waves Portrush Airshow is set to exceed what visitors have ever experienced in previous years.
“Air Waves Portrush is one of the most anticipated diary dates and I have no doubt that visitors of all ages will leave in awe of this year’s programme, both in the air and at our designated event sites all along the Portrush shoreline.
“I’m delighted to be able to reveal that Air Waves Portrush has extended its programme this year to include a spectacular show at dusk on Saturday 3rd at Portstewart from The Aerosparx display team. This promises to light up the sky with a kaleidoscope of colour through pyrotechnics and smooth aerial manoeuvres followed by a fireworks display. On the ground, there will be live music and street entertainment to guarantee a true festival atmosphere.
“Although our air show programme is now one of the best in the UK and Ireland, this is certainly not just for the plane buffs. Our on-the-ground activity will perfectly combine the aviation theme with music, food and family fun, definitely something for everyone.
“On a more serious note, we have also recognised that Air Waves Portrush has an important role to play in capturing the imagination of the younger generation, inspiring them towards science, technology or engineering careers in the armed forces or in the aerospace industry, with which Northern Ireland has such a long heritage.
“Teenage school leavers aged 16-19 should not miss trying out the brand new RAF Skytech experience. In this futuristic POD, they will take on a 90 second virtual challenge, tackling some of the most testing aspects of an aviation job in a mini-assessment, which will be uploaded onto Youtube for all to watch back and share on social media. The most talented ones may even get a call-back!”
Elsewhere on the ground, the Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Gliding Club will invite visitors into a bygone era with its collection of vintage flying machines and gliding aircraft.
In this, Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, there will, of course, be plenty for those with an appetite, with the artisan foodie delights of the region at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market.
And for a touch of refinement in the company of friends, don’t delay in booking your place in the Silver Wings hospitality chalet – the best seat in the house, with a waiter-service lunch, private bar, exclusive parking and front-row views of the weekend’s aerial spectacles. Space each day is limited so advance booking is essential.
The Causeway Coast and Glens is getting set for what looks to be the best Air Waves Portrush Airshow yet – don’t miss it!
For information visit www.AirWavesPortrush.co.uk