Portrush to welcome over 200,000 spectators to largest airshow on the island of Ireland
The largest airshow on the island of Ireland is ready for take-off with two days of thrilling flying displays across Portrush’s eastern shoreline by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.
Air Waves Portrush, running on Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th September 2016, is expected to attract over 200,000 spectators to one of Northern Ireland’s much-loved coastal resorts for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.
The stellar line-up, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by B&E Security on both days) who will perform their trademark formations, close passes and dynamic loops.
Visitors 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 (sponsored by The Adelphi Portrush), the breath-taking aerobatics from the Wildcats display team (sponsored by Barry’s Portrush) and the spills and thrills of the colourful Muscle Bi-plane.
Helicopter fans are in for a treat with an appearance from Vietnam veteran craft Huey and Loach. As an added attraction this year, there will be a stunning new one-off pyrotechnic aerial show in Portstewart on the Saturday evening.
Looking forward to the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is our blockbuster finale to mark the end of the 2016 summer season with a stellar line-up of air displays, and an array of fantastic sea and land activities and its status as a flagship event is underpinned with continued support from Tourism NI.
“We had record crowds in 2015 and we are expecting over 200,000 spectators to attend the show over the two days and we have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show will be spectacular, awe inspiring, and different from the previous year.”
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. There will be live music, street entertainment, play zone, Motor Village and an artisan marketplace.
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.
New for 2016 is the STEM Village where amongst other activities teenage school leavers aged 16-19 will also get the opportunity to trying out the brand new RAF Skytech experience – a futuristic virtual challenge to tackling some of the most testing aspects of an aviation job.
Richard adds: “With huge crowds anticipated on both days to mark the end of the 2016 summer season, we are working closely with the PSNI and Translink to ensure we minimise traffic congestion as much as possible.
“Translink is providing additional capacity on trains and buses and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use these services. “
The official Air Waves Portrush 2016 souvenir programme is now on sale from selected outlets in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine and Ballymoney and Visitor Information Centres throughout the borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.
For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.