Largest airshow on the island of Ireland hailed major success
The largest airshow on the island of Ireland dazzled huge crowds in Portrush at the weekend for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.
Up to 200,000 spectators made the trip to the Causeway Coast for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events across the weekend.
The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI, included the world-famous RAF Red Arrows kicking off both days of the show.
The Red Arrows’ Saturday performance included a range of their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops, as well as a special red heart shaped symbol for the mesmerised crowds. Although Sunday’s performance was curtailed by the weather, spectators were still treated to an array of trademark formations.
The Typhoon jet made a dramatic – and noisy – impact on both days with a thrilling show of power and sound and its collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
The Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane treated spectators to a highly anticipated flypast on the Sunday, after being forced to postpone its Saturday appearance due to bad weather.
The Wildcat Aerobatics and the Muscle Bi-plane each performed their unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres to thrill the crowds on both days of the show.
As an added attraction this year, there was a stunning pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX Display Team in Portstewart on the Saturday evening as night fell.
Sunday’s airshow drew to a poignant close by commemorating the Battle of Britain, with a Royal British Legion Poppy Drop by the Huey helicopter, which showered spectators with a cloud of fluttering poppies.
Speaking about the success of the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This year’s Air Waves Portrush has been a resounding success. The weather is one thing that we can’t control and although one badly timed rain shower impacted the Red Arrows’ display on Sunday, overall we were able to deliver two packed days of aerial displays and a host of entertainment on the ground.
“I am particularly pleased with the resounding success of the STEM Village – a new addition to this year’s show – as we aim to inspire the younger generation towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Visitors flocked in from far and wide and we would like to thank all of the event sponsors, Ministry of Defence, emergency service agencies and all the volunteers who pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show was a safe, successful and spectacular event.”
For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or for the weekend’s images search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.