VIDEO: Twice the thrills at Portrush Airshow

The free air show provided by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will be held at East Strand, Portrush on September 5-6.

Council has confirmed the RAF Red Arrows, described as ‘the best display team in the world’, will be returning to Portrush for both days of the show.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, said, “The new Council is pleased to ensure the return of what’s been hailed one of the top three aviation events in the United Kingdom in 2015.

“A major coup this year has been securing the return of RAF Red Arrows to the North Coast for both days of the air show this year.

“I’d encourage anyone who has yet to experience this free event for all ages to come visit us at Portrush. There are more exciting air displays and engaging ground exhibits yet to be announced”.

This will be the first time since 2009 that the “Reds”, sponsored by 55º North restaurant, will fly two days at the air show.

Following their extensive winter training the team has announced a brand new programme for the 2015 season and new artwork on its tail fin. The team consists of nine Hawk jets and will demonstrate their new maneuvers descending to as low as 300 feet, while the ‘synchro pair’ can fly at 100 feet.

On Thursday Council hosted a special launch event inviting the RAF Tornado fighter jet from 12 (B) Squadron in Norfolk to perform a high speed fly past along the display line at East Strand, Portrush to the delight of the watching pupils from St. Patrick’s Primary School, Portrush.

With huge numbers expected at ‘Air Waves Portrush’ 2015, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has set up a special working group, including representatives from the PSNI, Transport NI and Translink to help improve the experience for visitors travelling by road and by public transport. Details of traffic and travel arrangements during the air show weekend will be announced in the coming months.

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager at Tourism Northern Ireland, sponsor of ‘Air Waves Portrush said, “I am pleased to see the event continue to mature into its second year in the new location.

“With such a high quality programme of entertainment on offer for all to enjoy it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the event organisers that Air Waves Portrush is capable of attracting visitors not only at home but from further afield.

“On behalf of Tourism Northern Ireland I would like to wish visitors and participants an enjoyable events experience.”

For further details on the event including trading, sponsorship and the Silver Wings Chalet hospitality package visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or call 028 7034 4723. Facebook and Twitter pages will have regular updates.