Portrush Airshow ready for take off!

Now firmly established as Ireland’s biggest free airshow event, Air Waves Portrush will deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land- and water-based activities and events.

Included in the line-up announced so far will be the RAF’s stunning Typhoon jet, the Battle of Britain Memorial flight of the Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire trio, breath-taking aerobatics from the Wildcats display team and the spills and thrills of the colourful Muscle Biplane.

Helicopter fans are in for a treat with an appearance from Vietnam veteran craft Huey and Loach, the first appearance of the Royal Navy Wildcat and Portrush strand’s iconic helicopter Poppy Drop, which will round off the show on Sunday afternoon.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Michelle Knight-McQuillan, said: “Last year’s Air Waves Portrush event exceeded everyone’s expectations – it was a truly magnificent weekend all round, from the entertainment and hospitality on the ground, to two full days of thrilling air displays. 

“We are incredibly excited that the RAF Red Arrows have confirmed they will be in the skies over Portrush and the Causeway Coast for both days again this year. 

“Indeed, we are very fortunate to have such high level support from the RAF with the supply of flying assets - what a treat to look forward to towards the end of the summer – we’d encourage any visitors to get the weekend booked as soon as possible.”

RAF Air Vice Marshall David Niven said: “The Royal Air Force is delighted to be supporting Air Waves Portrush in 2016. In partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Council, we have seen Air Waves expand and develop each year into one of the premier airshows in the UK. There will also be plenty of RAF activity on the ground with everything from aircraft simulators to cooking displays!”

Richard Baker, Director, Leisure and Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is an evolving event; having made a successful transition from West Bay to East Strand and expanded the trading and entertainment footprint, it has confirmed its status as a flagship tourism event for the town of Portrush and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens.

“Now it is time to take it further by showcasing Northern Ireland’s £1.3bn aerospace and aviation industry.

“This year we are establishing what we’re calling the EEE Zone within the South Village Trading Area. This will bring together representatives from Enterprise, Education and Employment in the aviation sector, enabling networking opportunities and promoting the importance of the STEM subjects for the pursuit of careers in the expanding aviation industry.”

A new addition to this year’s line-up will be the first ever Air Waves Portrush Regatta.

Coleraine and Portrush Yacht Clubs will host an evening for visiting sailors on Friday evening, with the inaugural Air Waves Regatta on Saturday morning, ahead of the first air displays.