Airshow to remember Battle of Britain

The annual airborne extravaganza in Portrush is on its ninth year and is set to attract in excess of 200,000 visitors to the North Coast over the free weekend.

Sponsored by Tesco, the weekend will bring together air displays, arena shows, sea displays, trade stands and children's attractions at West Bay, Portrush. As well as the latest RAF jet aircraft, this year's show will have a distinctive theme as aircraft and ground re-enactments are designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

It is believed that the Airshow is the only event being held in Northern Ireland to mark the historic air fight of the 1940's. Over the weekend a Spitfire and a German Messerschmitt will give separate poignant displays on both days and then fly in tandem on Sunday as the part of the Remembrance parade.

Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Norman Hillis said, "This year residents and visitors will be treated to a comprehensive programme of themed activities taking place in air, at sea and on land.

"It is also fitting that we mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain which took place between July and October 1940. "We want to honour the huge contribution the 28 Ulster men made to the air fight and remember the seven men who lost their lives during this period."

The free family show organised by Coleraine Borough Council, in association with Tesco and the Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will welcome the return of the crowd pleasing Red Arrows Display Team, Eurofighter Typhoon and a host of impressive aircraft.

There will also be a vast array of ground acts, family fun activities, simulations and stalls to complement the show. This year's ground attractions will include a full size replica of a Eurofighter Typhoon, a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter simulator, climbing walls and the Renault Formula one car.

Colin Hampsey, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be associated with the NI International Airshow, and proud to be involved this year as the main sponsor. This prestigious event brings a huge number of visitors to the North Coast and everyone associated with the Airshow is to be congratulated in their efforts to keep this show going despite the tough economic climate, particularly Coleraine Chamber of Commerce, Coleraine Borough Council and the local businesses.

"The family ethos of the event complements our commitment to actively supporting the local communities we trade in, we look forward to another successful show and would encourage people from far and wide to come along and witness it."

Karen Yates, President of Coleraine Borough Chamber, added: "We are thrilled that the NI International Airshow will return to the North Coast. On behalf of the Chamber I would like to thank Tesco our headline sponsor and the many b

usinesses that have saved this spectacular event."

The airshow will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September and the site opens from 11am. For more details contact Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7234 or visit www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk.