Classic WW2 fighters and their modern equivalent at Portrush Airshow

THE NI International Airshow sponsored by RSA NI will showcase for the first time two classic World War 2 fighter planes and their modern day equivalent, the astonishing RAF Typhoon jet. Organiser, Coleraine Borough Council, has added the Spitfire and Hurricane to the busy line up for the FREE event which takes place on 8th and 9th September.

The highlight of the Saturday programme will be the much anticipated return of The Red Arrows following their troubled season in 2011. Sundays programme follows on with the historic 1940s fighters which will arrive to the beautiful West Bay for a memorable performance before the roar and flames of the current RAF front line fighter takes over. Although the aircraft look completely different they perform similar roles and represent 60 years of aviation development.

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sam Cole said: “The line-up for September will offer our visitors and residents an impressive line of the classic and the modern. There will be over 25 aircraft each day from jets and World War 2 fighters to stunt planes and helicopters.”

Jack McIlduff, Managing Director, RSA NI said: “2012 is proving to be a significant year for Northern Ireland and RSA NI Insurance is thrilled to be involved with the Airshow, which is unquestionably one of the most prestigious events in the calendar”.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed financial support to the event as part of their Our Time, Our Place initiative.

As usual up to 100,000 spectators from all over the country are expected to attend the family event. In addition to a comprehensive line-up in the air a non-stop programme of arena shows will include family entertainment, sea manoeuvres and rescues, exhibitions, competitions, giveaways and a large trade village.

The FREE event opens at 11am each day with air displays from 12noon - 5.30pm. Organisers are promising more surprises in the coming weeks but in the meantime details and pictures of the aircraft can be found on niinternationalairshow.co.uk or on Facebook (PortrushAirshow) and Twitter (PortrushAirshow) or for general Council information, www.colerainebc.gov.uk