Lift off for the 2010 Airshow

The annual free family show is one of the North Coast’s most popular family attractions and is due to draw in over a quarter of a million visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

The Coleraine Borough Council organised event was given a welcome funding boost this year by over thirty local businesses and multinational supermarket chain, Tesco.

The necessary capital raised saved the show from being cancelled and has been put towards delivering another spectacular event that will feature over twenty aerial displays including current jets, historic and privately owned planes.

Aircraft enthusiasts and families can look forward to exciting air demonstrations from the world famous Red Arrows and RAF Tucano on Saturday and the Eurofighter Typhoon on both days.

The Spitfire, Messerschmitt and Dakota will also perform poignant displays over the weekend to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The Remembrance Parade and Poppy Drop on the beach will take place at 2pm on Sunday.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis, said: “The NI International Airshow is undoubtedly a major highlight in the North Coast’s yearly events calendar.

“Annually attracting large crowds to Portrush, the airshow makes a significant contribution to our local tourism and hospitality sectors and we are indebted to our local businesses that pulled together to generously fund the show. Our thanks also must go to the lead sponsor, Tesco for their support of the 2010 show.”

Paul Gallagher from Council’s Events Team, added: “Residents and visitors to the North Coast can look forward to a full and free programme on land, sea, and air - The NI International Airshow has all the components for a great day out.”

Both piers at the Harbour will be closed to spectators under instruction from the Civil Aviation Authority. West Strand beach will remain closed until 7pm on each day. All aircraft appearances are subject to weather conditions and technical availability.

West Bay will be closed to all traffic. Please note that vehicle access to West Strand Road and West Strand Avenue is strictly for residentsonly. Free parking is available at Dunluce Centre, Landsdowne Crescent, East Strand and along the Coast Road to Portstewart..

Disabled parking is available at the Ballyreagh Golf Club car park for holders of valid 'blue badges'.

There will also be limited additional parking for blue badge holders at the Harbour quayside, the painted bays on Kerr Street, the harbour and around Portrush. Please support the Airshow by purchasing the 5 souvenir programme.

For more NI International Airshow details and full line up list, visit www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk , visit the Facebook or Twitter sites or contact Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7234.