Memphis Belle star joins Portrush Air Show line-up

Sally B, the star of David Puttnam’s 1989 film Memphis Belle, will make a VIP (Very Important Plane) display on the eastern shoreline at Portrush on Saturday, September 5.

Correctly known as a Flying Fortress, “Sally B” is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe and this year celebrates its 70th birthday.

Memphis Belle told the story of the first B-17 to complete 25 missions over enemy territory in WW2.

Sally B’s movie co-stars included Matthew Modine, Harry Connick Jnr and Tate Donovan.

The Flying Fortress is just one of many major attractions across the weekend, which will include the RAF Red Arrows (on both days), one of the most iconic single seat strike fighters, the SAAB Viggen jet fighter ‘Thunderbolt’, and the impressive, jet-powered vintage Avro Vulcan bomber.

The majestic Vulcan is the only flying Vulcan in the world and this exclusive appearance in Ireland will be its first and last before being permanently grounded in September.

Other aerial highlights will include the RAF Typhoon jet, two RAF Hawk jets, Wild Geese Parachute Display Team, the Blades Display Team, Autogyro, and Royal Navy Sea King Helicopter, among the strongest line-up for years.

With Sally B, the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane in the air, the WWII theme is carried over on the ground with live music from the Swing Gals and a GI army camp courtesy of Wartime Living History.

Family fun is the focus for ground-based activities which include a play zone, the Motor Village, vintage aircraft display, six helicopters on static display, artisan marketplace, and the very best of North Coast hospitality.

Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland, is set to enthral the 100,000 spectators who are expected to attend.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.