Tens of thousands attend ‘Air Waves Portrush’

Coleraine Borough Council’s all new ‘Air Waves Portrush’ has excelled in its delivery of an event for the Borough and the north coast. As a free family event to attract visitors to the area, they came in their tens of thousands over the two day event.

Designed to support the local economy, The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy has expressed his thanks to residents and visitors to the Borough over the weekend after the undoubted success of this years all new air show, ‘Air Waves Portrush’.

With a new location of East Strand and Lansdowne, Air Waves Portrush was held on 6th and 7th September. The free event drew up to 180,000 people to the area over the weekend who had the opportunity to experience not only an amazing air show but also a piece of history by viewing the only two flying Lancaster Bombers in the world.

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Mayor Duddy said, “I cannot begin to express how pleased I was to see so many people come out and support this year’s event. Council has worked tirelessly over the past year with the assistance of Air Show Director Paul Sall to ensure this event was a success.

“Special thanks to Council staff and support team; the pilots; the military representatives; the Royal British Legion; the volunteers and the emergency services and particularly the visitors who made it a special weekend. Having spoken with lots of people over the two days, the decision to move the air show to the East Strand and Lansdowne has been positively received with many stating the close proximity left them feeling they could almost touch the air crafts.

“To experience both Lancaster’s flying over the East Strand was a truly humbling experience considering its historical significance. The ground entertainment was fantastic and the BBC World War One at Home Exhibition Tour was a huge hit. The Red Arrows were of course the show stoppers of the weekend, with mostly clear blue skies, their displays were phenomenal viewing.

“None of this of course would have been possible without the support of our sponsors, I thank them sincerely for helping Council deliver this wonderful weekend for not only those in the Borough but those who travelled from throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom to be here.

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“Work has already begun on next year’s air show to ensure it’s even bigger and better than before. Council is aware of the difficulty visitors were experiencing in parking and in departing the event, and we will take their concerns on board for next year.

“With the continued support of our sponsors, residents and visitors we can deliver this. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did and you will return next year!”

Further information on Air Waves Portrush is available at www.airwavesportrush.co.uk.