Huge crowds dazzled with thrilling flying at Air Waves Portrush
Fri, September 09, 2016
The Red Arrows take to the skies during Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI.
The largest airshow on the island of Ireland dazzled huge crowds in Portrush at the weekend for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.
Up to 200,000 spectators made the trip to the Causeway Coast for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.
The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI, included the world-famous RAF Red Arrows kicking off both days of the show.
The Red Arrows Saturday performance included a range of their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops, as well as a special red heart shaped symbol for the mesmerize crowds. Although Sunday’s performance was curtailed by the weather, spectators were still treated to an array of trademark formations.
The undoubted star of the show on both days was the Typhoon jet which provided a thrilling show of power and sound with its collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
The Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane treated spectators to an iconic flypast on the Sunday, after being forced to postpone its Saturday appearance due to bad weather.
The Wildcat Aerobatics and the Muscle Bi-plane each performed their unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres for the crowds on both days of the show.
On Saturday morning, the early bird arrivals to the popular seaside resort were treated to the wonderful spectacle of cruisers and yachts competing in the Air Waves Portrush Regatta at East Bay prior to the air displays.
As an added attraction this year, there was a stunning revolutionary pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX in Portstewart on the Saturday evening, followed by a fireworks display.
Sunday’s airshow drew to a poignant close by commemorating the Battle of Britain, with a Royal British Legion Poppy Drop by the Huey helicopter, which showered spectators with millions of fluttering poppies.
Speaking about the success of the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This year’s Air Waves Portrush has been a resounding success. The weather is one thing that we can’t control and although one badly timed rain shower impacted the Red Arrows’ display on Sunday, overall we were able to deliver two packed days of aerial displays and a host of entertainment on the ground.
“Visitors flocked in from far and wide and we would like to thank all of the event sponsors, Ministry of Defence, emergency service agencies and all the volunteers who pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show was a safe, successful and spectacular event.”
For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, pictured with Red Arrows Squadron Leader Mike Ling.
Members of the British Legion along with Joan Christie, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Antrim take part in a Poppy Drop ceremony on the East Strand Beach during the Air Waves Portrush, Northern Ireland International Airshow.
Pictured in the STEM village at this year's Air Waves event which featured displays relating to careers and courses in Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics.
A stunning revolutionary pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX in Portstewart on Saturday evening, followed by a fireworks display, was an added attraction this year.