When the Red Arrows soar across the Mourne Mountains and swoop over Dundrum Bay in a blaze of glory on Saturday 8 August, they will provide a colourful highlight to one of Ireland’s biggest and best attended annual air shows.
But, while eyes will be on the skies for Ireland’s best-attended and best-loved annual air show, there’s also a feast of family entertainment to be enjoyed at ground level.
Around 100,000 people are expected to flock to the region to enjoy the aerial extravaganza and, while many will seek viewing spots along scenic Dundrum Bay, the majority of visitors will converge on Newcastle. The town has responded with a full programme of mainly free family entertainment, stretching over the Festival weekend.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie was besieged by junior aviation fans as she launched the 2015 B/E Aerospace Festival Of Flight. The event programme is sending summer expectations soaring as the children look to the sky for Saturday 8 August. Creating their own mini Red Arrows formation display with Cllr Bailie are Ethan (8), Eoin (8) and Zara (6) Smyth, Louis Scullion (7 ), Connor Rooney (4) and Shea (10) and Teagan (8) Clelland.[/caption]
The 2015 programme has a twin focus, with events centred on the ever-popular Newcastle Promenade where flight-fanciers traditionally gather to see the aerial display, and at an exciting Aviation Village at nearby Castle Park at the heart of the town.
Looking forward to the big day, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie, said: “For generations Newcastle has built its appeal on a great blend of natural attributes and a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. The B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight reflects that approach and we are presenting a fantastic choice of attractions which will entertain the whole family, without breaking the bank.
“Our air show will take off at approximately 2.45pm on Saturday 8 August, but we are hoping that our visitors will choose to arrive early and stay late, making the most of a day that’s packed with fun and a town that’s brim-full of visitor attractions.”
Chief amongst those attractions will be the Aviation Village, open at Castle Park in the town centre from 10.00am. Air Cadets from across the County will be on duty, offering young visitors have-a-go sessions at everything from laser clay pigeon shooting to an inflatable assault course. There will also be an opportunity to climb on board an RAF Jet Provost cockpit for a taste of what it might be like to rule the skies!
The Ulster Aviation Society will also be on hand, bringing their expert knowledge to a lively exhibition which will run in Newcastle Library from August 3-8 and showcasing their fabulously restored ‘Down’ Spitfire Mark II plus a host of historical artefacts in the Aviation Village on Saturday 8 August. Always a crowd-puller, the wonderful Spitfire will almost certainly be amongst the most photographed of all the themed attractions.
Councillor Naomi Bailie called on locals and visitors alike to ‘come on Down’ and enjoy what promises to be the biggest party of the summer season. Cllr Baillie added: “Everyone loves an excuse for a celebration and this is one which the whole region really gets behind. Our fantastic team of Festival organisers, the local hospitality sector and our great retailers are all ready to roll out the welcome mat. All we’re waiting for now is the annual friendly invasion of visitors and we’re set for a fantastic day out!”
For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival programme please contact Newcastle Visitor Centre on:
028 4372 2222 or full listings online at:
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