Portrush Airshow return in 2022

[jasT1981]

Another issue (which I think will be changed soon) is the absolute lack of social media presence. Even the media launch was very quiet.

4 months to go and its a social media deadzone. I had spoken to the council a while ago with a view of running, or at least helping with their social media for the show but was told the tender had already been handed to a marketing firm. I did ask the council FB page recently if there was going to be a facebook page for the event or if the Airwaves Page would be reactived and renamed. I was told there are no updates on that issue.

I know it was a bit of a longshot and probably a bit cheeky for me to reach out to see if they needed someone to run their social media, but if you don't try, you don't get lol.

[Ed Winchester]

Problem with Portrush is that is too far North and not enough other airshows going on around it.
For example. When I was doing stuff with Newtownards Richard Goode in his Extra did Blackpool , IOM, Newtownards and the Dublin Bay airshow on one tank of fuel. Then he came back to ARDS and got a free top up of fuel and a few checks and off to Scotland for more shows. The Silver swallows displayed the same year and did Dublin ARDS IOM.
Two day show at Portrush is a big chunk of display time and other than Derry or Aldergrove there are not much options to land and unlike the old days landing fees and fuel are paid for in full.
Best option would be Bangor sea front with an airshow in partnership with BFS BHD and Newtownards. Sponsored by Belfast, north down and ARDS councils. One day event for flying and other day for the Boat festival. But it would never happen.

[Jimi182]

Problem with Portrush is that is too far North and not enough other airshows going on around it.
For example. When I was doing stuff with Newtownards Richard Goode in his Extra did Blackpool , IOM, Newtownards and the Dublin Bay airshow on one tank of fuel. Then he came back to ARDS and got a free top up of fuel and a few checks and off to Scotland for more shows. The Silver swallows displayed the same year and did Dublin ARDS IOM.
Two day show at Portrush is a big chunk of display time and other than Derry or Aldergrove there are not much options to land and unlike the old days landing fees and fuel are paid for in full.
Best option would be Bangor sea front with an airshow in partnership with BFS BHD and Newtownards. Sponsored by Belfast, north down and ARDS councils. One day event for flying and other day for the Boat festival. But it would never happen.

As good as that sounds, it might be too busy with civilian traffic in and out of BHD most of the day, making airspace tight. I do recall in the early 2000s I think, there was. Red Arrows display at Bangor seafront for VE day.  It was good.

[Angry Turnip]

I agree Portrush is too far north, and I think they should seriously consider changing the date of the show to perhaps early August.
In fact maybe have a big show early August, and a smaller show early September, one day each or half day each.
With Portrush being towards the end of the airshow season, some display operators see it as a bit of a faff with an additional stop for fuel etc

With a big August show the organisers could maybe get more aircraft, and especially jets that have not displayed at Portrush before, and then a smaller show for early September which could be mainly prop aircraft. Bad weather in September seems to be a big problem as well, not just on the show days, but also for aircraft trying to get to the venue.

[jasT1981]

Going from memory, the reason that was given that Portrush is held in September is that it gives the businesses in the area the end of summer boost that will help them through into the new year when things in the town start to pick up again.

That was said a good few years back though, around 2016/17.

[Angry Turnip]

Yes, that`s my understanding of it as well, so if they did have a main show in early August, and then a smaller show in early September, that would give them a double boost.
It would also reduce the chance of both days being weather disrupted or scrubbed altogether. Just my tuppence worth. 

[jasT1981]

And now no Rich Goodwin, who will be at Sanicole that weekend.

[Sneaky_Nikon]

Without a major coup, in the form of some non RAF FJs, the only 'acts' I can see attracting me come from the IAC.  I've no good shots of the PC12s yet and the first 295 is due "soon". I'd likely head up for either of those.  I see also from the RIAT feed that the four ship of PC-9s "Silver Section" will be performing this year.

That said, any/all of that could appear at Bray, which I'm giving serious consideration to.

[jasT1981]

I think the Swedish Draken & Viggen are the most likely for the show out of what was applied for, with possibly the Strikemaster pair. They are at the Guernsey airshow a few days before Portrush.

I'd be very surprised if Ultimate Warbirds 4 ship are at Portrush, Duxford and Paris Legends that weekend seem more likely.

[Sneaky_Nikon]

The Swedes have nice ships, but I've yet to see a display from them that was actually impressive. Of course they could turn up this year and give everyone afterburner induced sun tans, but I doubt it!

Given my record in recent years (well, before the virus panic) for missing good things and spending days on end waiting for things that don't appear, if I state definitively that I'm not going to Portrush, book it. They'll probably get an SR-72 flypast.

There was a time, and not even that long ago, when the showruners here were, if not enthusiasts themselves, then at least people who would give us a "nod" in terms of attracting things they knew we'd like to see (I'm thinking the two Jeffs and their predecessors). Unfortunately, I think those days are gone.   

[jasT1981]

No RN Black Cats display either. At Sanicole that weekend

[rookie]

As someone said it looks as if it's going to be the same old Portrush usuals. It's OK to take the kids out for the day and the biggest draw for most families is the reds but for the enthusiasts it's a bit of a flop I'd say

[jasT1981]

OV-10 Bronco self confirmed for Portrush via their website schedule

[Tango Tango Fanta]

Going from memory, the reason that was given that Portrush is held in September is that it gives the businesses in the area the end of summer boost that will help them through into the new year when things in the town start to pick up again.

That was said a good few years back though, around 2016/17.

That was back in 2006 - Applications to Tourism NI scored higher if they took place outside of June July and Aug. It's been September ever since and the loose partnership with Ayr worked well. The new venue totally baffles me  -no infrastructure at all, and the shops in town will scarcely benefit - the reason the whole thing started in the first place!

[jasT1981]

Going from memory, the reason that was given that Portrush is held in September is that it gives the businesses in the area the end of summer boost that will help them through into the new year when things in the town start to pick up again.

That was said a good few years back though, around 2016/17.

That was back in 2006 - Applications to Tourism NI scored higher if they took place outside of June July and Aug. It's been September ever since and the loose partnership with Ayr worked well. The new venue totally baffles me  -no infrastructure at all, and the shops in town will scarcely benefit - the reason the whole thing started in the first place!

2006? :O

Looks like the new website will be http://www.niinternationalairshow.com/

No Norweigan Historic Mig either now. They will be in Paris that weekend.

[jasT1981]

There will be a hospitality enclosure for £70.

https://airshowni.com/hospitality/

Also, the website, AirshowNI..... sounds VERY familiar lol.

[Angry Turnip]

Bit strange that the official website does not list what aircraft are displaying---I don`t think I will bother, I have a feeling it`s going to be the same old stuff, just with a different display line, probably even further out than before.

[jasT1981]

They have this with the title "Air Displays"

https://airshowni.com/gallery/

Though I am not sure IF they are referring to past displays or for 2022 as they take about Airwaves.

Listed is

RAF Red Arrows
RAF Typhoon
RAF Tutor
AutoGyro
Team Raven

All of those displays have Portrush 2022 on their schedule.

Global Stars and P47 also listed as is Rich Goodwin, who is elsewhere that weekend. It's rather confusing.

There also seems to be 2 official sites


https://airshowni.com
http://www.niinternationalairshow.com/

[TCX49]

Think its just old pictures people have took at airshows from the past.

Over the years Air Waves Portrush has boasted a huge range of superb aerial displays and ground attractions! Below is just a small snippet of some of the moments captured at one of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils most exciting annual events located in the breath-taking surroundings of Portrush’s East Strand!

[Jimi182]

Accommodation booked for the weekend.  I'm not expecting much, but will take what I can get, as it's the only show I'll get to.

I really hope Newcastle can make a return in 2023.

[jasT1981]

Silver Swallows will be at Portrush both days. A very nice 3 displays last weekend at RIAT.

https://www.europeanairshows.co.uk/schedules/silver-swallows-2022?fbclid=IwAR1unarJncrKrpkyQ9_UjHi-FVpXQTm9Jt3wO3bw04XEy811tTr3i8qyKJ8

Irish Air Corps Wolf Helicopter Display Team also there

https://www.europeanairshows.co.uk/schedules/wolf-helicopter-display-team-2022?fbclid=IwAR0hrSURJdkwrn-ayyDKgyXLGRrkN47QaPz5CcDoa2KVa-9qZZJhgexw3Lk

[TCX49]

Big impact Aircraft, Civilian Aircraft, RAF and Naval assets.

Static displays from the armed forces and Ulster Aviation Society.

Enhanced STEM component to motivate our young people, developing unique partnerships with NI Science Festival, Ulster Museum Outreach and Aviation Space Tourism.

Input from the Irish Airforce celebrating 100 years; living history exhibitions; local artisans.

Family fun zones; amusements.

Pyrotechnic air displays over Portstewart Strand/Promenade; Street entertainment; live music performances and fireworks displays.

For those culturally curious who love to sample local produce and crafts the popular Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will also be featuring in the 2022 line-up.

May see more Irish Aircraft at Portrush!

[purehedger]

Any ideas on display times yet?
Would be nice for the Reds to close the show on Saturday

[jasT1981]

Probably won't know until the day if going by past shows. Though we may find out via displays themselves what time they will display and I am sure the Reds NOTAMs nearer the time will show that.

Though, to have display times, we need displays and with only just over a month to go, the only confirmed displays are the Reds, BBMF and Typhoon.

Very slow on news this year, past build ups started many months before the show. 

[Angry Turnip]

Any ideas on display times yet?
Would be nice for the Reds to close the show on Saturday

Ideally you want the Reds to display in the middle of the show. If they open it, it`s chaos trying to get to the venue as people arrive early, If they close it, it`s chaos trying to get out of Portrush.
Mid show, then once they have done their thing, at least 60% of folk will leave, and it makes much easier to get away for those who stay on.