Portrush Airshow - the future

[casper]

Weather aside it seems that this years show has been a bit of a failure from reading comments here and on Facebook. So how would you improve the show next year? No point in saying that you'd have more fast jets unless you can suggest a way of generating money to bring them in.

I've mentioned my suggestions in other posts but I'll start this discussion with them anyway.

1 - Make it a one day show (in my view you effectively double the money that is available)
2 - Reduce the display time from 6 hours to 4 (In my view 10 interesting displays are better than 25 poor or mediocre ones)
3 - Set a charge for the carparks, maybe £5 or £10 - If you walk to the show you must live close by and have already contributed to the show through your rates. If you come by car you obviously live further a field.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

[stcolin]

Difficult to police the charging at this airshow, considering the landscape. If it was at an airfield, different story.

I agree that it should be over one day, and that the display time should be reduced without repeats of displays.

[RNASMU]

My own personal view is that until an airport is used ie Aldergrove, Belfast City or City of Derry, then its difficult to generate enough revenue to bring quality displays. When Ards hosted shows years ago there were more spectators outside the airfield (Scrabo and surrounding areas) than there were inside the airfield. I don't have a problem paying into any event or buying a programme (Odyssey arena programmes excluded) 
 
As we all know the Portrush airshow is free of charge to the paying public, I would be interested to know how much was generated from the sale of programmes and the voluntary contributions. The airshow is second only to the NW200 in terms of visitors to the North Coast area. Hotel and Guest House accommodation this year was impossible to book and also attracted NW200 rates. I would like to know do the owners of hotels and guesthouses make a contribution to the airshow? Do the organisers make a loss on the event?
 
We need an annual airshow in this country (one day only) and agree with previous posts regarding the timing of the event, September is too late, late Spring or early summer would be ideal.
 
I don't want to be too controversial by saying that we are a nation that likes freebies but to stage any type of quality displays, revenue must be generated. Perhaps the organisers of the Portrush show could approach one of the main airports (ie City of Derry) regarding the future of the show. Initially some sort of sponsorship is required from local businesses in the area. An admission charge and sale of programmes may not generate enough income but it would give an indication to the organisers that the NI public want an Airshow.

[String]

Having a one day show doesn't work to well unless you make it a sunday, I spoke to a shop manager and he said that if the airshow was on one day it would damage portrush as the airshow generates a lot of trade over the week leading to the show. I do agree that on the display side of things some aircraft were quite subdued on the day but what can you do to change the type of display they do, If we could get in touch with the organisers and tell them what we would like and even if we could try and help with the funding just to get our voices heard it would be worthwhile as then we could understand what they face when trying to get certain aircraft from fast jets to the same aircraft that always appear.

[Merlin]

Agree with the suggestions covered in earlier posts although the weather is by far the biggest issue. This was the ninth year of the airshow. For those of us who have gone to every one, how many years can you think of where we had two days of 'good - great' weather?

I can only think of one year and that was 2008, there may be others but I can't think back that far 

With regards to this years show, the [private] aircraft that were schduled to appear this year and didn't display (*cough* Hunter), do the owners still get paid for coming?
I'm assuming they are given some form of payment for taking part. But if the plane never left the ground can the show claim the fee back?

With regards the decision to close the piers, if it wasn't a problem in the previous 8 SHOWS why was it a problem this year, especially in light of the fact that they are repeatedly moving the display further offshore. Next year they should either reopen the piers or bring the display line back towards the shore (in fact they should do both).

Those of us who've been to RIAT and/or Farnborough know that at those shows the display line is only about 2-300 yards from the crowd and that's for jets as well as prop aircraft. Someone needs to get Health & Safety to wise up.

[Dave]

I'd have to say I think Portrush is becoming a less attractive place to hold an airshow. With the display line moving further away each year, is there any point in holding it when actually seeing the aircraft becomes harder and harder. And don't get me started on the usual weather at Portrush during September... It's time to move Northern Irelands Airshow airshow back to an airport/airfield airshow.
 
As others have mentioned, the airshows at Newtownards were fantastic, and going back further, Eglington also provided many great airshows. Tickets must be sold to enter in order to secure decent aircraft for the show, something which can not be done at Portrush.
 
Maybe choosing a date that doesn't clash with any other UK airshows might leave more options aircraft wise, such as the Catalina at Duxford, which was a regular at the Newtownards/Enniskillen Airshows.

[String]

I think you are going to have to re-think having an airshow near any kind of airport. Unless you can guarentee that the display has no issues with commercial airlines and air traffic then why have an airshow where aircraft are restricted to flat displays.
RAF luechars is one such airshow where they have restrictions on displays that is why they have more of a static display then flying due to the airports near the area edinburgh and dundee and aberdeen all effect the luechars display line.
You also have to consider transport to the airshow. I dont think it will be easy to get to if you dont have a car or unless there are trains to the venue then your stuck with just local people who might not be as enthusatic as we are whenthe Portrush airshow comes around. If the airshow was to re-locate it would have to be in an area that was easy to get to using public transport if you have no car, and have a good viewing spots as well.

[niteowl2000]

Hi, I though i would add in on this as well,

   I have come up from Dublin for the past number of years, the year i started was 2008, the brill weather.

  This year i came up on the friday to get some rest etc, and stayed till the monday hence 3 nights at a hotel.

  I would have to say the date should be changed to at least have some from of better weather.   When i  used to go to Salthill, enniskillen seemed to have been a popular airshow.

   I went to the end of ramore to get a decent view and pics of the typhoon and hawk, but it seemed to have stayed even further out.

 In regard to acts, i use the example of Bray, they start at around 2-3 and finish at 5-6 have 10-12 confirmed acts and it works, every year they have a surprise act from the US, this time it was a B-52.  The lack of heli's this year was very evident.
 
 I spoke to a number of people at the airshow and one person spent more time looking at the harbour activities, than the aircraft, he said, also commenting on it should be at an airfield. e.g. like cosford airshow.

  I really believe there should be a public consultation on the Borough Council side, as this year could be a swansong for the airshow.
 

   To Summarize,

   Change the Date

   Host at an airfield,

   Have aircraft on static display

   Smaller number of acts (that are confirmed)

[NWwatcher]

Hi all,

As others have said the landscape at Portrush makes it impossible to charge everyone for attendance or parking. Would it be possible to set up a number of zones (the areas with the best views) and only allow admission to those individuals or families with a program. I'm thinking of areas like the top of Black Rock, the front of Ramore Head overlooking the bay and along the sea wall at west strand. This still keeps it a "free" show for most, but gives the best views to those who do contribute.

Perhaps those who throw a few coins in the buckets should be given a "Supporter of the Portrush Airshow" sticker. This may "shame" a few others to contribute as well.

How about a photography competition with a modest entrance fee and some prizes donated by sponsors?

How about charging for access to view and photograph the aircraft at Bellarena before and after the display times?

One other thought - just because it is a free show does not mean the lineup of displays has to be poor. Jersey is a free display around a bay like Portrush and look at the lineup they have in a few days time. (jerseyairdisplay.com) Perhaps they have access to sponsors with deeper pockets but it shows what is possible if finance can be obtained.

Let me again say thanks to the organisers for all the hard work they do. It is appreciated. Now if only we could get you some finance for next year ...

Steven.

[dave4524]

Hi

What ideas do contributors have on how to finance next years show ?

Would you pay to access the West Bay area (There are only three access's, all controlable), pay to access a marquee on site (Shelter for inclement weather), buy programmes in advance (online) or any others?

Are there any ground displays / attractions that you would like to see in the West Bay area?

[Merlin]

Hi Steven,

Perhaps those who throw a few coins in the buckets should be given a "Supporter of the Portrush Airshow" sticker. This may "shame" a few others to contribute as well.

They started doing this last year (I still have the sticker on my camera). Don't know if they continued it this year.

How about a photography competition with a modest entrance fee and some prizes donated by sponsors?

I'd go for that. Do any of the papers here run pictures from the show? If not then that could be something to add.

How about charging for access to view and photograph the aircraft at Bellarena before and after the display times?

Personally I think Bellarena is too far from Portrush, from the point of view of people coming to Portrush to see the show. I can't see anyone (except genuine enthusiasts) wanting to make the trip.

One other thought - just because it is a free show does not mean the lineup of displays has to be poor. Jersey is a free display around a bay like Portrush and look at the lineup they have in a few days time. (jerseyairdisplay.com) Perhaps they have access to sponsors with deeper pockets but it shows what is possible if finance can be obtained.

That does look like a good line-up. Although it also looks more spread out plus they have access to an airport.

[monahank]

Some really good suggestions (and some ridiculous ones too!) guys!

If I were in charge:

- Consider a one day airshow, as someone previously mentioned, a change from two-day to one-day surely would double the money available = more aircraft?
- Paid access to the West Bay area ground attractions (even a small fee of 1 or 2 quid would generate a bit of extra revenue and not discourage too many people to avoid) - as someone has already mentioned, there are only three ways in, all easily controllable.
- Restore the display line to it's original position - surely a few local MPs, with a few strongly worded letters can put the H&S nannies in their place?
- Try and attract more sea-based resources - the RFA Larg's Bay was unable to make it last year, but would have been really interesting to see - especially with helos departing/landing on it's deck.
- As I mentioned on the other thread - try and attract a round of the Red Bull Air Race? They managed to stage a round in some fields in the middle of nowhere (Cashel) in the South, so surely Portrush - a natural arena, would be more attractive.
- Consider changing the date? May/June seems to bring somewhat settled weather.


I honestly don't think moving it to an airfield would have much of a positive impact. Portrush attracts crowds, partly because it's a seaside, tourist town - I don't think too many people, other than plane-spotting anoraks (myself included), would travel to a small airfield in the middle of nowhere to see a small, local airshow. And let's face it - without crowds, airshows don't usually happen.

[dave4524]

Hi Steven,

Perhaps those who throw a few coins in the buckets should be given a "Supporter of the Portrush Airshow" sticker. This may "shame" a few others to contribute as well.

They started doing this last year (I still have the sticker on my camera). Don't know if they continued it this year.

They didn't, this would also identify those whom have contributed and let the collectors know whom to target

How about a photography competition with a modest entrance fee and some prizes donated by sponsors?

I'd go for that. Do any of the papers here run pictures from the show? If not then that could be something to add.

The Coleraine Chronicle is the media partner and are publishing photographs next week

How about charging for access to view and photograph the aircraft at Bellarena before and after the display times?

Personally I think Bellarena is too far from Portrush, from the point of view of people coming to Portrush to see the show. I can't see anyone (except genuine enthusiasts) wanting to make the trip.

What about a helicopter shuttle?

One other thought - just because it is a free show does not mean the lineup of displays has to be poor. Jersey is a free display around a bay like Portrush and look at the lineup they have in a few days time. (jerseyairdisplay.com) Perhaps they have access to sponsors with deeper pockets but it shows what is possible if finance can be obtained.

That does look like a good line-up. Although it also looks more spread out plus they have access to an airport.

You don't need a airport for the Harrier or Helicopters, non this year at all

[casper]

Would you pay to access the West Bay area (There are only three   access's, all controlable), pay to access a marquee on site (Shelter for   inclement weather), buy programmes in advance (online) or any others?

I usually park in either the East Strand or Ramour Head carparks and would certainly pay to park in any of them.

[greglloyd]

I would only pay for Portrush if they were to move the display date to early summer (May / June). However, I would be prepared to pay up to £15 admission for a display with a good lineup of aircraft

[dave4524]

Just to let you all know that the Ramada in Portrush is offering a voucher for one night's accommodation, Bed & Full Breakfast for 2 persons for the best photograph of the 2010 airshow that is sent to their facebook page a voucher for one night's accommodation Bed & Full Breakfast for 2 persons

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Ramada-Portrush-Hotel/109309325785343

[firefox]

heard a quote today from a friend  complaining about scores of motor homes taking up 2 - 3 parking spaces in portrush and some of them would hardly dip to buy an airshow program

[iCardboardRobot]

Interesting reading folks, a few points from me


*The display line is very far out i completely agree, but was this partly due to the tide and stormy conditions ? I watched a boat take the orange bouys in today and it was incredible just how strong the sea was and difficult to drag them back in !


*The date will not change, traders already do well for crowds all through the summer, so the % gain for having the show during peak trading weekends would be very small. Compare that to this weekend, the town would have been COMPLETELY dead had it not been for the airshow. So financially it would not make sense to move it earlier. Same goes for the 2 v 1 day argument, traders will never go for 1 day. 



*I completely agree about the piper arrow and smaller aircraft, why they do so many displays is beyond me, however we dont know ow much they are getting paid, it could be a very low amount and at the end of the day they fill a gap, so maybe and its a big maybe they are useful !?!



*I think the show needs to become an air and sea show with much better use of the bay and harbor, its a waste to only have HMS Charger in every year. I think RF Largos (?) last year was a fantastic idea had it of worked. Something to look at and admire while there are pauses would be fantastic. Even if the lifeboat went out and parked up, at least it would be something



*Charging the car parks, im almost sure TTF said that they tried this one year and had less than 10 cars use the facility.



*Would a friends of portrush airshow work ? Say £15 - 25 a year to be a member and that gets you access to the aircraft at Ballerna on the friday for a tour and a private photo spot during the display on Saturday. I would happily buy into this.



*The halo's were a big loss this year, fingers crossed for next year.



Thats all my suggestions for now

[RNASMU]

One other thought - just because it is a free show does not mean the lineup of displays has to be poor. Jersey is a free display around a bay like Portrush and look at the lineup they have in a few days time. (jerseyairdisplay.com) Perhaps they have access to sponsors with deeper pockets but it shows what is possible if finance can be obtained.

The deep pockets are very deep take a look at the sponsors
 
http://www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk/sponsor.shtml
 
I also noticed they have an annual ball and other events during the week

http://www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk/news/
 

[Angry Turnip]

I`m sorry to have to say this but,unless the Portrush Airshow gets some decent funding and therefore a decent lineup the show is destined to fail.
 
Regulars like myself have stuck with the show since it started 9 years ago,but it`s the same fundamental things that have been wrong for the past few years,not just this year.
 
1:THE DISPLAY LINE is much too far out-are the CAA are having a joke?
If there is a display line then why are the prop aircraft allowed to enter the bay?
 
2:AIRCRAFT LINEUP-unusually high number of no-shows over the years and seems to affect jets in particular,which has led to rumblings by some that the aircraft have not even been booked but included just to make the lineup more interesting.
The same aircraft year after year is just plain boring;prop aircraft doing the same routine no matter how well flown,is just not good enough.
 
3:THE VENUE it`s self is a problem because it is simply too much of a logistical exercise for many UK based aircraft to travel over to Portrush.
Many airshow acts are based in the Southern half of England and require 2 or 3 stages to even get here,so for many it simply isn`t economically viable.
The lack of a natural display line is a particular worry for the Jet pilots as they have to be very careful not to overfly the crowd.
 
4:TRAFFIC.The traffic has always been a problem after the show finishes,especially if the Reds are closing the show.A few years back my wife and I took 2 hours to get out of Ramore carpark and almost 4 more to get home .Since then we have booked accom just outside Portrush which adds almost £200 to the cost of the weekend for us.
The motorhomes/campervans invade the public carparks and take 3 or more spaces each,despite NO CAMPING signs.
 
5: IT`S A FREE AIRSHOW.Not for my wife and I-it costs us approx £300 for the weekend taking in costs of accom,fuel,food etc
To be honest I would rather spend that money and go to a proper show in the UK,Portrush show has caused me so much frustration and disappointment over the years and I no-longer feel it`s worth the hassle.
 
Until these issues are properly addressed I will be giving the show a miss.
 
I feel that we should all complain to the CAA,because it is they that decide the display line,others have mentioned it`s the Health and Safety exec but that is NOT the case.
 
I would urge everyone who is a member of this site,and would like to see the Portrush show have a sensible display line as in previous years,to complain to the CAA.
 
What is the point of having an airshow,if you have to bring a telescope or expensive high power binoculars to see anything?

[Causeway74]

If someone could get the relevant contact details then I'd definitely fire off an email to them. It really is getting a joke.

I guess the reds display at Newcastle was something similar - absolutely miles out to sea.

I always think airshows based at an airport are the best. You will always be close to something due to the fact that your right beside the runway.

No more wasted trips to NI Airshow unless they sort things out. Save money for RIAT be much more worthwhile.

[redpaul]

I guess the reds display at Newcastle was something similar - absolutely miles out to sea.

I only went to Portrush on Sunday so didn't see the Reds but I did see them in Newcastle and they actually weren't that far out. The weather was perfect too. I was on the beach beside the golf club and in the picture below the Mournes in the background give you an idea how close they came in.


Newcastle Airshow 2010-174 by Paul S Wharton, on Flickr

Paul

[greglloyd]

*The display line is very far out i completely agree, but was this partly due to the tide and stormy conditions ? I watched a boat take the orange bouys in today and it was incredible just how strong the sea was and difficult to drag them back in !

I think that this statement (rather than justifying the venue) simply makes a case for NOT having the show at Portrush in the future. It is directly exposed to the poor Atlantic weather. Inland venues would be a much better option.

[Tango Tango Fanta]

Bids have been sent in for Portrush 2011 though rumours aren't good about RAF participation at non-RAF shows, JHC helos, etc. But it would be shame to lose NI's only public aviation event so we hope to crack on (decision probably in Feb 2011).
Comments about the unsuitability of the bay have been made by inspectors (and this forum!) and we have a new venue in mind which will solve many, many problems.

[Angry Turnip]

A change of venue I think is essential-for my part I would strongly suggest BallyKelly which could probably be leased from the MOD for the pupose of an airshow.
 
It would be an ideal venue;it has two large runways,plenty of hardstands for parking and a static display area for visiting aircraft.
 
Ballykelly is also secure,and more importantly admission could be charged;good road network to get traffic away fairly quickly as well.
 
In all honesty moving the show to an airfield it is the only way to retain some sort of NI Airshow which will attract a decent crowd and a better variety of display aircraft.