Dates for Portrush Airshow:
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2024
2024 Line Up:
- RAF Eurofighter Typhoon
- RAF Tutor
- BBMF (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane)
NOTE:
***NO Red Arrows at Portrush for 2024 due to being in Canada***
Yes, already well into planning. Date should be known in the new year.
There were objections as always, one of which was very surprising but it will be going ahead based on council meetings at the start of the summer.
Cheers Jason
Apparently the rain clouds/low cloud base has already been ordered ;)
Quote from: Chris on Oct 15, 2023, 09:45 AMApparently the rain clouds/low cloud base has already been ordered ;)
And I hope I'm wrong the same usual aircraft.
Please don't hammer me for my quote as I appreciate and understand the costs and work needed to attract and pay for the displays is a nightmare but in reality I think the displays like Portrush did have and the likes of ards ate gone with the amount of red tape and costs now involved.
Interesting to note, if it stays in the September slot, there might be no Red Arrows due to international commitments. This was on their application page, though now removed it is thought they are heading over-seas
Quote"The RAF will not routinely conduct flypasts at corporate events or at private events such as weddings, birthdays or funerals etc. Applications should be received by 30th November 2023. The Red Arrows are only available for flypasts in June and July 2024 due to overseas commitments after this time."
This is flight still has record of it.
http://thisisflight.net/2023/09/11/raf-red-arrows-website-hints-at-major-overseas-tour-in-2024
Probably another America tour or asia direction
Quote from: rookie on Oct 15, 2023, 05:01 PMProbably another America tour or asia direction
My thought would be Canada/America since it is the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Air Force.
It's disappeared now, but obviously since it was posted on their official website before being removed, something is in the works for a tour.
For Portrush 2024, I reckon Sat7th / Sun8th September would be likely. There was some talk of a one day show.
A tad more Red Arrows news-
The Reds have a new team leader, and 3 new pilots joining the team which will be back to a 9-ship for 2024.
https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/news/new-red-1-prepares-diamond-nine-for-60th-season/?fbclid=IwAR3TrMJ5koKU2muKTsphH0kAGCfcMAhcenax_yc6DhEq5SwvkahExrWOjKU
Good to see them going back to 9. The 7 ship was absolutely terrible and disjointed, the 8 ship this year was a good bit better but still felt lacking.
Honestly, I think shows like Portrush need to make a bit of a shake-up of their show. Red Arrows & Typhoon booked? That's all we really need mentality is wearing thin. Portrush used to go for International displays but since 2016 has played it very safe and anything after the RAF displays were an after-thought.
Let's face it, it's overseen by the Council and they see it as a family day out. It's not a show for enthusiasts. I will still go, but don't get your hopes up.
The 2022 show was being billed as something brilliant. I didn't see anything in the line up that was different from any other year.
I'm kinda hoping it's the 31st Aug/1st September. If it is the weekend after, it clashes with Comic-con lol.
I love getting to airshows, but with a weak line up similar to 2022 and the choice of that or a day out with friends that I have been enjoying for years, I'm choosing the latter.
It would have to have something very special to choose Portrush that weekend.
IMHO Portrush Airshow is well past it`s use by date. If the council don`t have the budget to put something decent together, then there is no point having a show, especially if the Reds aren`t available. I didn`t go to the last two shows, and by all accounts I didn`t miss much.
It's been said before hasn't it, for the council/organisers to reach out to the local aviation community (not Airside NI though!) to get a realistic wish list - then even if they get 25% of that, you will still have a decent show for enthusiasts and general public.
Also, is there any hope of a Newcastle air show next year? I prefer the sitting (Mournes in background for some shots etc).
Quote from: Jimi182 on Oct 16, 2023, 01:31 PMAlso, is there any hope of a Newcastle air show next year? I prefer the sitting (Mournes in background for some shots etc).
Council are "keen" to reinstate it but the price is a lot. There are still a lot pushing for it from multiple parties. Realistically, I don't see it in 2024.
"Eats n Beats" which replaced it was alright, but this year it was confined to Donard Park and limited numbers allowed in. Last year there were many complaints that because it was a food and music festival most of the local businesses were empty as Newcastle is mostly food and pubs with live music.
Eats n Beats may have filled Donard Park, but the airshow filled the entire town.
To put into context. Both last year for Undertones, and this year for The Answer, both of whom where the headline act, I was able to walk to the very front and stand at the railing front row with 10 minutes to go before starting.
This was Donard Park this year as headline act were coming on, and Donard Park right after they went off stage.
(https://scontent.fbhd1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/373608833_6606146306117346_8943501821153076472_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=CbGlP0F8RjIAX_WyJJ5&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhd1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDpNoL0EJM5brKsNf9lVrcVpIYxtbKbv4WkYBSedwNzEw&oe=6531D986)
(https://scontent.fbhd1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/375167308_6606148582783785_1753339262379217705_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=TPhbsual6ggAX9MgVxO&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhd1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDPOjBbhhi3qBH_E5F4F6Jpqny_KvUGAoDMexYZLKvAwg&oe=6532614A)
Red Arrows tour seemingly confirmed by Guernsey Air Display
QuoteGuernsey Air Display
The Red Arrows are touring next year from mid-July to September an unavailable for our usual date so the decision has been been made to bring the date forward so they can still be part of the display. We've put our application in to the RAF Events Team for 13th June and we should have confirmation in the spring.
Quote from: JasonT1981 on Oct 17, 2023, 03:56 PMRed Arrows tour seemingly confirmed by Guernsey Air Display
QuoteGuernsey Air Display
The Red Arrows are touring next year from mid-July to September an unavailable for our usual date so the decision has been been made to bring the date forward so they can still be part of the display. We've put our application in to the RAF Events Team for 13th June and we should have confirmation in the spring.
Yes, Guernsey have brought forward their airshow to June. instead of mid-September, to accommodate the Reds', before they go on tour in July.
Spoke to a person today involved in the show. The show will go forward as planned in the usual dates of Early September and there are no plans to bring it forward to get the Red Arrows.
For Joe Public it will no doubt be a mood killer, but for me its refreshing as it means they are going to have to up their game to find something to draw the public (Hopefully not just the Typhoon) I always tell people there are far more to shows, and more exciting displays than just the Red Arrows.
Quote from: JasonT1981 on Oct 24, 2023, 06:19 PMit means they are going to have to up their game to find something to draw the public
I admire your optimism.
Scottish International Airshow at Ayr has announced it will be Friday 6th and Saturday 7th September. I assume Portrush will now be that weekend too on the Saturday and Sunday
https://destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/ayrshow/
QuoteSeptember 2024 is set to soar as Northern Ireland gears up for its much-anticipated International Air Show. Subject to council approval, the event is proposed for the 7th and 8th of September, promising a weekend of aerial spectacle and excitement.
https://www.explorecausewaycoastandglens.com/blog/proposed-dates-for-2024-northern-ireland-international-air-show
Changes to the display location. Will be between West Bay and Ballyreagh Golf Course as feedback on the coastal display line was not favourable for the cancelled 2022 show.
Quote4.1 Proposed Spatial Adjustments to the Event Area for the International Air Show
At the September 2021 Leisure and Development Committee meeting, approval was given to
relocate the planned air show to the coastal lands between Portrush and Portstewart
(spanning Westwards from Ballyreagh Golf Course to the Rinagree Coastal Park and
Northwest 200 Paddock area). Analysis by the Tourism and Recreation team and consultation
with stakeholders found that the proposed layout for the 2022 was spatially disconnected.
The area between the western end of Ballyreagh Golf Course (main viewing area) and the Paddock
area does not allow for a seamless event space, with approx. a 1300 metre separation.
Officers are recommending adjustment to this space, whereby the event area starts at
Westbay Promenade (Portrush) and finishes at Ballyreagh Golf Course. By adjusting the
event space westwards, better connectivity can be achieved, with a shorter distance of
disconnect between the Blackhill end of Westbay and the 'pitch and put' area at Ballyreagh.
This proposed new event space reduces the amount of 'broken' areas where air show
activities cannot take place. Further details can be found in Annex B.
Full details here https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/uploads/general/231219_LD_Item_4_-_Tourism_Event_Programme_merged.pdf
How about this for a radical proposal; move the show to Portstewart Strand.
Pros:
- Long flat display line.
- Plenty of room for parking
Cons:
- Single point of entry/exit for vehicles
- No solid ground for stalls/exhibits
Looking at budget breakdown. Of a £581,585 budget only £150k is allocated to flying display.
For a 2 day display that is a very stretched budget indeed. On comparison Ground budget & infastructure is £303k.
Yikes! Same line up from 2022 minus the Reds it is then!
New viewing area for anyone interested.
Quote from: keegster on Dec 13, 2023, 09:01 PMHow about this for a radical proposal; move the show to Portstewart Strand.
Pros:
- Long flat display line.
- Plenty of room for parking
Cons:
- Single point of entry/exit for vehicles
- No solid ground for stalls/exhibits
It's managed by National Trust. Not a Council beach
Quote from: angry turnip on Dec 14, 2023, 12:25 AMNew viewing area for anyone interested.
Going via alot of feedback on Northern Ireland and Ireland Airshows, the new display line isn't going down to well with most. Most didn't seem to like the 2022 layout either and think it should move back to the East Strand
I had a look at that Facebook page--it was interesting to see a few people said the new viewing areas worked well for the 2022 Airshow. I don`t know how they reached that conclusion, as it was cancelled.
Also nobody mentioned ( as far as I could tell) that the show had to move from East Strand because of the new stricter CAA regulations.
Seemingly the aircraft would be too close to the crowd, and there is an issue at the beach end of the display line, which meant aircraft may be overflying the town.
Facebook sent me a notification tonight that the post had reached nearly 80,000 people. Then asked me if I wanted to pay £42 to boost it so another 1600 people could see lol.
I'm going to have to go back and look at what made them change the display line from the East Strand, I do remember they did explain it but I've actually forgotten the reasons as it was that long ago it was announced :o
I have explained the reasons , maybe this will help.
How do FDDs and display pilots ensure they deliver a safe flying display?
The FDD must first identify the area within which they plan to locate spectators (spectator area) and ensure it is suitably displaced from the area within which display pilots will fly (display area).
Display pilots will use an easily identifiable display line which the FDD is required to mark and is set at a minimum separation distance from the forward edge of the spectator area (more commonly referred to as the crowd line).
The minimum separation distance between the crowd line and the display line is normally 230 metres, but this can be extended to 450 metres for aircraft that conduct manoeuvres at speeds in excess of 300 knots, or reduced to 150 metres for helicopters and light aircraft (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Display Area Layout
Display pilots are permitted to fly down to minimum heights within the display area as specified on their display authorisation or public display authority.
The minimum heights vary depending on the type of aircraft involved, the display pilot's approval and hazards within the display area itself.
The FDD is required to brief display pilots on the flying related risks and hazards associated with each specific event and is responsible for the safe coordination and necessary adjustments to the flying display programme on the day.
Display pilots are responsible for the choreography of their display routine, which must ensure the aircraft retains adequate energy throughout a manoeuvre to maintain safe separation from the spectator area.
Thanks AT
I'm guessing the curve on West Bay makes the display line harder to adhere to under newer regulations as the aircrft would turn around the beach area to head North so it wasn't a straight display line.
Quote from: JasonT1981 on Dec 18, 2023, 06:19 PMThanks AT
I'm guessing the curve on West Bay makes the display line harder to adhere to under newer regulations as the aircrft would turn around the beach area to head North so it wasn't a straight display line.
As I recall the display line for West Bay was based on a straight line between two points, Black Rocks and Ramore Head, and then moving out 200m. Since the majority of spectators in West Bay were along the beach and promenade this put them even further back from the display and meant that any fast jets were merely dots in the sky.
Dates confirmed today as Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September
Quote from: JasonT1981 on Jan 22, 2024, 03:14 PMDates confirmed today as Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September
Great news!
I have updated the title of thread to include the dates.
That's the same weekend as the Belfast tattoo so I wonder if we will be graced with a typhoon or two over Titanic again. I went down in the rain with the kids and for the 5 second glimpse and roar it was well worth it. But I doubt I'll be attending Portrush as its my youngest ones birthday. Would liked to have travelled to Ayr but hey ho.
Two confirmed displays announced today for Portrush
- BBMF (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane)
- RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Display
Also they are teasing a debut display to be announced soon!
Great to see BBMF.
Where was Typhoon announced?
I have a feeling the debut display is the F35 Role Demo that is new for 2024.
Quote from: JasonT1981 on Mar 08, 2024, 05:12 PMGreat to see BBMF.
Where was Typhoon announced?
I have a feeling the debut display is the F35 Role Demo that is new for 2024.
Announced on Portrush Airshow Facebook page along with BBMF:
QuoteNI International Air Show
6 h ·
And they're back! Our old favourites the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane return to Portrush alongside the ever popular Typhoon for this years N.I. International Airshow.😍 We can't wait to see these old aircraft gracing the skies of Portrush once again.
Keep watching this space for some exciting news coming soon regarding aircraft making it's debut at N.I. International Airshow. Be prepared to be dazzled! 🤩🙌
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official) RAF Typhoon Display Team #RAF #EmbraceAGiantSpirit #visitcauseway #ccgbc #portrush #airshow
Oh nice, thanks. Missed that.
Ohhhhhh F-35 demo would be good. The BBMF I don't hold out much hope for as it all depends on the weather for them and the weather is never that great even for them to transit over. Could they not attract the likes of the Swedish historic flight etc or is it not within the budget for them? It would need to be a good line up to even consider a run up but if the F-35 is to make an appearance I might consider it.
Just had a look at the RAF website and looked at display teams section, there is no RAF F-35 Display listed as yet, however it could be an F-35 from elsewhere, if indeed the aircraft hinted at is an F-35.
Quote from: angry turnip on Mar 08, 2024, 11:57 PMJust had a look at the RAF website and looked at display teams section, there is no RAF F-35 Display listed as yet, however it could be an F-35 from elsewhere, if indeed the aircraft hinted at is an F-35.
RAF F-35 demo display was only publically revealed on Thursday, and that has been via event orginisers and not the RAF as of yet. So far Cosford and RIAT are the only two places confirmed for the role demo. But I don't think there is anything else really the debut could be.
Don't expect the Chinook this year, they announced that there will be no display team due to operational commitments and will fly a very limited role demo at only a few events.
Re the F-35 Role Demo, that`s why I said there was nothing mentioned on the RAF Display Teams section as yet.
I didn`t mention the Chinook Display, the RAF are always short of Chinook aircraft, and seem reluctant to display is at any but the main RAF shows.
I would not be surprised if the debuting aircraft is something unspectacular like a Beech T-6 Texan II. I couldn`t care less to be brutally honest. Unless the organisers get something really good and the weather is scheduled to behave it`s self, then I won`t be going anywhere near it.
The new display line may look good on paper, but from a logistical point, it`s far from ideal.To me it looks like people are going to be penned into smallish viewing areas,and a fair bit of walking from car parks will likely be involved.
A T6 Texan II would be a massive let down. I am really not a fan of it at all. The F35 would be a great coup for Portrush, but I've seen it a number of times already and will see it's role demo at RIAT and probably Cosford if I end up going.
I honestly don't know what is out there for sea-side shows that really could be a crowd puller for Portrush. Baltic Bee's have reformed and would be a good display but I can see Portrush going for an almost identical show from the cancelled 2022 show. I would say the following is likely
BBMF
Typhoon
F35 (It would attract a lot of people I think)
RAF Tutor
Bronco
Team Raven
Ulster Gliding Club
Irish Air Corps
Catalina
One or two of Ultimate Warbids fighters
Rich Goodwin
Heh, maybe the debut is the Irish Air Corps new CASA 295.
A Vampire or Strikemaster pairs display could be a nice addition or the Gnat's. I don't think the Swedish Historic would fit in well with the budget.
IF and a big IF they are to get any International participation, I'd love to see the French Rafale at Portrush. Incredible display.
Don't get your hopes up. It's more of a family day than air enthusiasts day. I will be surprised if the exciting thing is anything decent.
Yes, sadly 2014/2015 was the last years of the enthuisist airshow at sea-side shows. All have moved to a family based show. Understandable with it being a local council show trying to bring people to the area and that will always be a key focus but they seem to completely forget about enthuisists as we are a small number at sea-side shows compared to day trip famailies.
I have to disagree that enthusiasts are a small number at seaside airshows.Joe Public / families want to see much the same thing as the rest of us, something exciting and interesting.
Shows at Newtownards used to pull in 30,000 to 50,000 every year,depending on weather, and all had to pay in.
Fair enough you will sometimes get people leaving after the main attraction has done their bit, ie The Red Arrows or the Typhoon, but I would say it`s less than 30%.
It`s organiser`s of the shows that have ruined them,claiming to make them more family orientated. All they are doing is booking cheap and less exciting aircraft and displays, they spend too much on bringing in ground attractions,people are bored with that.
Public and enthusiasts alike want jets, a few warbirds,maybe a large transport and a decent display team or two, not specks on the horizon, or the same dull aircraft year after year.
As I see it the bulk of the shows budget should be spent on interesting aircraft displays, then more people will come.Try and do it on the cheap, people will get bored quickly and leave, or not even bother going.
A 3 or 4 hour show would be better, rather than trying to stretch it out for 5 to 6 hrs with yet another pass by an autogyro or some other futt-futt you can see at any local flying club.
Yes sorry, probably badly worded on my behalf, we are a minority in the eyes of the council who organise it and not the key target.
Even the likes of Cosford now seem to have moved to a more family orientated show since Peter Reoch left the Flight director position.
I'll probably end up going to one of the days just for day out but Duxford the following week is far more appealing and that's even with nothing announced yet as its a proper enthusists show.
Team Raven have self confirmed on their 2024 schedule
Team Raven no longer have Portrush on their schedule. They are in Spain that weekend instead.