Quote from: rookie on Sep 27, 2025, 21:03Back in the day when local airshows were brilliant before all the red tape got involved.

Exactly, I was never at any of these myself, but was amazed at the variety that they got onto the lineups back then. Some really decent stuff.

Back in the day when local airshows were brilliant before all the red tape got involved.

Some BBC reports from the 1989, 1990 and 1991 events. I think it's fair to say some lovely machines visited over the years. I wasn't at any of it, but I think the A10s flypast is definitely an unusual one as far as the fast jet movements go.

1989:

1990:

1991:

Here's some footage to enjoy from recent digitisation projects from the Ards Airshows starting from 1989 right through to 2007 (with some gaps). Stay tuned for more!

What do you remember from trips to the Ards airshow?

1989:

1990:

1992:

1993:

1995:

1996:

1998:

1999:

2000:

2005:

2007:

Quote from: angry turnip on Sep 20, 2025, 00:32I reckon early 1960`s judging by the cars and the fact everyone looks old.

Tiger Moth G-AOUR was one of the Ulster Flying Clubs aircraft from August 1961 until it was PWFU in July 1965.

Thanks for the info on that. That ties up nicely.

I reckon early 1960`s judging by the cars and the fact everyone looks old.

Tiger Moth G-AOUR was one of the Ulster Flying Clubs aircraft from August 1961 until it was PWFU in July 1965.

Another video from the collection - this one is very rare indeed. Can any of the members help identify a possible year? Not sure if this is an RAF gliding club or the early days of the UFC. Are we talking 70s, maybe 60s here?

It's kinda hard to see where airshows are going to go generally. Outside of the biggies they've been in decline for decades and even RIAT is increasingly upselling the "ground attractions" these days. 

Various European forces are supposed to be upping their equipment/manning levels over the next few years, maybe that'll bring back recruitment drives and "in the public eye" operations.

Another one from UAT - this time the Sea Hawk being extracted via the roof when it got 'stuck' inside the hangar due to development work around it.

Quote from: Egaa lad on Sep 17, 2025, 15:24Overflying funeral in Omagh of their former CEO.

That's a lovely tribute.