High-flying fun to entertain crowds at Newcastle show

3 August 2016

NEWCASTLE is preparing for its biggest day of the year this Saturday when the resort hosts the annual B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight which is expected to attract around 100,000 people.

And to help make plane spotting adventures pain free, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is advising people planning to attend the event to get there early for a relaxed day of high flying fun. Early birds will not only have the pick of the car parking, they’ll also have time to enjoy a full programme of aviation-themed events and attractions, most which are free, pleasing budget-conscious families.

The weekend will be extra-busy right across the region and, while that is great news for flight fans and for the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, some traffic disruption is inevitable. Those planning to make their way to Newcastle are advised to allow extra time for their journey or consider an alternative route.

All traffic enforcement laws will be in place as usual so be aware of where you can and cannot park and do not expect to get away with any cheeky manoeuvres just because everyone is in holiday mood. Also be aware that Castle Park in the centre of Newcastle will be closed to motorists from early this Friday until late on Saturday as the area is temporarily transformed into an Aviation village.

This Saturday, parking will be available at the following locations, higher Donard Park, Donard Park, Bryansford Avenue and Bryansford Road, Causeway Road, Downs Road car park, the harbour car park, Main Street, Railway Street and Shimna Road, with disabled parking concentrated at Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, the Glen River car park and within a dedicated section at Donard car park. Motor home parking will also be at higher Donard car park.

There is free park and walk facility at the Dundrum Road which will be open between 9am and 9pm with visitors asked to follow directional signs on the approach to town.

Translink is also doing its bit by providing free park and ride from the Northfield site on the Castlewellan Road, with shuttle buses operating between 9am and 9pm. For anyone who wants to leave the car behind, there is also a range of great value Translink summer travel tickets available. Visit www.translink.co.uk/festivalofflight/ to plan your hassle-free journey to and from Newcastle.

Event programmes are widely available and full event information can also be accessed on visitmournemountains.co.uk and Festival of Flight media partner, U105.

The radio station will be keeping spectators up to date with what’s hot and happening as Frank Mitchell brings his morning show and Johnny Hero hosts afternoon drive live from the U105 studio at the Newcastle Centre on Central Promenade. The pair will have updates, interviews, competitions and giveaways to add to the fun. On the big day itself, Frank will be joined by local personality Pamela Ballantine to keep the party going as the excitement and the aircraft start to soar.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman, Gillian Fitzpatrick, is encouraging local people and visitors to arrive early and stay late to make the most of this summer highlight event.

“The B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight brings an amazing buzz and electric energy to the whole region and I am looking forward to the big day as eagerly as any youngster. I plan to be right at the heart of the fun with my family and council colleagues, sharing in the excitement and also enjoying the traditional seaside atmosphere which is synonymous with Newcastle. This summer, there is simply no better place to be than Newry, Mourne and Down,” she added.

Translink’s Kay Sharkey said the organisation is pleased to join forces with the local council to provide a free shuttle bus service for easy access to and from the town this Saturday.

She added: “Newcastle will be very busy, especially on the Saturday, so anyone travelling to and from the town should leave extra time for their journeys and we will be enhancing our services to meet demand. We would also encourage visitors to use our great value summer fares such as the Translink family and friends ticket offering all-day travel for up to two adults and four children on all Translink bus and train services in Northern Ireland for just £22. Alternatively, our Bus Rambler Ticket is just £9 for adults and £4.50 per child and provides all day travel on Translink bus or coach services throughout Northern Ireland.”

Public safety is absolutely paramount during the festival and visitors are urged to pay close attention to PSNI and marshals’ directions and to obey all beach signs. Spectators should not approach the water’s edge at low tide as that will force aircraft out to sea and spoil everyone’s enjoyment. Spectators are also warned that the use of drones is strictly prohibited. If a drone is detected in the area, all display flying will stop immediately.

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