Legendary bomber to fly in Newcastle festival

Legendary bomber to fly in Newcastle festival

24 April 2013

THE last flying Vulcan bomber, which once carried nuclear weapons, will be making one of its final ever appearances at this summer’s Festival of Flight in Newcastle.

The spectacular Cold War plane which has appeared at a number of air shows across the UK is expected to be grounded later this year.

The huge Vulcan will be roaring across the skies over Dundrum Bay for the summer festival which will also see the Red Arrows making a welcome return to the area. And the amazing Typhoon Eurofighter will also be thundering across the local skyline.

The Avro Vulcan XH558, to give it its proper title, returned to flight in October 2007 following an award winning restoration programme.

Jeff Salter, Flight Director with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTST), said Newcastle’s Festival of Flight will make a little bit of history as this is the mighty Vulcan’s final year in the skies.

The Vulcan last visited the Province in 1985 when it was one of the attractions during Belfast International Airport’s anniversary air display.

Jeff added: “It’s amazing to think that we will have this iconic delta wing Cold War warrior flying here again.”

Mr. Michael Lipsett, Down Council’s Director of Recreation and Community Services, said confirmation of the Vulcan’s appearance is a further development of the already immensely successful festival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Newcastle in August.

“The expansion of the air displays has been made possible by the continued support of the B/E Aerospace plant in Kilkeel. This year we can announce the participation of a new sponsor, Belfast International Airport Ltd, who are thrilled that we have secured the Vulcan to display in what is their 50th anniversary year,” he said.

Mr. Lipsett said the financial, in-kind and effort from local businesses is central to the success of the much-appreciated festival which is a core element of the local council’s summer events programme.

He added: “This year’s festival is part-funded by the Tourist Board through its National Event Funding Programme. Together, we all look forward to an event which will have a positive impact on the local economy and a truly unique experience.”

In addition to the air displays, there will be numerous exhibitions, music, street entertainment and vintage vehicles, with the festival concluding with an open air concert on the promenade. Full programme details are to be announced shortly.