Red Arrows all set for Newcastle show

Red Arrows all set for Newcastle show

19 June 2019

ALL roads lead to Newcastle this Saturday for the International Festival of Flight with the Red Arrows once again the star attraction.

The spectacular aerobatic display is traditionally held on the first weekend in August but has been brought forward this summer as the Red Arrows are embarking upon their largest ever tour to North America in late summer and September.

Last year’s festival was cancelled due to bad weather, with organisers hoping that grey skies over recent days will give way to bright sunshine to greet one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams for the Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s flagship tourism event which is organised with additional support from Tourism NI.

The stellar line-up also includes unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres to thrill the crowds with performances by the Muscle Bi-plane, The Blades, Team Raven, The Global Stars and Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers. 

Also featuring will be a Douglas C-47 Dakota and Tucano T1 with both aircraft set to wow spectators with an array of vintage flying and low-level fly-bys.  

Family fun is the focus for ground-based activities which will include a food and entertainment village in Castle Park, featuring a market, artisan food and drink and children’s arts and craft workshops. 

The festival regularly attracts over 100,000 visitors to the resort, generating tens of thousands of pounds for the local economy, with action in the air and on the ground with the emphasis on family entertainment.

Once again sponsored by aircraft seat manufacturer Collins Aerospace, which has a base in Kilkeel, the annual festival continues to go from strength to strength.

Collins Aerospace acting managing director Stuart McKee said he was looking forward to a “stunning aerial spectacle” in an iconic location where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

“Our passion for aviation is the foundation of everything we do and we are delighted to have the opportunity to share that passion with others, 

supporting an event which will doubtless be a memorable highlight of the summer, as well as a significant contributor to our region’s growing tourism economy,” he said.

“Our congratulations go to Newry, Mourne and Down Council for the vision and commitment it has shown in developing this exciting initiative.”

Mr McKee added: “On behalf of all who will enjoy the occasion, including our own employees, our thanks go to the many agencies, organisations and aviation enthusiasts who give their time and expertise to deliver the adrenaline-packed programme. Together, they create a world class event, in a visually dramatic world class location.”

Council chairman Charlie Casey said he was delighted that Collins Aerospace had renewed its long-standing sponsorship of the Festival of Flight.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the aerospace manufacturer and it’s fantastic to have one of the largest employers in the council area support this flagship event,” he said.

The chairman added: “We are expecting over 100,000 spectators from across the island of Ireland to attend the festival and they will certainly not be disappointed with its strongest line-up for years, with a packed programme of aerial displays and host of family friendly entertainment on the ground.”