McCausland launches eighth International Air Show

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson McCausland MLA has launched the eighth Northern Ireland International Air Show.

The Northern Ireland air show which takes place on the weekend of 5 and 6 September is a free event held at West Bay, Portrush. The Minister was joined at the launch by Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, and Mrs Adele Kennedy from the Kennedy Group who sponsor the event.

Nelson McCausland said: “This is a brilliant family event which celebrates and recognises Northern Ireland’s aviation history and, new to the event this year, our naval heritage.

"This event has been attracting crowds of 200,000 for the past seven years and, this year, is building on its success through a new partnership with the Royal Navy. This will offer visitors the chance to see a water based Commando beach landing and several large ships in the bay.

"The Red Arrows are also part of this event and a very touching part of the celebrations is the memorial service which sees a two million poppy drop on the beach.

"This year my Department has offered funding for the development of an evening programme of live music and fireworks, with a view to capturing overnight visitors and maximising the tourism revenue for this event."

The Minister congratulated organisers. The Minister said: "The international Air Show really has something for all the family and I would encourage everyone, whether a first time visitor or a seasoned air show aficionado, to come to the North Coast to enjoy this exciting programme of events.”

Notes to Editors:

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