Northern Ireland flying high as events host

Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Gregory Campbell MP, MLA has congratulated the sponsors of the Northern Ireland International Air Show on this year’s spectacular event.

The Minister who will be attending this weekend’s event at West Bay, Portrush, said: “Working together, Coleraine Borough Council and the Kennedy Group have succeeded in maximising the impact of the Air Show which effectively extends the tourist season in the North West into September.

“My Department is pleased to be supporting this year’s Air Show and I congratulate everyone involved in organising this prestigious event. It is through the delivery of high quality, high impact events that Northern Ireland continues to build its reputation as a destination for major world class events.

“The icing on the cake is the dramatic scenery of the North Coast which provides an outstanding backdrop to rival anywhere in the world. In addition, improvements to our infrastructure and economic prosperity have played a major role in helping to position Northern Ireland as a top class international host.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Air Show is a free event attracting up to 200,000 spectators and runs over the weekend 6 and 7 September.
2. The Council have expanded the event, from its inception in 2002, to provide a wide variety of entertainment and activities on the ground to attract families.
3. The event has attracted the world renowned Red Arrows for both days, the Arrows only appearance in Ireland this year.
4. The RAF Spitfire Display will be a significant attraction as it is the world’s oldest flying spitfire from the Battle of Britain. It is also timely as the RAF celebrates their 90th anniversary.
5. The Russian Antonov AN2 plane, named the ‘Baltic Bear’, will be flown in from Lithuania for the Show. The ‘Bear’ is the world’s largest engine bi-plane with low stall speed and will be participating in a memorial service planned for Sunday 7th which includes a two million poppy drop.
6. The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure’s Events Unit awarded the Northern Ireland International Air Show £18,000 Revenue Funding, towards marketing and production costs on condition that match private sector funding is secured. The event has also secured £35,000 from Coleraine Borough Council.
7. The Air Show has successfully secured private sponsorship each year. In 2007 and 2008 the local Kennedy Group have been the events main private sector sponsor contributing £20,000 in 2008.
8. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.