Latest news with #InternationalAyrShow–FestivalofFlight
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Two new aircrafts to appear at International Ayr Show this year
The two air forces will be appearing this September. Both the French Air and Space Force and Belgian Air Force are set to appear at the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight this September. Organisers are "excited" to confirm the French aerobatic team known as Équipe de Voltige de l'Armée de l'Air (EVAA) as the first of the international aerial displays for the airshow, and a new display for 2025. The breath-taking aerobatic display will showcase the talent of this team of highly qualified elite military pilots, including the current word aerobatic champion. The EVAA operate the Extra EA-330SC high performance aircraft capable of complex aerial manoeuvres. The two aircraft joining the airshow in Ayr will be flown by world class pilots, affectionately known as 'Souche' and 'Brice', who will deliver a two-ship display program featuring their own thrilling individual sections. This year, for the first time, there will be a static display of the Belgian Air Force Augusta 109BA Hirundo on Ayr's Low Green, allowing festival goers an up-close look at this impressive helicopter. The Augusta has been used in roles such as armed reconnaissance, observation, tactical support, medical evacuation and for anti-tank missions. As part of this unique attraction, the public will be able to meet the crew to learn about what they do and find out more about the aircraft. Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly said: "It's fantastic to be able to announce two new aircraft for this year's airshow – and two international acts at that! The crowds are sure to be thoroughly impressed by the highly technical display put on by the expert pilots from the French aerobatic team, and I'm certainly looking forward to it." Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "Excitement is building for the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight, so it's wonderful to be able to announce that two brand new aircraft are on the bill this year. I'm sure locals and visitors alike will be flocking to the Low Green to catch a glimpse of the Augusta up close and meet the crew!" CEO of The Skylab, Geoff Coxon, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have the Belgian Air Force attend our airshow. We are aware that as a seaside display, we do not have the ability to get aircraft on the ground so the public can get access to the aircraft as other airshows are able to do. And as the airport is too far away to have a static event whilst the airshow is happening, we decided to almost bring the airport to Low Green so everyone will be able meet and chat to the Augusta helicopter crew. "It is a privilege, and honour, to have the French Air & Space Force join us this year, and we are one of only two displays that EVAA will attend in the UK in 2025. It illustrates how our airshow is now regarded as one of the best In the UK where international teams want to come and display." The event will take place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 at Ayr's shorefront - with activities and attractions throughout the Low Green.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Airshow Festival Village returns for two days of family entertainment
There will be a range of activities for all ages, including a climbing tower, laser tag, and axe throwing. The International Ayr Show's Festival of Flight village will bring a weekend of entertainment for the whole family this September. The event will take place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 at Ayr's shorefront - with activities and attractions throughout the Low Green as well as breathtaking aerial displays. This year, there will be plenty of activities for all ages, including a climbing tower, laser tag, and axe throwing. Visitors can try the aircraft simulator or make their way to the fabulous lights and attractions of the fun fair. If you're coming to the airshow with the whole family, there's a wide range of activities to keep children occupied at the Family Fun Village – with face painters, glitter tattooists, a circus workshop, bubble football, a dinosaur show, a magic show and more. The airshow strategic partner, theSKYLAB, will return to the Festival Village with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) marquee. With hands-on activities and representatives from companies from the Prestwick aerospace hub and across Scotland, attendees will be able to get a taster of all the impressive and interesting things that are going on in the world of STEM. Also returning will be the popular Army, Navy and RAF village. Organisers are especially pleased to welcome back the event charity partner to the festival site - the RAF Benevolent Fund. Representatives from the Fund will be happy to welcome festival goers to their marquee to chat about the invaluable support they provide to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their families. Attendees will be able to create the perfect memory of their visit by choosing a souvenir from one of the many vendors in our Local Trade Village, or from the airshow merchandise stall. There will be a food village with a wide variety of tasty treats to keep everyone fuelled up, plus a bar on site. Business owners are encouraged to register their interest in trading at the 2025 International Ayr Show via the online application form which is available on the aishow webpage. There will be a range of static exhibitions featured this year, showcasing vintage cars, vintage motorcycles, model aeroplanes, heritage emergency vehicles and more. There will also be a range of military museum exhibitions to view. With all this, plus daring aerial displays on both days, there's plenty to look forward to at the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "After two successful years, The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight has gone from strength to strength and I'm sure 2025 will be no different. With even more announcements to come, the line-up for both the aerial displays and Festival Village are promising a brilliant weekend." Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "We'll have an excellent range of activities on offer at the airshow this year – making it not only a worthwhile trip for all the aviation enthusiasts, but also a great day out for families. "It's exciting to have such a prestigious event to look forward to within South Ayrshire that draws in impressive crowds of both local people and visitors – just what we want and need for the area." Gavin Davey, Area Director for Scotland, Northeast England and Northern Ireland, at the Fund said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with South Ayrshire Council at The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight in September. "This outstanding event provides an invaluable platform to raise awareness of the vital support we offer to members of the RAF Family across Ayrshire, Scotland, and the wider UK. "We look forward to this year's event with great anticipation and are grateful for the continued warmth and enthusiasm shown by South Ayrshire Council and the local community. "The Ayr Show consistently offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, and we are excited to strengthen our local engagement." CEO of The Skylab, Geoff Coxon, said: "The STEM village is a fantastic place to see what is happening at the amazing Prestwick aerospace hub and the rest of Scotland, with all of the companies bringing along the really exciting things they make. They will also bring interactive family activities such as mini drone flying, flight simulator, wind tunnel experiments and much more too. 'It is a great place to talk to the companies about career opportunities too. Even though you may not think it, there are so many transferable skills that be used in the aerospace industry, so you never know where your next career move will take you after the airshow. 'Our airshow is very special in that it is the only airshow in the UK where the flying display programme is specifically designed around STEM. So, all of the exciting displays you will see have real links with the engineers and companies in the STEM village. This way there is real context to what is happening in the STEM village on the ground. Make sure to listen out for the display commentaries that link all of these great companies, and their teams, to the displays from the Typhoon, Red Arrows and many others to come!"
