Newcastle Festival of Flight 2014 airshow

jasT1981

the 5th Newcastle Festival of Flight runs from August 4th to August 9th 2014 with the airshow on Saturday 9th.

Confirmed participants so far

Red Arrows
Eurofighter Typhoon
RN Seafire
RAF Tucano

Facebook group for information- https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleFoF

jasT1981

RAF Tucano confirmed now for the Airshow. That makes 4 confirmed displays. Down District Council have said 6 Jet displays, with 3 different jet formations. Red Arrows confirmed as is Eurofighter which makes 2 more formation displays and 2 more Solo jets to be confirmed.

B/E AEROSPACE FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT - SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2014

Down District Council are delighted the much anticipated B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight will exceed all expectations this year. Following on the success of last year's 5 star event Jeff Salter, Flight Director & Down District Council plan to go a step further this year and is currently negotiating for six different jet types involving three seperate jet formations. It promises to be an fabulous display.

airbusa320

BBMF Lancaster is now confirmed on the Down festivals Facebook page.

robclay26

airbusa320 wrote: »

BBMF Lancaster is now confirmed on the Down festivals Facebook page.

Savage!!!!

jasT1981

RAF Falcons added to line up

airbusa320

I wonder what the jump platform will be, Herc, Chinook, Puma or more likely a cessena caravan.
Having the falcons this year does this mean they are expecting the tide to be out ?

jasT1981

Gnat Display team officially confirmed.

airbusa320

Vulcan confirmed this morning on Down festivals Facebook page

robclay26

Sweet hopefully will get to see this rare bird again. Was really great to see her last year

jasT1981

Will be great to see her again, they really are going for a fantastic show this year.

4 of the 6 jets now confirmed.

they said a while back 6 types of jets with 3 formation teams...

Red Arrows and Gnats as the formations
Vulcan and Typhoon as solo

I am thinking Midair squadron which will take it to 6 jet types (Hawker Hunter and Canberra) and 3 formations.

jasT1981

Mid Air Squadron confirmed. 2 Hawker Hunters and the Belfast built Canberra

Spitfire replica from UAS on ground display

Irish Historical flight had a listing for Newcastle, however they had the date wrong and are waiting to reconfirm!

airbusa320

Irish historic flight confirmed for the 9th on Down festivals FB page

jasT1981

Still more jets to announce apparently. I am thinking either Newcastle Jet Provost or the F86 Sabre/Mig 15.

madzers

Super line up so far was excellent show last year

emo72

is this a free event? it seems you watch it from the waterfront?

Duffer2010

emo72 wrote: »

is this a free event? it seems you watch it from the waterfront?

Yes it's free

postitnote

It was well worth the trip last year. With the Vulcan coming back you can be sure I'll be back there this year too!

eastmayo

Looks like a great day,dose anyone no if there is activitys for kids on the day there?and is there plenty parking

emo72

Duffer2010 wrote: »

Yes it's free

feel like a fool now. i would have went last year if i knew that:o

they dont seem to have a website and face book mentions nothing about charges or anything. i think this year im going and its a lovely part of the country too.

postitnote

Donard Park has a replica Typhoon usually, climbing wall and a few stalls. From memory the Irish Coast Guard helicopter set down here for a brief time too.

Newcastle itself is an old family holiday resort and has the usual abundance of the usual tacky amusement arcades and ice cream shops, but kids seem to like it.

I was there with a 5 year old nephew and 7 year old niece, and when the planes were flying they were quite content to sit and watch.

Parking is a bit of a nightmare, but I believe there is a park and ride scheme. The town has a one way system, so my recommendation is to choose wisely with parking. We were cheeky enough to leave a car there the night before and got the bus in from a friend's nearby so I can't really comment too much on parking.

Donard park has a big car park, but if you are planning on leaving via Kilkeel - Newry, then you will be caught in the one way system for a looooong time.

eastmayo

Thanks for that,trying to get accommodation for the night,what time dose it start at?and how long dose the airshow go on for?

Alun

postitnote wrote: »

Parking is a bit of a nightmare, but I believe there is a park and ride scheme.

There is indeed and it works very well. When you drive there, from Newry don't take the coast road through Kilkeel but take either the N25 through Rathfriland or the B180 through Hilltown. You'll see the signs for the P+R car park off the Castlewellan Road (Northfield) as you approach Newcastle.

postitnote

You see? I knew someone would have better knowledge of the routes in and using the park and ride!

From memory the air display started at 1330 last year with an Air/Sea rescue demo. The flying displays were on from 1400 to approx. 1700.

jasT1981

postitnote wrote: »

Donard Park has a replica Typhoon usually, climbing wall and a few stalls. From memory the Irish Coast Guard helicopter set down here for a brief time too.

Newcastle itself is an old family holiday resort and has the usual abundance of the usual tacky amusement arcades and ice cream shops, but kids seem to like it.

I was there with a 5 year old nephew and 7 year old niece, and when the planes were flying they were quite content to sit and watch.

I have not heard about the typhoon this year..yet, but the UAS are bringing their spitfire for a ground display. The UMVC will also be bringing the military jeaps etc that they bring each year, and no doubt the stalls etc will be in Donard park.

U105 is doing a live radio roadshow from Newcastle.

Thank god I don't have to worry about traffic 5 minute walk from my house to the beech

Tenger

jasT1981 wrote: »

........
Thank god I don't have to worry about traffic 5 minute walk from my house to the beech

How big is your garden? We can bring beer?

jasT1981

Tenger wrote: »

How big is your garden? We can bring beer?

Sadly you won't get much of a view from my house

Wondering what the warm up display will be this year on the day before the show.

2 years ago we had the Typhoon come down on the day before the airshow to do a practice display and last year the T6 Texan and the F86 Sabre came down the day before to do a practice.

airbusa320

Wondering what else we can expect this year and how long the display will last. Last years start time slipped quite a bit with the heli,s no show.

jasT1981

The council have said they are not done yet with adding to the list, and also not done with the jets

airbusa320

Royal Norwegian historic flight Vampire pair added this morning

jasT1981

Yea, Vampires are a great addition

When the B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight began it was sometimes referred to as the "Jet Fest". That appellative would be most appropriate this year as the Down District Council team add two more classic jets to this year's display, bringing the total number of individual jets up to 18.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historic Flight are in the UK and Ireland this summer with two de Havilland Vampires, a FB52 single seater and a T55 two seat trainer. The Norwegian Air Force bought 36 single seat Vampires and 6 two seat trainers between 1949 and 1959.

These two aircraft were originally built in Switzerland for the Swiss Air Force, but now fly as RNAF jets from No336 Squadron. They are based today at Rygge Air Base near Oslo.
We may have a further announcement next month.

youknowwho

Never been to this show but there used to be a good one up in Newtonards which had a great line up. Can anyone tell me where the display actually takes place ie. Is it parallel to the main promenade and if so how far out to sea (something like the Bray show), can you go on the strand to watch it or are there better vantage spots above the town?

Sorry for all the questions.

airbusa320

You can watch the show from the promanade you are not allowed on the beach even if the tide is out. The police moved people last year.The RAF stuff seem to stay further out but miss demeanour came in nice and close last year as did the F-86

Tenger

I would love to get up to this...just wondering what travel options are avail? Do UlsterBus/Bus Eireainn serve Newcastle enroute to Belfast?

(Doubt I will convince the missus to let me take the car and leave the family stranded...and no, taking them all with me is not a viable option!!)

airbusa320

Sorry Tenger I dont know about the bus service as I have driven the last two years and used the park and ride which is v good.
Traffic was mad getting out last year with the huge crowds 125 thousand I believe . Should be just the same this year

jasT1981

Tenger wrote: »

I would love to get up to this...just wondering what travel options are avail? Do UlsterBus/Bus Eireainn serve Newcastle enroute to Belfast?

(Doubt I will convince the missus to let me take the car and leave the family stranded...and no, taking them all with me is not a viable option!!)

Yes, many do depending where you are coming from Belfast goes direct to Newcastle or Kilkeel... The Kilkeel bus has to go through Newcastle anyway. Bus Eireainn doesn't though.

Newry also directly to Newcastle. Bus Eireainn though doesn't you would probably have to change once you get over the border.

jasT1981

youknowwho wrote: »

Never been to this show but there used to be a good one up in Newtonards which had a great line up. Can anyone tell me where the display actually takes place ie. Is it parallel to the main promenade and if so how far out to sea (something like the Bray show), can you go on the strand to watch it or are there better vantage spots above the town?

Sorry for all the questions.

Newtownards had one yesterday for armed forces day.

Newcastle is along the beech. You can sit on the promenade or if the tide is out on the beech itself. Display is over the sea, however they do come in close to the crowd too! .. No matter where you go in town you will get a good view as long as you are on the seafront. Some go up the mountains to watch too.

jasT1981

airbusa320 wrote: »

You can watch the show from the promanade you are not allowed on the beach even if the tide is out. The police moved people last year.The RAF stuff seem to stay further out but miss demeanour came in nice and close last year as did the F-86

Actually you are, last year was the first time we were not allowed on the beech, because the high tide was during the display. We were on the beech every year but last.

airbusa320

I stand corrected jasT1981. Just remember last year

Alun

jasT1981 wrote: »

Some go up the mountains to watch too.

If the Vulcan does again what it did as a finale last year, i.e. fly between Donard and Commedagh I think I'll climb up to the top of Donard and watch it if the weather permits.

BeardySi

Alun wrote: »

If the Vulcan does again what it did as a finale last year, i.e. fly between Donard and Commedagh I think I'll climb up to the top of Donard and watch it if the weather permits.

I've not done Newcastle before, would it be worth watching the show from up there for a different perspective, or would you miss out on most of the action? I do rather like the notion of being above the action!

Pshemko

Where is the best spot to watch the show at the Donard Hill?

https://www.google.com/maps/@54.2300744,-5.892917,967a,35y,180h,78.16t/data=!3m1!1e3

jasT1981

I would actually recommend going to the beech as the flight line is further out this year due to low tide. A lot are talking about going to the quarry. However if you're set on Donard mountain, the top would be the best.

jasT1981

this is your view from the top of Donard

jasT1981

The festival is to get extra funding this year, however there has been some 'political' objections to the Red Arrows once again

DOWN Council is to increase its budget for this summer’s prestige Festival of Flight in Newcastle which is just weeks away.

Politicians have agreed to allocate an additional £21,500 to the flagship event in August featuring the Red Arrows which last year attracted 125,000 visitors.

Members of the local authority’s Cultural and Economic Development Committee were told on Monday night that the additional money is being taken from existing budgets and will not result in the local authority going into the red.

The three-day festival will cost almost £150,000 to put on, but provides the district with a major economic windfall, councillors were told.

They heard estimates from 2013 suggest the increasingly popular festival — which organisers say will be even bigger and better this year — generated almost £3m in income for the district.

Council officials are keen to ensure the Newcastle event remains Northern Ireland’s number one flying festival, with local politicians weighing with their support to ensure this happens.

A number of aircraft taking part in this year’s display have never before been seen in the skies above Northern Ireland and include a Canberra, two Gnats, two Vampire aircraft and a Seafire. The iconic Vulcan is also returning this August.

Council officials are keen to attract more cross-border visitors to the festival and plan to keep adding to the event to keep ahead of their main competitors for similar events, including Portrush.
Councillor Billy Walker said the Newcastle event provides a major boost for the resort and backed Down Council’s plans to keep improving the event to continue making it the best of its kind in Northern Ireland.

“This event just gets better and better and is second to none. It’s a festival we are delighted to have in our district,” he added.

Councillor Willie Clarke said there is no doubt the Festival of Flight is a major event for the district and the island of Ireland and already attracts visitors south of the border. He said the many additional components of the August festival have also helped make it a major success, with events like the outdoor cinema making it a real family occasion.

He said while Sinn Fein “continues to be opposed to the Red Arrows” it recognises the importance of the festival to the district, seeking assurances there would be no RAF or British Army recruitment stands in Newcastle this August.

Councillor Stephen Burns asked if the event’s budget included money for a post-festival evaluation of its benefit, explaining such information will be beneficial when the event is discussed by the new Newry, Mourne and Down Council. He said no one wants to see the Newcastle festival going off the radar given its importance.

Council director, Michael Lipsett, gave an assurance that there would be no RAF or Army recruitment stands in the resort to coincide with the festival and that there will be a post-event evaluation.

He also confirmed a specialist company will film the festival with the footage used in promotional material around the globe. Mr. Lipsett said the festival continues to be a major success and revealed very ambitious plans are in the pipeline for next year to make the festival “truly All-Ireland.”
http://www.thedownrecorder.co.uk/pages/?title=More_money_for_festival_which_attracts_thousands

airbusa320

Irish air corps Casa CN235 just added to open the display . Just announced on Down festivals Facebook page

jasT1981

Casa has been added, and is the final aircraft however they have announced there will be a 'Belfast boys' formation which will be announced at a later date.

Running order -


Casa/Irish Historic Flight/Falcons Parachute Team/Tucano/Gnat Display Team/Lancaster/Norwegian Vampires/Seafire/Midair Sqn (Canberra+Hunters)/Vulcan/Typhoon/Red Arrows.

jasT1981

There will be a ground viewing of the Hunters and the Canberra at Belfast Int on Sun 10th August. They did this last year with the Vulcan and it was a great day out. So hoping ticket information is announced soon.

Duffer2010

Excellent idea. Pity the same couldn't be done in Dublin with the Hunter, Vampires and Strikemaster currently on site

jasT1981

I was surprised last year by the Vulcan viewing. I expected an 'Under wing tour' with barriers around the aircraft like at most airshows, but it was a complete unrestricted viewing (with exception of cockpit obviously though they did leave the ladder down to look up into it) was a brilliant day out.

allybhoy

Thinking of attending this, can anyone reccomend a hotel \ BnB within walking distance of the airshow? Trying to find one online is impossible, they keep suggesting Carlingford or Newry!

BeardySi

I'd be amazed if there was any accommodation left in Newcastle for that weekend at this stage... There are lots of B&B's in the area, but if you're limiting yourself to walking distance I doubt you'll get lucky!