Aviation fans can look forward to a two-day spectacular display this July 29th and 30th at the award-winning and hugely popular Bray Air Display*. This year’s event, which will celebrate 60 years of Irish Air Corps helicopter services in Ireland, boasts an incredible line up including the world-famous Red Arrows, Guinness World Record holders AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane fly-in formation, Team Raven aerobatic display team and the magnificent Royal Jordanian Falcons. On-the-ground entertainment kicks off from 12 noon daily followed by the airshow at 3 pm on both days.
The free, family event is one of the most popular air shows in Europe and Ireland’s biggest air festival, attracting thousands to the Co. Wicklow seaside town to marvel at amazing aerobatics.
Sé Pardy, Bray Air Display Director said, “We’re really looking forward to the 16th Bray Air Show which will be a two-day extravaganza with a full airshow lineup on both days. Some of the best display teams and individual acts from around the world will showcase their aerobatic skills during a weekend of turbo-charged family entertainment. The display will kick off at 3 pm each day but we encourage spectators to arrive early in plenty of time to enjoy the ground entertainment before the air display begins.”
General Officer Commanding Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor stated, “The Irish Air Corps is delighted to support and display for the public at this year’s Bray Air Display. This year will be unique as we celebrate 60 years of helicopter operations, marking a significant milestone in the history of aviation for the State. Since the introduction of its first helicopter in 1963, the Irish Air Corps has been at the forefront of pioneering efforts in helicopter flying and introducing new technology serving the people of Ireland with unwavering dedication and professionalism. We are really looking forward to having the opportunity to display Air Corps aircraft over the weekend.”
Pardy concluded, “Bray Air Display will not disappoint this July. We’re very excited about the calibre of acts we will have this year and that fans will have two days to enjoy the spectacular air display.”
Organisers would like to stress that all spectators should plan their journey in advance and arrive early for a stress-free journey to Bray. Before and after the event there will inevitably be traffic delays. Regardless of the mode of transport, spectators should arrive prior to 2 pm. All motorists are advised that they must pre-book their car park space online in one of the official event car parks prior to attending the airshow. For more information and to book a car space visit https://brayairdisplay.com/parking2023/.
Follow the festival on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BrayAirDisplay Twitter https://twitter.com/brayairshow and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brayairdisplay/ for updates.
*Subject to licence; aircraft line-up and air display are subject to change without notice and may be dependent on weather.
About Bray Air Display
The 16th annual Bray Air Display will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of July 2023. One of Europe’s biggest and best air shows, Bray Air Display attracts thousands of people to the Co. Wicklow coastal town for the annual event. #BrayAirDisplay takes place thanks to the support of Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie. Bray Air Display attracts the largest single-family audience (+100,000 people over two days) of any free outdoor event in Ireland. It is estimated that the two-day event contributes €3.5 million to the local economy. The event makes a very significant, positive impact on the town of Bray, and the surrounding region and contributes substantially to increased visitor footfall to the area, attracting both indigenous and international visitors. Bray Air Display was recognised as ‘Best Festival / Event Experience over 50,000 people’ at the prestigious, national Irish Tourism Industry Awards 2017 and in 2018 and 2019 it won silver in the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ category at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
Bray Air Display 2023 line-up (not in order of appearance and is subject to change):
- Prepare to be amazed at the Irish Air Corps aerobatic antics as we celebrate 60 years of helicopter operations
- The AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers will perform their unique formation display
- Watch the Irish Parachute Club and The Black Knights (Sunday only) freefall onto Bray beach
- Enjoy Eddie Goggins, aka The Flying Dentist’s jaw-dropping performance
- There’s old-world glamour from the Irish Historic Flight Foundation Chipmunk and Stearman aircraft
- The Garda Air Support Unit once again makes a flying visit. They provide invaluable air support for Garda ground operations.
- There’s vintage aviation-style from the Catalina Flying Boat and the Mustang ‘Miss Helen’.
- See the iconic and historic Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane fly-in formation during a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
- A Search and Rescue display will honour the selfless men and women who play such a key role in safeguarding Irish lives.
- Be amazed at the aerobatic antics of the Royal Jordanian Falcons.
- Pilot Sean Bennett flies a Stearman.
- Picture perfect formation display from the world-famous Red Arrows (Flypast on Saturday, July 29th and full display sequence on Sunday, July 30th).
- Sweden’s Saab 37 Viggen will thunderbolt across the Bray skyline.
- Team Raven, a formation aerobatic display team will fly five self-built Van RV8 aircraft.
As well as the entertainment in the sky there’s plenty of action on the ground; enjoy the thrills and spills of the Seafront Funfair, dine alfresco at the Food and Craft Village or experience a breath-taking helicopter ride over Bray Head.
While the Bray Air Display is a free family weekend, Flight Deck and corporate hospitality packages are available for those looking for an extra special airshow experience. For more information and booking visit: https://brayairdisplay.com/hospitality/
Bray Air Display organisers are working in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Wicklow County Council and respective agencies to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan for the duration of the event. Please be aware that the event is expected to attract a large volume of traffic on the road network and via public transport which will mean increased journey times.
Organisers would like to stress that all spectators please plan their journey in advance and arrive early for a stress-free journey to Bray. Before and after the event there will inevitably be traffic delays so please be patient. Regardless of your mode of transport, please arrive prior to 2 pm.
Pictured are Captain Neil Dunne, Irish Air Corps and young aviation fan Elise Cassidy Fox at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel at the announcement that #BrayAirDisplay will take place over two days this July 29th and 30th.