140,000 attend #BrayAirDisplay two day spectacle
The Red Arrows dramatic display drew 90,000+ people to the second day of this year’s Bray Air Display. The Red Arrows team of nine jets in their distinctive red livery, opened the event with an amazing display of aerobatics while Italy’s Frecce Tricolori brought the day’s aviation spectacle to a flamboyant finale. In between these world-class displays spectators were treated to astonishing performances of aviation precision from teams across Ireland and Europe. Spectators along Bray promenade were treated to a total of 14 team displays during the ever popular, free, family event.
Supported by main sponsors the Irish Aviation Authority, as well as Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie, the 2016 line-up firmly cements Bray Air Display’s reputation as one of Europe’s best air displays.
Se Pardy, Director, Bray Air Display, said, “This is the first time in the event’s 11 year history that the Red Arrows have performed and we are thrilled to have them here. To also have Italy’s finest, the Frecce Tricolori and teams from the UK, France and Sweden, as well as the very best in Irish aviation is a wonderful achievement for all involved. This really is a very special day for Bray and a day to remember in Irish aviation history. Many thanks to everyone who came out to watch the display this weekend, to the event sponsors and the people of Bray for all their support.”
Young aviation fan Ben Twomey from Fermoy in Cork got a very special 14th birthday surprise at the Bray Air Display when he was met by Red Arrow Squadron Leader Mike Ling (‘Red Ten’) to wish him a very happy birthday in person. Ben, who was at the event with his parents Sinead and Brian and little brother Sam as well as Grandmother Kathleen, blew out the candles on an aeroplane themed cake to a chorus of happy birthday wishes.
Another show highlight were the Breitling Wingwalkers, the world’s only formation wingwalking display team and another first for the Bray Air Display, who thrilled with a dare-devil display of acrobatics on the top wings of beautiful Boeing Stearman bi-planes – all performed mid-flight!
Other international acts included the Patrouille Tranchant, a Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft – the first time Fouga aircraft have been displayed in Ireland – and the Blades, a team comprised of ex-Red Arrow pilots and the CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100. Fans of old-school, aviation glamour were treated to displays by the British Spitfire/Seafire and the Triggs.
Homegrown talent was well represented by the Irish Air Corps, the Irish Historic Flight Foundation, Aer Lingus 321, CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100, the Black Knights Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team and the Irish coast guard Search & rescue, while the magnificent Irish Naval Defence Forces LÉ Ciara patrol vessel was stationed just off the strand throughout the two day event.
Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “We are very proud to have been the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising. We are delighted that the Air Display has been such a success. Aviation has played a critical role in the development of the Irish economy over the last 100 years and it remains a key part of the Irish economic system, supporting over 40,000 jobs directly. We hope that this weekend will have helped to inspire a new generation of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts.”