Council begins planning for proposed brand new airshow in 2023 and announces event charity partner

South Ayrshire Council's officers have been given the green light to start planning for the delivery of a fantastic new airshow event in Ayr in autumn next year.  The event forms part of a proposed calendar of events for 2023.The agreement was reached at this week's Audit and Governance meeting where officers provided the panel with information on indicative costs for the delivery of the proposed event, which would see the skies across Ayr shore front filled with some amazing aviation displays.

Several other key elements, including the name for the new airshow, 'The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight', have been approved.

Exciting plans are now underway to secure some impressive aviation displays for the proposed airshow. Our strategic partner, theSKYLAB, have already noted interest in  booking a range of military displays and they've made enquiries about civilian aircraft availability, for what's shaping up to be an exhilarating event.

Officers were also given the go ahead to begin to identify event sponsors.

Our official charity partner for the proposed airshow is The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. The RAF's leading welfare charity has been instrumental in supporting serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families in need since its inception in 1919, providing lifelong practical, emotional and financial support.

Gavin Davey, RAF Benevolent Fund Director Scotland, said: "The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight is a great opportunity to work with South Ayrshire Council to reach out to the RAF Family who may be in need in Ayrshire, the West of Scotland and across the country as a whole, and let them know about the extensive welfare support offered by the RAF Benevolent Fund.  We look forward to working with all those connected with the airshow to make it a huge success."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight is an event that many local people and visitors have been waiting for, so it's wonderful to begin to see plans develop and it will be great to work in partnership with the RAF Benevolent Fund."

"Attracting tourists is key to making South Ayrshire stand out as a destination of choice.  A new airshow, as part of a proposed calendar of events for 2023, would raise the profile of Ayr and the surrounding area, adding to its appeal to visitors."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly said: "This is yet another step in the right direction to bring a high profile event to South Ayrshire. More great events and festivals in the area means increased footfall, and The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight would certainly do just that.

"I'm also pleased to welcome The RAF Benevolent Fund as our charity partner for the event."

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey said: "It's great to see further progress being made towards bringing a spectacular new airshow to Ayr next year. The event would bring a real boost to the local area.

"I'm delighted that The RAF Benevolent Fund has been chosen as our charity partner and it will be a privilege to support this very worthy cause."