Plan your trip for the new air show - first car parking spaces are available to book now!

As the much-anticipated International Ayr show - Festival of Flight comes ever closer, South Ayrshire Council are urging people to start planning their trip. 

 With crowds in their thousands expected to descend on Ayr between Friday 8 and Sunday 10 September - now is the time to plan ahead!  

 Festival goers can expect an action-packed weekend, filled with thrilling aviation displays and fantastic family entertainment. So why not get organised in advance so all you'll need to do nearer the time is look forward to the event? 

 Around 10,800 parking spaces will be available in Ayr, at a range of carparks within walking distance of the festival or through a park and ride service.    

The first spaces at Ayr Racecourse and Belleisle Park (the Old Racecourse on Dunure Road) are available to book now.  The what3words location for Belleisle Park is survey.cuts.mats and for Ayr Racecourse it is soft.shares.third 

The nearest car park to the event is Belleisle Park, which is a five-minute walk from the Event Village. Park and ride will also be available for those who would prefer to use that option. Ayr Racecourse is around a 25-minute walk from the Event Village and park and ride will be available from there too. 

Parking will cost £5 per car on Friday 8 and Sunday 10 September, and £10 on Saturday 9 September.  Anyone who books parking on the Saturday will receive a free event programme.  Toilets will also be available and free to use at the car park, which will no doubt come in especially handy for those of you travelling a distance with young families!  

Booking is easy, all you need to do is visit www.ayrshow.co.uk and follow the instructions. 

Information about further carparking options is coming soon!   

411 free disabled parking spaces will also be available in Blackburn Car Park.  There's no need to book these spaces - they will be available on a first come, first served basis.  This will be a secure car park and officers on duty will ask to see your Blue Badge on arrival. 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "We want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy the festival.  Knowing where you'll park in advance will take the stress out of the first part of the day - especially if you've got young children or you're travelling in groups.  It's easy to book parking, but please make sure you do this as soon as possible because we're expecting a huge turnout for the event over all three days."  

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "The air show will attract both local residents and visitors from far and wide, so planning your trip ahead is a must. If you're able to walk, cycle or use public transport, that's great.  For those who have to travel by car, we'd always encourage people to group together and car share wherever possible, as it will be busy.  There will be a range of parking options available - they key is to book your space in advance."   

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "Parking up at large events can be stressful, so we're making sure that there are plenty of options to suit everyone. I'd encourage anyone who is planning on driving to the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight, to make their parking arrangements in advance.  Now's the time to do it, with the first of our car parking options available to book.  Doing this will mean all you'll need to think about on the day is having fun with family and friends."  

Keep up to date with preparations for The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight at www.ayrshow.co.uk.