Council unveils exciting air show Festival Village plans

South Ayrshire Council's brand-new International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will come to Ayr shore front from Friday 8 - Sunday 10 September 2023. 

A number of electrifying aerial displays have already been announced to wow the crowds as part of the Friday and Saturday programme. 

If aerial displays are not quite your thing, but you're still looking for an amazing weekend of fun activities and entertainment, you won't be disappointed. The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight has something for everyone to enjoy! 

From Friday onwards, a thrilling fun fair* will be in full swing and you can also expect to see some impressive sponsor and trader exhibitions.   

Over the three days you'll be able to keep everyone well fed and watered with a great variety of delicious offerings in the food and drink village.  You can also drop by one of the many food and ice-cream vans to pick up a tasty treat on-the-go.  For those of you who plan to make your air show experience extra special, you'll be able to enjoy the glamorous VIP bar**.  

The armed forces will each have their own village, so if you'd like to find out more about the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF, make sure you pay them a visit. 

Our event charity partner, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, will also have a welfare stand, which will be open throughout the course of the festival.  The team onsite will be delighted to tell you more about the fantastic work they carry out locally and across the UK. 

If it's an air show souvenir you're after, you can head over to our merchandise stand where a range of branded goods will be available to purchase.  

A highly important element to the new air show is education, in particular STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.  We're inviting everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, to swing by our STEM village, The Sky Way, to find out more about the crucial part these subjects play in the future of the local and international aviation and aerospace industries. 

On Saturday and Sunday, the entertainment will really switch up a gear with the impressive classic car and extreme sports exhibitions.  Both are not to be missed! 

Live performances from Drums n' Roses and a wandering pipe band will add music to the festival atmosphere. 

If you like a selfie, keep a look out for our walk-about aviation and stilt comedy characters who will be happy to stop and strike a pose with you!  

For the creative ones among you, you can indulge in aviation art displays that will be created in real time by Tragic O'Hara. Or you can get hands-on at our free children and family Creative Zone.  

If you want to slow the pace down for a while, you can visit the Healing Centre or grab a seat at our free cinema, which will be showing classic aviation films and documentaries. 

There will also be a rare opportunity to meet RAF veterans. 

If being by the sea makes you want to head for the water, you'll have a chance to take the plunge with the brilliant Just Dive Scuba Experience!*** 

The aquatic action continues right through the weekend, with some fabulous beach activities on Sunday 10 September.  Get your swimming cap and water wings ready and prepare to take part in team water games, coasteering and coastal edging.  A brilliant beach assault course and pop-up beach sports will also be on offer. 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "The new air show will attract thousands of people to Ayr and the surrounding area, and we want to make sure that we cater for everyone who visits the festival.  We've been working with our sponsors, partners and the wider community to make sure that there is plenty for all the family to see and do. So I'm confident this event will be a big hit with air show enthusiasts and those who simply want to have a great weekend by the seaside." 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "We said from the outset that The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will have something for everyone and our on-the-ground entertainment programme is looking fantastic.  There will be loads of things to do during the course of the festival.  Whether you want to pursue an energetic activity or take your time and enjoy a meander round the Festival Village - we've got it covered." 

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "We've covered all bases with our entertainment and activity plans for the air show festival weekend.  It's going to be a great event, both in the skies and on the ground, so come along, have a great time and soak up the atmosphere." 

The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr shore front between Friday 8 - Sunday 10 September 2023.  

You can find out more about The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight at www.ayrshow.co.uk .  

*Fun fair operator charges will apply 

** Access to the VIP bar will be for VIP ticket holders only - information about how to get VIP tickets will follow soon

***Just Dive Scuba Experience booking details Scuba Diving, Mermaid, Snorkeling Paisley, Glasgow, Scotland (just-dive.co.uk)