Ready for take-off? Air show flying display and festival village times announced

With just over two weeks to go until South Ayrshire's biggest event of 2023, the question on everyone's lips is - what time do the aerial displays start? 

We've got some fantastic displays lined up for Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September and we can't wait to see the iconic aircraft take to our skies.

Our flying display programme is set to take off from 7:00pm on Friday 8 September and is scheduled to last until 9:15pm*. 

Friday's display includes the RAF Black Jack Typhoon, the operational-proven, multi-role fighter, which is capable of flying at supersonic speed, is sure to set your tail in a spin! Plus, get ready to be dazzled by Airborne Pyrotechnics as they light up the skies with their impressive LED lights and pyrotechnics display.  These and more await you to really kick start your festival weekend.

On Saturday 8 September, direct your eyes to the skies from 1:15pm until 6:00pm* and prepare to be mesmerised by a series of magnificent aerial displays.

Saturday's display programme includes the imposing chinook, with its distinctive sound and impressive manoeuvres that will really get the adrenalin going. The Starlings Aerobatic Display Team will perform breath-taking formation rolls, loops and stall turns.  Enjoy a moment of nostalgia as two Spitfire perform the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.  Not to mention the team widely known as the best formation aerobatic display team in the world - The Red Arrows!   These are just some of the aerial displays you can expect to see at the weekend's main display event.

The finalised flying times for each display team over both days will be detailed in our event programme.  Programmes will be available to purchase at the festival for £5.00, or, you'll receive a complimentary copy if you book parking at one of our designated car parks or a VIP pass for Saturday 9 September in advance.

We've said all along that this festival has something to offer for everyone.  So, if you're looking for even more great family entertainment, come along to our festival village.

An interactive creative zone; classic car display; military village; extreme sports display; fun fair**; art display from Tragic O'Hara; Just Dive Scuba Experience; a free cinema showing classic aviation films and documentaries are just some of the activities and entertainment we'll have on offer.  Let your imagination soar at our STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematic and Engineering) marquee, The Skyway.  Or, if you're looking for something a bit more relaxing, make your way to our Healing Centre. 

What festival is complete without some atmospheric live music?  You'll be able to enjoy the sensational Drums n' Roses who will infuse the festival air with high energy beats.  If you want something a touch more traditional, then see if you can spot our wandering pipe band that will be on patrol throughout the event.

On Sunday 10 September why not dive into the ultimate beach bash?  We'll have a brilliant assault course, as well as a series of pop-up beach sports available. The fun won't just stay on land though, have your swimming costumes at the ready and join in the team water games and exhilarating coasteering.

If all of the activities leave you feeling a bit peckish, you can get stuck into a great variety of mouth-watering offerings in the food and drink village, which will be open for the duration of the festival.

The festival village is the place to be for a weekend of non-stop fun and magical moments!

The village will be open at the following times:

Friday 8 September - 4:00pm - 9:15pm

Saturday 9 September - 12:00noon - 6:00pm

Sunday 10 September - 12:00noon - 5:00pm

South Ayrshire Council's Director of Strategic Change and Communities, Jane Bradley, said: "With our flying display programme and festival village plans all firmly in place, it's getting extremely exciting now!  We're looking forward to welcoming local people and visitors to South Ayrshire to enjoy The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight.  It's going to be a thrilling weekend, filled with non-stop entertainment."

*Please note these times are subject to change.

**Operator charges apply.

The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr shore front between Friday 8 - Sunday 10 September.  Parking can be pre-booked at www.ayrshow.co.uk .