The countdown is on for the much-anticipated 2024 International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight.
And South Ayrshire Council have now revealed some of the big attractions set to take place in the 'festival village' during the weekend.
The event will run from Friday, September 6 to Saturday, September 7 at Ayr shorefront, followed by a Sunday Funday on Ayr High Street on the following day to round off the weekend.
As well as all the aerial action this year, the festival village will play host to some exciting activities for all the family to enjoy.
If you’re looking for an adrenalin high you can jump onboard the amazing Rafale aircraft simulator thrill ride or reach dizzy heights on the 25 foot abseiling wall.
Why not take on some of your friends and family at laser tag, where you’ll get to hone your skills in a safe environment with our state-of-the art combat laser equipment. Or make your way to the fabulous lights and attractions of the fun fair.
You’ll also be able to enjoy the impressive static, model and classic vehicle displays.
For the kiddies there will be aviation themed crafts, face painters, glitter tattooists and balloon modellers.
Once again, there will be plenty of mouth-watering refreshments on offer at a range of food and drinks stalls and the public bar.
South Ayrshire Council's airshow strategic partner, theSKYLAB, will be showcasing aerospace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with companies from the Prestwick aerospace hub and across Scotland.
Returning again to the festival site, the STEM marquee will be twice the size, with more hands-on activities, more companies and some special events planned for people of all ages.
Charity partner, the RAF Benevolent Fund, will also be on site during the festival. Everyone is welcome to come along to their marquee, where representatives from the RAF’s leading welfare charity will be available to talk about the invaluable support that’s available to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their families.
Prestwick Airport, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, Solway Aviation Museum and more will be at the brand-new aviation and military museum zone. The popular RAF, Army and Navy village will return to the event, with lots of great activities and personnel on hand to answer any burning questions you have about the work of the forces.
CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon, said: “It is a privilege for our organisation to be able to create, shape and develop this festival at such an exciting time for South Ayrshire.
"This event extends far beyond an amazing weekend in September, as it showcases internationally what is possible and what is happening in South Ayrshire, with amazing aerospace technology and innovation at Prestwick.”
RAF Benevolent Fund Area Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Gavin Davey, said: “We are thrilled to be joining South Ayrshire Council in the second year as its charity partner for the 2024 International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight.
"Our presence at the 2023 International Ayr Show resulted in a marked increase in enquiries and support to the RAF Family in Ayrshire and the West of Scotland, where there is an abundance of RAF veterans. ”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: “The airshow is fast approaching, and we’ve taken great strides in our plans for the festival.
"We’ve secured some exciting assets and entertainment, and I’ll look forward to further announcements in the run up to the event.
"We’re going to have an extensive entertainment programme on offer again throughout the weekend and we’ve used feedback from the 2023 event to make improvements where they are needed.”
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “We want this year’s International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight to be even bigger and better, so our officers and partners are busy making sure everything is in hand to deliver an outstanding event.
"We’ve got some brilliant family entertainment and activities lined up for the festival village this year, so make sure you keep that weekend free in your diaries.”
You can keep up to date with all things airshow at www.ayrshow.co.uk
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