ALL EYES ON THE SKIES FOR BRAY AIR DISPLAY
EXCITEMENT is soaring as the countdown to this year’s Bray Air Display gets under way.
More than 100,000 people are expected to make their way to Bray this Saturday and Sunday to watch gravity defying fly overs and loop the loops – spectacular performances from home grown and international talent.
The 12th annual, award-winning air spectacular is a full weekend of free family fun with an incredible 40 aircraft including 12 jets taking to the skies to wow spectators. Record numbers made their way to Bray for last year’s event and the seaside town is once again the place to be this weekend.
Thirteen acts will perform on Saturday, July 22 with a further five acts performing on Sunday, July 23, bringing Sunday’s total to 18 high performance air display acts.
Acts set to perform on Saturday are the Royal Jordanian Falcons, The Catalina, Irish Air Corps, Swedish Air Force, British Spitfire, The Black Knights, The Strikemasters, Norwegian MIG & Vampires, The Fireflies, The Ravens, Irish Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration, Aer Lingus DC-3 and the Irish Parachute Club.
The additional five acts flying on Sunday are an F-18 jet, Patrouille Tranchant, The Blades, Irish Historic Flight Foundation, and Aer Lingus A321 passenger aircraft.
Gardaí, Wicklow County Council and event organisers have prepared a robust traffic management plan to minimise disruption for local residents and help people travel in and out of Bray as easily as possible. As part of this, road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place throughout the weekend
Sé Pardy, Flight Director, Bray Air Display, said ‘The Bray Air Display is now firmly established as one of the country’s largest and most popular events – it really is a fantastic show that has to be seen to be believed. For those who haven’t been before – Bray is the place to be next weekend. To really enjoy the event and to ensure a stress-free journey we are encouraging spectators to use public transport and make a day of it by arriving early. There is so much to enjoy - as well as the entertainment in the sky there will be plenty of action on the ground with 22 fun fair attractions, 30 specialist food and craft stalls and live music, so there really is something for everyone.’
Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority which supports the air display said, ‘The Bray Display has been a phenomenal success over the last couple of years. Aviation is a hugely important economic driver for our country We see this as a great avenue to raise the profile of aviation and to generate an interest in our industry.’ A NUMBER of road closures and restrictions will be in place for the air display this weekend, as well as parking facilities, some with a shuttle bus.
On Saturday, Strand Road, Albert Avenue, Sidmonton Avenue and Convent Avenue will all be closed from 1 p.m. There will be restrictions on the surrounding roads, Seapoint, Quinsboro, Novara Avenue, Meath Road, Sidmonton Road, Putland Road and NEwcourt Road.
On Sunday, Strand Road will be closed from 8 a.m. Seapoint Road, Quinsboro Road, Novara Avenue, Vevay Road, Putland Road, Newcourt Road and Lower Dargle Road will be closed from 9 a.m.
Also on Sunday, there will be restrictions from 9 a.m. on Herbert Road, Boghall Road, Castle Street, Dublin Road and Bray Main Street.
Southbound traffic on the Main Street Bray shall be diverted via Killarney Road. Southbound traffic on Vevay Road will be diverted via Killarney Road or via O’Byrne Road to Boghall Road and Killarney Road.
Gardai, Wicklow County Council and event organisers have prepared a robust traffic management plan to minimise disruption for local residents and help people travel in and out of Bray as easily as possible.
As part of this, road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place throughout the weekend with full details available on www.BrayAirDisplay. com A number of ‘Park ‘n Ride’ car parks will be available for visitors over the two day event and organisers are making every effort to encourage visitors travelling by car to use these facilities. However, the strong message to those planning on attending the event is to use public transport, and allow extra time for the journey.
There will be parking at the IDA Business Park, Southern Cross Road. A shuttle bus will be in operation from the car park during the course of the event. The old Dell car park will also be available and will be serviced by shuttle bus also.
There will also be parking at BIFE on Novara Avenue and Dargle View Golf Club. Parking will cost €5.
Every local residential household within the road closure area will be asked to produce their driving license and a copy of a utility bill as proof of residency. If you would prefer to use a Vehicle Access Pass – they can be picked up from the Bray Municipal District Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring proof of identity, address and a current tax disc. A Temporary Restricted Airspace notice will be in place to protect Bray Air Display participants and spectators, as well as traffic in and out of Dublin airport, for the duration of the event this Saturday and Sunday.
No drone activity will be permitted in the area for the weekend.
Spectator boats are welcome at the Bray Air Display but there will be marker buoys highlighting a ‘no boat zone’ to be managed by the Civil Defence and the Irish Coast Guard. The display will include some of the most skilled aerobatic performers from across the world with 22 aircraft and 12 jets.
On-the-ground activities will start at 12 midday each day, with the airshow itself from 3.30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday