ALL ROADS LEAD TO NEWCASTLE

As the magnificent men in their flying machines prepare to swoop over Dundrum Bay in spectacular action on Saturday 8 August, there’s also some magnificent work being done at ground level to get the show on the road.

More than 100,000 visitors are expected to into the region to enjoy the B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight on Saturday 8 August, but event organisers at Newry, Mourne & Down District Council forecast that the whole weekend will be extra-busy as visitors and locals alike enjoy an extended programme of entertainment.  While that’s great news for tourism, hospitality and retail across the region, managing that influx takes considerable care and planning.

Some traffic disruption is inevitable so allow extra time for your journey or even considering taking an alternative route. Be aware that Castle Park in the centre of Newcastle will be closed from 8:00am on Friday 7 August until late evening the following day.  All traffic enforcement laws will be in place as usual over the Festival weekend, so savvy plane fanciers will be planning ahead.

On air show day, Saturday 8 August, public parking will be available at Higher Donard Park and Donard Park, Bryansford Avenue and Bryansford Road, Causeway Road; Downs Road car park; Harbour car park; Main Street, Railway Street and Shimna Road, with disabled parking concentrated at Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, Glen River car park and a dedicated section at Donard car park.  Motor home parking will be at Higher Donard car park.

There’s free Park & Walk at Alpha Quarry Products (C S Stevenson’s yard) and at Kane’s Field, Dundrum Road in Newcastle and Translink will be providing free Park & Ride from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road: just follow the AA signs on approach.  Translink shuttle buses will operate from 9:00am – 9:00pm.

While Newcastle town centre will be the hub of the action, there are superb viewing points right around the natural amphitheatre of Dundrum Bay: perfect for relaxed plane-spotting picnics.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie is encouraging locals and visitors to arrive early and stay late, making the absolute most of a stupendous day of aerial extravaganza and sheer seaside fun.  She says, “The buzz around the B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight just has to be experienced to be believed and I know it is a day which locals enjoy every bit as much as our tens of thousands of visitors. I’m looking forward to joining being part of the cheerful throng packing the promenade on the big day as we all share in the electric atmosphere of the aerial excitement.”

Translink Service Delivery Manager Kay Sharkey says using the Park & Ride or public transport is the smart move for a fun day out:

“We’re looking forward to transporting thousands of additional people to Newcastle for this fantastic event. Using our dedicated Park & Ride service will be a hassle-free way to travel on the day. For anyone who wants to leave the car behind, hop on board our Goldline or Ulsterbus services for a relaxing journey to Newcastle and take advantage of some great value summer travel tickets. Click www.translink.co.uk/festivalofflight/ or call 90 66 66 30 to plan your journey.”