All Together Now For The Unsung Heroes!

All Together Now For The Unsung Heroes!

The unsung heroes who plan, organise and oversee the annualB/E Aerospace Festival of Flight have been singled out for praise this week by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick.

On Saturday 6 August more than 100,000 people will flock to Newcastle and the surrounding area to enjoy the thrilling sights and sounds of the region’s annual aviation extravaganza, but few amongst that admiring audience will pause to consider just how much work lies behind such a complex large scale event.

In fact, the continuing success of the air show lies in the hands of a quietly professional and highly committed honorary ground crew who bring a vast range of talents, skills and disciplines to the project. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “Our thanks and admiration must go to the dozens of organisations and many individuals who work all year-round to deliver this fabulous event. Staging an air show of this international calibre is a major exercise in logistics and it simply would not be possible to undertake the venture without the incredible skills and team spirit shown by our dedicated event organisers.”

“The Council’s own in-house team benefits from the support of a diverse multi-agency team. Together, they plan every aspect of the show in meticulous detail, from selecting and securing the presence of high profile aircraft and arranging an ambitious programme of ground level entertainment, to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of tens of thousands of visitors.” 

“The challenges of co-ordinating the afternoon air display must be clear to everyone, but every element of the event has to be ‘choreographed’ and fully integrated to ensure that everything runs seamlessly on the big day, while the sheer scale of the venture means that planning and preparation work actually extends right across the year.” 

“When we all gasp in admiration at the magnificent men and women in their flying machines, I hope we will also spare a thought and offer a vote of thanks to the equally magnificent men and women who also work at ground level to make the annual B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight such a soaraway success.”

Councillor Fitzpatrick also paid tribute to the sponsors and funders whose support enhances the considerable financial commitment made by the Council. 

She continued, “We are delighted once again to receive significant support from Kilkeel-based aircraft seating manufacturer, B/E Aerospace while backing from Tourism NI has encouraged us to extend our culinary content this year, celebrating NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 with extended opportunities to enjoy great local produce as part of the festival experience.”  

“Translink is once again partnering with us to boost our marketing and importantly, providing shuttle services from car parks to Newcastle town centre, easing traffic congestion.  On a more local level too we are delighted to receive support from Eclipse Cinema who will be promoting the event as well as adding a dash of fun to our Aviation Village. With supporters such as these providing the wind beneath our wings, we’re looking forward to a fabulous festival and I hope as many people as possible will come out and enjoy what promises to be another great day in the region’s expanding tourism calendar!”

Members of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Multi-Agency Working Group include Clubsec, CRS, DRD NI, Flight Director, Harley Davidson Group, HM Coastguard, MMRT, MOD, MUST, National Trust, Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, PSNI, RAF, RNLI, St John’s Ambulance NI, Translink, U105, Wackiki.

For the latest information about the B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight visit visitmournemountains.co.uk, call 028 4372 2222 orpick up one of the souvenir programmes available in the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre or in outlets across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.