03/03/2010

Air Show Takes Off

Despite 'crashing' due to lack of Council funds - the famous Portrush airshow has now been saved at the 11th hour by local businesses.

The September event, which attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year -and featured the iconic Red Arrows in 2009, (pictured) - had been cancelled for the first time this year due to a lack of funding.

Coleraine Borough Council normally contributes about £70,000 to £80,000 to the event and the rest comes from corporate sponsors, but businesses had reduced their contributions this year because of the economic climate.

However, during a special meeting of Coleraine Borough Council last night, the Chamber of Commerce confirmed that a number of businesses in the borough had pledged their support to the airshow.

In the light of this announcement, councillors unanimously voted to bring the airshow back.

The Council will still have some involvement in this year's event, with its staff working to ensure the smooth running of the show.

It is yet to be decided whether this year's airshow will be a one day or weekend event.

Lord Mayor Sandy Gilkinson told the BBC today that he was delighted to confirm that the event would take place at West Bay in Portrush in September.

He added: "On behalf of Coleraine Borough Council, I wish to thank the local business community and the chamber for coming together to save this spectacular event."

(BMcC/GK)

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