Thousands attend Bray air show
Organisers have said that up to 50,000 people were in Bray today for the annual air show.
Today was the first day of the show which will see 27 jets and 46 aircraft on show over the whole weekend.
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, performing for the first time in Bray, were today's headline act closing the first day of the aviation show which saw 12 acts loop, twirl and zip across the skyline above County Wicklow.
Another show highlight were the Breitling Wingwalkers, the world’s only formation wingwalking display team.
Other international acts included the Patrouille Tranchant, a Celtic jet team from Brittany, France and the Ravens from the UK.
Homegrown talent was well represented by the Irish Air Corps, the Irish Historic Flight Foundation,
CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100, the Black Knights Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team and the Irish coast guard Search & rescue.
The Irish Naval Defence Forces LÉ Ciara patrol vessel is stationed just off the strand throughout the two day event.
The world-famous Red Arrows will carry out a fly-past along the River Liffey at about 7.30pm this evening, before starting proceedings tomorrow at 2pm.
"A big thank you to everyone who came out to support the event today – it’s wonderful to see so many enjoying the spectacle,” said Se Pardy, Director, Bray Air Display.
"We’re looking forward to another fantastic day of thrilling aerobatics from the very best in the world tomorrow. Arrive early to make the most of the day – as well as the amazing aerobatics there’s a whole host of activity on the ground with the fun fair in situ as well as live music and a food and craft village."
Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority, said: "We are very proud to have been the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising.
"Aviation has played a critical role in the development of the Irish economy over the last 100 years and it remains a key part of the Irish economic system, supporting over 40,000 jobs directly. We hope that this weekend will have helped to inspire a new generation of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts."
