Could the line-up for Bray Air Display 2016 be any better? You won’t want to miss the 11^th annual aerobatic extravaganza which has been extended to a two day, full weekend event this year on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th July. The full line-up of world-class aerobatic display teams including none-other than the Daddy of them all – the Red Arrows; Italy’s flamboyant Frecce Tricolori; the dare-devil Breitling Wingwalkers (yes they walk on the plane wings mid-air!) and our very own, celebrated Irish Air Corps has been revealed – firmly cementing #BrayAirDisplay, supported by main sponsors the Irish Aviation Authority, as one of Europe’s best ever air displays. Featuring 27 jets, 46 aircraft and pilots, 50 support crew and an army of 20 volunteers it will be an aerobatic feast for the senses!

The two-day aviation spectacle, which is also supported by Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie, will kick off at 12noon each day and will feature mind boggling display acts by the following teams:

11 acts will perform on Saturday 23^rd July with a further 5 acts also performing on Sunday 24^th July, bringing the total on Sunday to a whopping 16 high quality participating air display acts.

Performing on both Saturday & Sunday:

The Frecce Tricolori: The Italian aerobatic display team and one of the most experienced and awe-inspiring display groups. This will be the first time that they will perform at the event and is a huge coup for the organisers.

Breitling Wingwalkers:  The world’s only formation wingwalking display team and another first for the Bray Air Display. ‘Wingwalkers’ will perform a dazzling sequence of acrobatic manoeuvres and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of beautiful Boeing Stearman biplanes!

Patrouille Tranchant:   A Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft – the first time Fouga aircraft will be displayed in Ireland.

British Spitfire/Seafire:  First time in Bray as a team. Spitfire is probably the best known fighter plane ever produced.

The Triggs:  Vintage glamour and dynamic close formation flying of two Pitts Special S-1D biplanes

The Irish Air Corps:  Approximately 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps which operates 17 fixed wing aircraft and 10 rotary wing aircraft

CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100:  CityJet’s new passenger aircraft

Black Knights:  Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team – the most successful parachute team ever to come out of Ireland

Irish Historic Flight Foundation: Commemorates aviation achievements as well as encouraging an interest in Irish aviation. Flying IOLAR and three Chipmunk aircraft

The Ravens:  A UK based formation aerobatic display team formed in May 2014.

Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration 

Performing on Sunday only:

The Red Arrows:  One of the world’s premier, most celebrated and best known aerobatic display teams – the centre piece of this summer’s display. This will be the first time that the Red Arrows will perform at the annual event and the team’s only performance in Ireland this year.

The Viggen & Draaken: Representing the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ flying ‘Viggen’ (first time to be displayed in Bray) and ‘Draken’ aircraft (first time to be displayed in Ireland).

The Blades:  A leading display team of former Red Arrow pilots with over 30,000 flying hours and more than 4,000 displays between them. The display act includes over 30 exhilarating manoeuvres

Irish Parachute Club:  A non-profit organisation dedicated to the training of skydivers

Aer Lingus 321:  Aer Lingus’ new passenger aircraft

90,000 people made their way to Bray Promenade for the display last year which has been established as one of the country’s most popular, free, family summer events. And with a line-up like the one confirmed for this year, even more spectators are expected to make their way to the Co. Wicklow seaside town this year to watch aviation antics against a backdrop of beautiful Bray head and the County Wicklow coastline. Those planning to attend are strongly advised to use public transport for a stress-free journey, allow extra time for the trip to Bray and plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the fantastic event.

Se Pardy of Simtech Aviation and Bray Air Display Director, said, “Bray Air Display 2016 is set to be our best event yet. We have been working really hard since last year to line up our most impressive schedule to date and have succeeded in securing some of the world’s most remarkable teams to perform right here in Bray. It’s great to have so many ‘firsts’ on the bill for this year – we are absolutely thrilled to have the Red Arrows perform! as well as Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, alongside our own celebrated Irish teams and other acts from across Europe. The calibre of acts that we will have this year firmly cements Bray Air Display as one of Ireland’s – and Europe’s – leading air displays.”

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “We’ve a long history of supporting aviation activities that help promote the aviation industry so we are very proud to be the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising. It looks like this is probably going to be the biggest air show in Europe in 2016, which is incredible – a chance in a lifetime opportunity. 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. Air displays are a really fantastic way of connecting people with the aviation sector and create an interest for future generations of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts. I’m really looking forward to it.”

While the event is free for all to enjoy, VIP hospitality packages are available from Bray Air Display for those who prefer to enjoy the spectacle in style. Visit http://brayairdisplay.com/wp/hospitality/ for more information about the two packages available: Flight Deck €70 per person (plus booking fee) or Aviation Lounge €120 per person (plus booking fee).

As well as the incredible display in the skies over Bray there will be a food and craft village featuring 45 artisan food and specialist craft stalls as well as musical entertainment and a family fun fair – all in all a great family day out. Or why not take to the skies to experience the thrill and exhilaration of a helicopter pleasure flight on either day between 11am and 12noon?

“It is going to be an amazing show – a once in a lifetime really. You won’t want to miss it!” concluded Se.

All events and activities are subject to change without notice and may be dependent on weather.