Flight director says Rhyl Air Show will be boost for town
The flight director behind Rhyl Air Show says this year’s event will encourage repeat visits to the town.
Peter Sinclair, a former air traffic controller with the RAF, says the Eurofighter Typhoon display team, along with a Lancaster Bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane, make the show one of the premier line-ups in the UK this year.
The line-up also includes a Tucano, Team Raven – a formation aerobatic display team flying 5 Van’s RV8 and high energy aerobatics from Steve Carver and The Royal Logistic Corps Silver Stars Army Parachute Display Team.
The free event, organised by Denbighshire County Council, in partnership with Rhyl Town Council, takes place in Rhyl on August 24 and 25, with the full display schedule to be released soon.
Mr Sinclair, who has been involved with air shows since the early 1970s, said: “Bringing the RAF Typhoon to this year’s Rhyl Air Show is a real coup. The Lancaster was built at Hawarden and for the RAF to bring its iconic bomber means we can put on another very worthy show with a good military presence. The RAF Tucano will also be at Rhyl for the first time in many years.
“There is something about flying that fascinates everybody and when that fascination is brought together with the skills and agility of aerobatic manoeuvres, or the grace and heritage of old aeroplanes, it is fantastic. I’ve seen youngsters spellbound and veterans with tears in their eyes – all in the same family.
“Rhyl has great memories for me from childhood and it is always pleasing to see the crowds flocking back to the resort. There’s a lot going on in the town so there should be no shortage of things to do. It is really good to meet the visitors and whilst we aim to provide a good day, or weekend, out watching aeroplanes, we also aim to highlight things that are going on in Rhyl – especially regeneration – and encourage people to come back for another day out or a holiday.”
Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “Rhyl Air Show is recognised as one of the best events of its kind in the UK and attracts thousands of visitors each year. We have a great line-up again this year, providing a fabulous attraction for residents and visitors alike.
“Visitors will be able to see the investment in Rhyl, including the completion of SC2, the flagship waterpark and TAGactive attraction; the 1891 restaurant and refurbished Pavilion Theatre; two new hotels, and the refurbishment of the Central Car Park. I would also encourage visitors to pay a visit to the great local businesses in Rhyl to see what the town has to offer.”
Rhyl mayor, Councillor Ellie Chard, said: “Rhyl Air Show is one of the soar-away events in the town’s packed calendar of things to see, do and experience.
“It brings thousands of people into the town for magnificent displays and a super weekend of activities. So much has changed, and continues to change, in the town so the air show is one way of showcasing what Rhyl now has to offer.
“Rhyl Town Council is pleased to be supporting this event again. We would encourage visitors to also take time to support local retailers and shops over what is usually one of town’s busiest weekends of the year.”