THE Rhyl Air Show is back this summer with a spectacular line-up, with the Strikemaster being the latest to be confirmed for both days across the bank holiday weekend of August 26-27.
Among North Wales’ biggest free seafront events, the 2023 show will feature spectacular aerial displays and land-based attractions and entertainment.
The G-SOAF Strikemaster pair belongs to Strikemaster Flying Club (SFC), based at North Wales Military Aviation Services Ltd (NWMAS) in Hawarden.
Previously, the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight were also confirmed for aerial displays across both days of the show in August.
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Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), said: “DLL, in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and Rhyl Town Council, is thrilled to announce the start of our incredible line up for the now ‘UK-renowned’ Rhyl Air Show.
“It’s going to be an amazing show again this year, with the Rhyl Air Show now being considered one of the most spectacular events across the North Wales coast.
“Rhyl Town Centre and Events Arena are always buzzing with excitement, and to have both the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and now the Strikemaster pair over both days again this year is just amazing.
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors and locals to Rhyl and the Denbighshire coast to enjoy this award-winning show.”
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Graham Boase, Denbighshire County Council’s chief executive, said: “This major event provides a significant boost to the economy of Rhyl and wider communities each time it’s staged and the line-up for this year is truly amazing.
“DLL has a strong track record of hosting such prestigious events and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them to deliver what will be major crowd-puller in the events calendar.
“It’s popularity has grown over the years and the air show is rightly renowned across the whole of the UK as being one of the leading events of its kind.
“Visitors to the air show will not be disappointed.”
The sequence the Strikemaster pair will show off the aircraft beautifully, with high-energy aerobatics and graceful linking manoeuvres.
Because the aircraft has a wide speed range, it will be displayed tightly to the crowd, so that it is always within easy viewing.
Audiences will see the aircraft fly at more than 400mph, with lots of rolls, loops, barrel rolls, clovers and, fast and slow passes.
The engine is a RR Viper 535 with 1,000 pounds more thrust than the JP5 Viper engine.
This extra thrust allowed the aircraft to carry two machine guns, up to four 500 pound bombs, or 32 Sura rockets.
Rhyl Town Council said: “Rhyl Town Council has a long-standing partnership supporting the town’s spectacular air show.
“This free, first-class, renowned event and the superb aerial line-up and attractions announced that will be on display this year will be sure to thrill the large crowds of residents and visitors it attracts.
“Rhyl will also gain from drawing in a vast number of tourists who can experience the regeneration attractions the town has to offer and provide important growth in our tourism economy.
“Be sure to make a note of this not-to-be-missed brilliant weekend of entertainment.”
The air show returned to Rhyl last year for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huge crowds revelled in displays from the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Calidus Autogyro, Team Raven Aerobatic Display Team, Silver Stars Parachute Display Team, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and more.
More details about the Rhyl Air Show will be confirmed in due course.
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