Air Display organisers say evening slot could return

Display organiser Natalie Davidson said the event had gone ‘really well’, and expressed her delight at the number of islanders who had been able to watch the show.

‘We’ve had some really positive feedback, a lot of people have said this was the first time they had been able to see the whole display because they didn’t have any work or school commitments. So many families were able to come and that was reflected in the huge numbers of people we saw.’

She said organisers would ‘definitely’ look at holding the display in the evening again as a result.

‘It brought a different atmosphere to proceedings, especially as it got darker towards the end. I’m pleased we tried something different this year, and it’s something we will definitely consider again for the future.’

As for the display itself, Mrs Davidson was relieved the weather perked up in time so the full schedule could be completed.

‘I can’t believe how lucky we got with that window of nicer weather, someone was clearly smiling down on us.’

Last-minute revisions to the timetable saw the Yak-3 and Boomerang aircraft begin the display, with the Red Arrows – originally planned to be first up – roaring in over the harbour immediately afterwards. Appearances from a Navy Wings Harvard, a Royal Air Force Typhoon and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts preceded a spectacular firework performance by the Airborne Pyrotechnics team as they brought the display to a conclusion with darkness falling.

‘The Red Arrows, as always, were fantastic, and the Typhoon was absolutely incredible. The pilot looked like he was having a lot of fun up there and I think it was many people’s highlight,’ Mrs Davidson said.

‘The pyrotechnics then brought a sort of calming atmosphere to the end, which I think worked really well.’