Following an exceptional event at Ayr shore front last weekend, South Ayrshire Council is delighted to announce that the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will return next year!
The airshow will take place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September 2027.
The Council’s fifth consecutive airshow promises a weekend jam packed with exciting aerial displays and family friendly entertainment on Ayr’s Low Green.
This announcement follows the incredibly successful two-day event that took place in Ayr last weekend, which saw a good turnout despite challenging weather conditions.
Visitors were kept enthralled all along the shorefront by a full programme of flying displays, including favourites such as the Red Arrows, Typhoon, and Airborne Pyrotechnics, on the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. The Silver Swallows and Red Devils made their debut at our airshow this year in front of a delighted crowd.
In our Festival Village, we showcased some fantastic Ayrshire based businesses. The bustling South Ayrshire Traders tent had 24 local traders selling a range of goods, and our bars, funfair provider, AV company, and over half of our food traders were Ayrshire based businesses. Ayrshire companies also support the event as suppliers of printing, event site branding, signage and a number of other services that ensure the smooth running of the festival.
As well as boosting the profile of South Ayrshire as a tourist destination and highlighting the fantastic local businesses in the area, one of the key aims of the event is to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Footfall in our STEM tent was impressive, with keen visitors of all ages stopping in to try out activities and chat with representatives from our partners.
We also experienced a world premier during the Airborne Pyrotechnics performance on Friday evening. A newly discovered piece of music by world-renowned film composer, the late James Horner and recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) was played to accompany the display.
Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Last weekend’s airshow was another one to remember! The turnout across the weekend was impressive, with a great atmosphere and lots of people enjoying themselves. I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year! Keep an eye on our channels for exciting announcements to come.”
Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, said: “We were incredibly lucky to have outstanding weather the first three years of the event. It speaks to the success and the reputation of the airshow as a great day out that we still drew large crowds despite the forecast.”
Councillor Clark, whose portfolio includes cultural services and tourism continued,” It’s exciting to be able to confirm the dates for the fifth consecutive airshow when we’ll welcome visitors back to Ayr for another weekend of top-class entertainment.”
Councillor Chris Cullen, South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, said: “Despite the challenging weather, the International Ayr Show was a tremendous success, with one of its greatest achievements being the impact of our STEM programme. It gave young people the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an exciting, hands-on environment, opening their eyes to potential future careers.
“The enthusiasm shown by young people and their families throughout the day was fantastic to see and never diminished, regardless of the weather. That lasting inspiration is every bit as important as the spectacle in the sky. Alongside world-class flying and strong support for local businesses, the event showcased what South Ayrshire can deliver and put Ayr firmly in the national spotlight.”
Keep and eye on our channels and Ayr Show | Destination South Ayrshire for news on the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight coming to Ayr on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September 2027.
