The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight is an airshow held in Ayr, Scotland, revived in 2023 and organized by South Ayrshire Council. The 2023 event took place from Friday, 8 September to Sunday, 10 September, with the main airshow on Saturday, 9 September at Ayr's Low Green along the coastline
. This new iteration of the show is distinct from the previous Scottish International Airshow and is funded directly by the Council, which committed £300,000 per year over five years starting in 2023 to support the event
. The Festival of Flight includes not only flying displays but also a festival village with food stalls, market-style memorabilia and aviation merchandise, charity fundraising, funfair rides, and exhibitions from the British Armed Forces and Police Scotland
. The 2023 flying program featured notable aircraft such as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Red Arrows Aerobatics Display Team, Royal Air Force Typhoon, OV-10 Bronco, and BAE Strikemaster
. The show also offered photography passes and VIP tickets for enhanced viewing experiences
. The event attracted around 90,000 visitors in 2023 and is planned to be an annual occurrence, with preparations already underway for the 2024 show
. The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight aims to provide a broad appeal with activities both in the air and on the ground, making it a major attraction in the region
. In summary, the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight 2023 marked the return of a major airshow to Ayr after a hiatus, featuring a mix of aerial displays and festival activities, supported and managed by the local council to ensure its sustainability and growth