Get ready for take-off as the spectacular Bray Air Display returns to the skies on Saturday, August 1st, bringing an incredible line-up of aviation talent to the seafront for one of Ireland’s biggest free family festivals. Now celebrating its 19th year of delivering jaw-dropping entertainment, this summer’s event promises an unforgettable show featuring vintage classics, daring aerobatic acts, and solo pilots.

The excitement continues on the ground from noon, with the seafront buzzing with activities. Visitors can enjoy the thrills of the Seafront Funfair or explore the “Future of Flight” Tech Zone. This zone, a collaboration with the Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP), returns following last year’s success to showcase cutting-edge drone technology with hands-on VR experiences and a live drone take-off demonstration. The ground festivities also include the Irish Defence Forces’ static display and information hub, a chance to get up close with a collection of model aircraft showcased by the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland, a bustling Food and Craft Village, and helicopter rides over Bray Head—completing a jam-packed schedule before the main air display takes to the skies at 3 pm sharp.

The event team is once again honoured to host the Irish Defence Forces Naval Service, with one of their LE Fleet vessels anchored offshore, providing a stunning maritime backdrop.

Commenting on the launch of the 2026 event, Sé Pardy, Flight Display Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the Bray Air Display back to the Wicklow coast for 2026. This year’s line-up is a spectacular mix of gravity-defying aerobatics and beautifully restored vintage aircraft that tell the story of aviation. It takes months of meticulous planning to orchestrate a free event of this scale, and we cannot wait to look up and see the crowds lining the iconic Victorian promenade once again for an unforgettable afternoon.”

An Unmissable 2026 Spectacle: Line-Up

The 2026 flight programme features 15 incredible acts that bridge the golden age of aviation with the cutting-edge technology of tomorrow. This year’s official line-up includes:

• Aer Lingus Airbus A321XLR – A showstopping appearance from the next-generation commercial airliner shaping the future of the skies.
• AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers – Heart-stopping stunts and sky-high thrills as daredevils dance on the wings of flying aerobatic biplanes.
• Black Knights Parachute Team – Watch the skies open up with a spectacular display of precision parachuting.
• Coastguard Heli & Fixed Wing: A powerful tribute to Ireland’s heroes, featuring the AW189 helicopter and Beechcraft B200 King Air.
• Emerald Airlines – Ireland’s regional airline takes to the air, showcasing exceptional skill and style.
• Garda Air Support Unit – Ireland’s aerial policing powerhouse demonstrates its vital “eyes in the sky” capabilities.
• Iolar EI-ABI: Aer Lingus’ oldest aircraft returns to the skies for a historic, vintage 90th anniversary flight.
• Irish Air Corps – Dynamic, high-octane military flypast and aerobatics display from the nation’s dedicated aerial guardians.
• P-51 Mustang Marinell – Feel the speed and thunderous roar of “Marinell”, the legendary WWII P-51 warbird fighter.
• National Flight Centre Pilot Academy: The next-generation, two-seat IFR training aircraft showcasing the future of flight instruction.
• Richard Goodwin – Gravity-defying, high-energy muscle biplane aerobatics as you’ve never seen before.
• Stellaer PC24 ­– The “Super Versatile Jet” takes centre stage, built to conquer short and unpaved runways.
• Strikemaster – Feel the raw power and deafening roar of a classic jet in a thrilling solo performance.
• Team Raven – Mind-boggling precision and close-formation aerobatics by a spectacular team of seven Van RV8 aircraft.

Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding the Irish Air Corps, said: “The Irish Air Corps is proud to support the Bray Air Display as it continues to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. This landmark event allows us to showcase the high-octane skill, dedication, and precision of our personnel directly to the public. Alongside our fellow emergency and defence services, we look forward to delivering a dynamic display that highlights our commitment as the nation’s aerial guardians.”

Ground Highlight: The “Future Of Flight” Tech Zone – Where Drones Are Making A Difference

Festival organisers are delighted to be collaborating with the Dublin Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP) on the “Future of Flight” Tech Zone. Building on last year’s success, this space returns to showcase cutting-edge drone technology. This year, the zone is packed with hands-on experiences, including a live drone take-off demonstration.

Visitors can enjoy immersive VR experiences that allow them to step into the cockpit for a thrilling, first-person “pilot-view” using virtual reality headsets (please note that the drone VR experience is strictly for those aged 12 and over, offered on a first-come, first-served basis). A large on-site LED screen will display “Drones for Good” stories alongside important safety messages about flying drones.

For younger aviation fans, a colouring competition will be available for children under 12, featuring a handy QR code that links to fun educational reading materials. Dublin City Council Fire and Emergency Service personnel will also be on-site for a scheduled “Meet and Greet” to chat about how they use this modern technology to save lives.

Commenting on the expansion of the tech zone, Veronica Mariti Sesoko, DIP Project Engagement Lead, said: “The ‘Future of Flight’ Tech Zone represents a bridge between today’s aviation and tomorrow’s urban air mobility. By combining immersive VR experiences, live drone demonstrations, and educational youth outreach, we hope to demystify drone technology and inspire the next generation to see how these innovations will safely and positively transform public services and civic life across Ireland.”

Plan Your Visit

With large crowds expected, visitors are encouraged to choose greener travel options such as public transport, cycling, or car-sharing. Everyone is advised to arrive in Bray before 2 pm to secure a viewing spot and enjoy the pre-show ground entertainment. Drivers are strongly encouraged to pre-book their parking early through the official website to secure the best rates under the event’s new phased pricing structure, before the new standard rate applies on July 31st and August 1st.

Check out our comprehensive website. for everything you need to know, including practical advice on how to get to Bray, pre-booking parking, shuttle bus arrangements, accessibility details, and more. The official 2026 souvenir programme will also be available as a free digital download closer to the event.

The #BrayAirDisplay is managed by Bray Summerfest, with thanks to our partners bray.ie, Irish Air Corps, Saab, Weston Airport and Wicklow County Council.

The #BrayAirDisplay is part of the #SummerInBray tourism campaign, a collaborative effort involving the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council, and bray.ie. The campaign seeks to bolster the local economy and highlight Bray as a lively, family-friendly destination.

Pictured above is Iolar EI-ABI.

About the #BrayAirDisplay

• The Bray Air Display is one of Ireland’s largest free events, attracting the largest single-family audience. It’s estimated that the event contributes €3.5 million to the local economy*.
• It is a fantastic community-organised event that is the lead tourism event in Wicklow.
• In addition to being a fantastic free family event, the festival aims to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts to pursue careers in one of Ireland’s leading industries.
• The event takes place along Bray’s iconic Victorian promenade with the magnificent Bray Head as the backdrop.
• The line-up includes the very best Irish and international aerobatic display teams and vintage aircraft. Previously featured RAF Red Arrows, Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, the Breitling Wingwalkers and our very own Irish Air Corps.
• Family entertainment includes an amazing funfair, helicopter pleasure flights, corporate hospitality, as well as superb artisan street food – all in all, a great family day out.
• The event experience is enhanced with live commentary.
• Our official souvenir brochure is packed with fascinating articles and information on all aspects of the festival and is available for free download.
• Transport infrastructure enables easy access to the event.
• The festival makes a very significant, positive impact on the town of Bray, the surrounding region and wider Irish society from a social-cultural perspective.
• It was recognised as ‘Best Festival / Event Experience over 50,000 people’ at the prestigious, national Irish Tourism Industry Awards 2017. In 2018 and 2019, we won Silver in the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ category at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
• We continue to create a better, stronger event year after year, ultimately giving sponsors access to a massive national audience from the following categories: ABC1, C2 & D.
• In 2025, our social media reach was 1.3 million, with +146k website visits and 12.7k digital downloads of the Official Souvenir Programme.
• The festival was featured extensively in the media, with stories across TV, radio, print, and online platforms, including RTE News, Virgin Media News, Ireland AM, 2FM, RTE Radio One, Today FM, Newstalk, and other commercial and independent radio stations.

*Economic evaluation is an estimate based on data compiled via a survey, hotelier/business insight analysis, and corporate ticket sales. 

About the Drone Innovation Partnership Project (DIP)

The Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP) is an initiative dedicated to shaping the future of drones and urban air mobility in Dublin. This two-year collaboration, launched in October 2024, brings together expertise from Dublin City Council, Maynooth University, Lero (the Research Ireland Centre for Software), and the Irish Aviation Authority.

The DIP aims to prepare Dublin and Ireland for the regulated and widespread use of drones in both commercial, public services and civic life, ensuring that these innovative technologies can be integrated and scaled up safely and orderly within urban environments, benefiting cities.

For more details on the Drone Innovation Partnership, visit https://droneinnovationpartnership.com or email [email protected].

Campaign hashtags are #BrayAirDisplay #SummerInBray #LoveBray #Bray