The Hunter Valley Airshow will be “bigger and better” in 2023, according to pilot extraordinaire Paul Bennet.
While weather disrupted the popular event earlier this year, forcing the cancellation of the second day, it’s all systems go for Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 March at Cessnock Airport.
Organisers of the upcoming extravaganza, which was launched today with the help of the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad, promise a weekend of full-throttle family entertainment including hair-raising aerobatics, historical warbirds, amusement rides, markets, beer and wine garden, delicious street food and so much more.
Attendees can also take to the sky in a helicopter or adventure flight, participate in the paper aeroplane competition, jump in the virtual cockpit of a fighter jet or just sit back and watch the non-stop airborne spectacular overhead.
“We’ve dipped our toe in the water previously,” locally-based Bennet said.
“And, I believe the Hunter Valley Airshow boasts a lot of potential.
“A big crowd was on hand in 2022, even with the setback, however we’re anticipating 20,000-plus ticket sales for 2023.
“It is good to bring people to the region – and we offer elements not witnessed at other shows.
“There’s something for the whole family.
“So, it’s time to take it to the next level.”
Bennet, who’s performed amazing stunts in his Wolf Pitts Pro throughout the world, admitted he was passionate about hosting the event in his “backyard”.
“We have everything here [Hunter Valley] to stage something on this scale, if not larger,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“That’s the ultimate goal, putting it on the global map.
“It ticks all the boxes; it’s entertaining, it’s great for the local economy and it attracts visitors to the area, who stay around for a couple of days.
“Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote aviation to future generations.
“There’s nothing like seeing kids’ faces, especially when they realise planes aren’t just for commercial use.
“Can you remember that childhood excitement of witnessing famous stuntmen performing feats of what seemed impossible?
“The gasps from the audience as we all thought ‘how can they do this?’.
“Parents and kids alike still get a huge thrill from seeing those kinds of death-defying manoeuvres right in front of their very eyes.
“So, the Hunter Valley Airshow wants to relive that exhilaration.
“A massive thanks go to Cessnock City Council for its support, as well as our sponsors.”
For more information about the Hunter Valley Airshow and how to buy tickets, visit https://www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au/
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