It’s “all systems go” for the latest edition of the Hunter Valley Airshow, according to flying ace Paul Bennet.
After recently receiving $193,458 from the Regional Events Acceleration Fund, the 2023 extravaganza, which promises a weekend of full-throttle family entertainment including hair-raising aerobatics, historical warbirds, amusement rides, markets, beer and wine garden, delicious street food and much more, returns to Cessnock Airport on 25 and 26 March.
That means a plethora of airborne action, too, featuring a Spitfire MK-IX, P51 Mustang, P40 Kittyhawk, Grumman Avenger, T28 Trojan, L39 Albatros, CAC Wirraway, T-6 Harvard, Yak 52 and the organiser’s own Wolf Pitts Pro.
Attendees can also take to the sky in a helicopter or adventure flight, participate in the paper aeroplane competition or jump in the virtual cockpit of a fighter jet, to name just a few activities.
“The goal is to always make it bigger and better – and even more exciting,” Bennet said.
“Unfortunately, weather forced the cancellation of the second day last year.
“But, we enjoyed really great numbers, nearly 20,000, on the Saturday.
“It was fantastic, everything went well.
“So, that shows us it’s well-supported.
“Now, we’re getting in early, promoting it heavily interstate and trying to attract enthusiasts from far and wide.”
For Bennet, himself, the Hunter Valley Airshow is close to his heart.
“It’s always nice to have a hometown event,” he said.
“If you’re into motor racing, you love to compete on your local track.
“It’s no different for me.
“This is where I’m based – at Cessnock and Maitland.
“So, it’s great to bring a show like this here.
“It is also fantastic to get back in the swing of things after COVID.
“I must admit, it was hard having an airshow business when you can’t stage any due to the pandemic.
“Normally, I take part in a lot of international events.
“However, there were none in 2020 or 2021 and I’ve only done one in South Korea.
“So, returning to the cockpit, entertaining others, makes a big difference, for sure.”
Bennet said the appeal of the Hunter Valley Airshow, which will raise funds for not-for-profit organisation Little Wings in 2023, was “immense”.
“I think local people or those from Sydney or the Central Coast like seeing the cool warbirds, the fast jets and aerobatic displays,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“But, you don’t have to be an aviation-lover to appreciate it.
“It’s a terrific family weekend away, with plenty of entertainment.
“There are kids’ rides, things for the parents to do, cars on display, vintage vehicles, hot air balloons and freestyle motocross as well as a variety of aircraft.
“Who doesn’t like all that sort of stuff?”
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the latest funding windfall would allow the Hunter Valley Airshow to breathe new life into the region.
“The financial assistance will help deliver essential offsite parking, free shuttle bus services and improved accessibility to ensure even more people can enjoy this incredible event,” he explained.
“Events like this put regional NSW on the map, attracting domestic and international tourists who pump serious dollars into the local economy, whether it be putting more heads on beds, eating out in restaurants and cafés or filling up your car at the local servo.”
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell agreed.
“The Regional Events Acceleration Fund has already pumped $785,548 into the Upper Hunter electorate to support six projects over the past two rounds, including $150,000 for the Singleton Firelight Festival in May last year,” he said.
“And, now, we’re building on that investment by bringing the world’s best talent to the sky above the Hunter Valley.
“This is a huge drawcard for tourism, with the weekend of full-throttle family entertainment the perfect opportunity to promote this region, support local businesses and experience some of the best wineries Australia has to offer.”
For more entertainment stories:
- Sir Elton, Pink enhance CN’s quest to extend light rail network
- Hunter Valley Steamfest back on track
- PACC launches exciting 2023 season
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