Dublin's First Flightfest

On September 15th 2013 the Dublin Flightfest took place where a large number of aircraft flew up the River Liffey from Poolbeg to O'Connell Bridge. Large crowds watched as modern and historic aircraft, including a British Airways A380, flew over Dublin city centre. However this wasn't the first large flying display to take place in the city.

On Sunday May 10th 1936 C.W.A Scott's Flying Display Ltd held an air display using a makeshift runway cut in the Phoenix Park.  A short newsreel film can be seen at the following link

Irish Air Day 1936

C.W.A Scott's Flying Display Ltd was formed in 1935 when Charles W.A.Scott bought National Air Displays Ltd from Sir Alan Cobham.  Scott formed the new company with Tom Campbell Black, with whom he had won the 1934 Mac Robertson Air Race in DH88 Comet G-ACSS, and Jean Batten.

Some of the aircraft used in the flying display included Avro 671 Autogyro G-ACUT, Avro 504 G-ACRE and HM14 Pou Du Ciel G-AEFK.  The display also included three Avro Cadets G-ACLU, G-ACOZ and G-ACPB and an unmarked Goppingen 1 Wolf glider. Pleasure flights were conducted by two Airspeed AS.4 Ferry G-ABSI and G-ACFB.

Unfortunately due to poor weather during the 1936 display season the company lost money and was placed in voluntary liquidation in November of that year.