Get ready to embark on an electrifying weekend escapade as the highly anticipated West Coast Airshow and Music Concert descends upon Saldanha Airfield this September.
This year’s event takes place on 30 September with gates opening at 6am, promising a jam-packed 14-hour day brimming with roaring jet engines, incredible aerial feats and exhilarating memories.
Keep an eye on the sky: Aerial extravaganza
The West Coast Airshow is a premier aviation event set to thrill audiences with a sensational line-up of heart-stopping aerial displays and awe-inspiring performances. The air show activities begin at 9am, treating spectators to a six-hour spectacle of adrenaline-charged aerial manoeuvres and astonishing feats of aviation prowess.
Thrill-seekers will be captivated by daredevil performances, including Dave Mandel’s high-performance L39 Albatros jet trainer, Grant Timm’s Aero L29 Delfín jet from Hangar51, the iconic Alouette II helicopter masterfully piloted by Juba Joubert and Derek Lord’s showcase of the legendary Bosbok’s capabilities.
During the lunch break, the action continues with a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with the pilots and explore the aircrafts up close. From 3pm to 5pm, drones and an array of captivating activities take centre stage.
Exhibitors that shine: A showcase of excellence
The West Coast Airshow has consistently gathered industry leaders and this year is no different. Prepare to be mesmerised by exhibitors like Hyundai, Isuzu/Fuzion, Rawson, Harcourts, Propertycoza, AutonoSky and Twist Electrical.
This array will present a rich tapestry of innovations and real estate opportunities, catering to every visitor’s curiosity.
Empowering futures: Career exploration and drone dynamics
This year, exploration is on offer too. Stellenbosch University sponsors the Youth Development Program, while its Faculty of Military Science and the Military Academy host a career expo.
Drone enthusiasts will also be captivated by displays from industry leaders like Autonosky, Skyhook Drones and Integrated Aerial Systems Drones, alongside an attempt to set a new drone speed record for an FVP quad by the FlyFPV SA team.
Beyond the skies: Music concert extravaganza
Beyond aerial displays, the Airshow seamlessly blends aviation thrills with the enchantment of music, all against the stunning backdrop of the West Coast. As the sun sets, the spotlight shifts to the highly anticipated music concert.
The stage ignites at 5pm with a star-studded line-up featuring Mel Botes, Corné Louw, the West Coast Youth Orchestra’s Marimba ensemble, the enchanting Sandveld Stoftrappers and rockstar Karen Zoid as the headliner captivating audiences until 10:30pm.
Covering all the senses: Food and unwind zones
But that’s not all, the Airshow will also host arts & crafts stalls, tantalising food vendors including Saldanha Bay Hotel’s champagne and oyster bar experience and Blue Bay Lodge’s mussels and vetkoek, a beer garden and cocktail lounge, the renowned Plaasmol tea garden and many activities for the little ones – there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
With ample and convenient parking for thousands, live broadcasting and an added option to rough it out at the off-the-grid campsite, you can now enjoy heart-stopping thrills and high-flying action from start to finish.
Bel a Pêl Dial-a-Buddy’s shuttle service will also be on offer from early morning to late evening for those without transport or who do not want to drive. Attendees can plan stress-free transportation using the schedule available here.
Tickets can be purchased online here or directly at the Weskus Mall Management Office.
- R240 for adults
- R200 for pensioners
- R180 for kids and youth between six and 18 years
- Toddlers aged five or younger enter free
- R400 per camping site (four people per site)
To stay up to date with the latest announcements, competitions and news, follow West Coast Saldanha Bay Airshow on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the West Coast Airshow website for FAQs, meet-the-pilots, accommodation options and more.
Also read:
A lekker list of things to do in Langebaan, the “Jewel of the West Coast”
Picture: Dean Wingrin