Tesco is the main sponsor for the Portrush Airshow

The leading supermarket chain, which is the largest employer in Northern Ireland, has revealed that it will sponsor the event and will provide space for promoting it across its 35 stores throughout the province.

The company is pleased to be involved with the award winning show and has described it as an "opportunity to support a fantastic family orientated event".

Organised by Coleraine Borough Council, the International Airshow takes to the skies over Portrush on Saturday and Sunday, September 4-5. The free, family show at West Bay will welcome the return of the crowd pleasing Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as a host of other aircraft to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the theme of this year's event.

There will also be a huge selection of ground acts, family fun activities, simulations and stalls to complement the show.

The newly appointed Mayor of Coleraine, councillor Norman Hillis, said he is grateful to Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry for raising the necessary funds to allow the show to go ahead.

"Securing Tesco as headline sponsor of the Airshow is a major coup for the event and a credit to all those involved in brokering the sponsorship deal, as well as the organising committee of the show," said the Mayor.

"The Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry have brought together locally based and Northern Ireland businesses by promoting the interests of the Airshow. The businesses have come on board and are providing the financial backing to guarantee the event takes place. I look forward to working with them, and Tesco, over the coming months as we prepare for another spectacular show.

"As ever, the focus of the show will be to attract and cater for the thousands of aircraft enthusiasts, visitors and families who come to enjoy the show. Council's events team is busy preparing for the Airshow so that it lives up to its reputation of being a quality family event."

Colin Hampsey, Regional Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco, said; "We have been involved with the Northern Ireland International Airshow for the past four years and when the opportunity arose to become more involved we were delighted to support the event as the main sponsor.

"This sponsorship further underpins our wider responsibility of actively supporting local communities. The 2010 Airshow is a testament to the commitment of local businesses, Coleraine Borough Chamber and Coleraine Borough Council, and demonstrates the partnership working in place to ensure a great a show is put on in Portrush in September."

The show faced cancellation this year due to the economic downturn and subsequent financial pressures. However, local businesses, led by the Coleraine Borough Chamber, got together to pledge their support.

Karen Yates, President of the Chamber, added: "I am delighted that the NI International Airshow will take place this year. It is gratifying that this has been made possible by the foresight and generosity of the business community. Tesco has come on board as title sponsor which is a great fit for a family event and the Chamber is grateful for its contribution.

"I would also like to thank the 37 additional companies that have all come forward and got involved."

The 37 companies are Blairs Caravans, Barry's Amusements, Golf Links Hotel & Holiday Park, Skerries Holiday Park, Spar Retailers, Roadside Garages Ltd, Arthur Cox Solicitors, Bonalston Caravans Ltd, Ramore Wine Bar, Irwin Donaghey Stockman, B&E Security Systems, Lynas Foodservices Ltd, Halldane & Fisher, Ulster Stores Ltd, Eglinton Hotel, Town and Country Trading, McDonalds, 55 Degrees North, Ground, R Robinsons & Sons, Alexander's Furniture, Morelli's Ice-Cream, Cantley's Spar, Mullins Ice-Cream, Uncle Saams, Mr Chips, Telco Trading, Anvershiel House, Blue Moon, NISA Local, Beulah Guest House, Breezemount B&B, Aaronmore Lodge, The Sweet Shop, The Market Garden, Antrim House, Bombardier Aerospace.