A Night to Remember: Unraveling the Magic of the Friday Night Twilight Show at Abbotsford Airshow 2023

June 22, 2023

The Unique Experience of the Twilight Show

The Abbotsford International Airshow 2023 transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle of lights, sounds, and aerial acrobatics as the sun dips below the horizon on a Friday evening. The Twilight Show, a unique feature of the Airshow, offers an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of aerial performances with the enchantment of a night-time festival. The atmosphere is electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as spectators of all ages gather to witness the magic of flight under the starlit sky.

The Lineup of Twilight and After-Dark Aerial Performances

The Twilight Show features a diverse lineup of performances that continue into the night, offering a new perspective on the art of aerobatics. As the natural light fades, the sky becomes a canvas for our performers, their aircraft adorned with lights and pyrotechnics, painting strokes of brilliance across the night sky.

GhostWriter, a custom aircraft adorned with 4,000 LED lights and over 250 pounds of pyrotechnics, takes to the skies, transforming into a captivating celebration of light and motion under the night sky. Each maneuver is a testament to the pilot’s skill and the marvel of modern aviation, leaving trails of light that linger in the darkness.

The Hot Air Balloon Glow is a standout attraction of the Twilight Show. As the evening deepens, hot air balloons inflate and tether to the ground, creating a mesmerizing scene. The glow of the illuminated balloons provides a whimsical, family-friendly experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The CF-18 Hornet Demo Team defies gravity with maneuvers like the high alpha pass, inverted flight, and high-G turns, captivating audiences with incredible speed and power. The roar of the engines echoes throughout the venue, a testament to the raw power and engineering marvel of the CF-18 Hornet.

Kyle Fowler, known for his nighttime aerobatics, is a highlight of the Twilight Show. Piloting his unique 1986 Long EZ, he lights up the evening performance. His revolutionary ‘pain-on’ light system paired with stunning pyrotechnics and theatrical music is not to be missed. His passion for flying is evident in every roll, loop, and turn, each one perfectly timed with the rhythm of the night. His performance is an exhibition of his skills and a testament to the beauty of flight under the starlit sky. When Kyle takes to the skies, he creates a spectacle that captivates the audience, leaving them in awe of the magic of the Twilight Show.

The Mesmerizing LED Drone Show

The Twilight Show also features a cutting-edge drone light show, taking the art of aerial displays to new heights. These shows involve synchronized groups of illuminated drones, choreographed to arrange themselves into stunning aerial formations. 

This year, the drone light show at the Abbotsford International Airshow celebrates the wonder of space with the theme, Space: Earth To The Stars. The timing couldn’t be better, with the recent announcement that Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen is set to become the first Canadian to venture beyond low Earth orbit on a moon mission in the near future. Scheduled for late next year, the Artemis 2 mission will mark the inaugural spaceflight for the esteemed former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot. The drones dance in the darkness, their lights twinkling like stars, creating patterns and images that captivate the audience. 

The Unforgettable Atmosphere of the Friday Night Twilight Show

The Twilight Show at the Abbotsford International Airshow 2023 offers an unparalleled evening of spectacle and wonder for audiences of all ages. From the ethereal glow of hot air balloons to the groundbreaking visuals of drone light shows and the impressive display of GhostWriter, this must-see event offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

As the night draws to a close, spectators leave with a sense of awe and a newfound appreciation for the magic of flight. The night’s memories linger, a reminder of the magic when the sun sets, and the sky becomes a stage for the Twilight Show.

So, gather your friends and family, and join the celebration at the Abbotsford Airport this year. It’s truly a night to remember.