‘We can’t commit to anything’ - organisers put plans for future air shows on hold
Organisers of the Great Yarmouth Air Show have said talks about holding future displays have been put on hold. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Organisers of the Great Yarmouth Air Show say plans to host future flying events have been put on hold until later this summer.
Fantastic flying displays at Great Yarmouth Air Show 2018. Picture: Roman Czajkowski - Credit: Archant
Following a show which entertained an estimated 180,000 people in June last year, the organisers - Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA) - suggested the two-day event could be replaced by a series of flying displays this summer.
But they said talks for future air show events cannot progress until a decision on its Business Improvement District (BID) status is made.
A BID is a business-led and business-funded body formed to improve a commercial area, for which funding is renewed every five years.
GYTABIA are expecting a decision on whether they will secure further funding to be made in August.
Great Yarmouth Air Show - Credit: Alan Moss
Karen Youngs, GYTABIA project manager, said they were delighted with how many people attended the air show last year but admitted discussions on future plans wouldn't be able to take place until its BID status had been determined.
She said: "We can't commit to anything at the minute.
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"We have to make sure we stay within budget because we do not know what will happen with the BID.
"We were absolutely delighted with the visitor numbers last year and I am sure the air show is something we will explore in the future."
Red Arrows At Great Yarmouth Air Show - Credit: Karl Keeley
In January it was confirmed an air show would not return this year and it looks increasingly unlikely an alternative display will take place in 2019.
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A number of residents have expressed their disappointment.
One man who lives in the town but did not want to be named, said: "It's a shame because I really enjoyed the air show.
"The town was packed which can only be a good thing."
Great Yarmouth Air Show. Picture: Andras Vizi - Credit: Andras Vizi
Gary Allen, owner of gift and fashion shop Vogue in Regent Road, said: "The air show didn't really benefit us from a business sense but the show itself was very good.
"At the end of the day if it is good for the town we should be supporting it."
It was reported in GYTABIA's accounts in September that the air show came at a cost of £582,000 and income from park and ride systems was £100,000 down on what was predicted.
Visitors were treated to displays from a number of top-flight planes including the Red Arrows.
