Air Show definitely grounded

The Welshpool Air Show has been cancelled for 2011, and may not make a return due to rising costs on the frontline.

 

As mywelshpool reported in November, budget cuts in the Armed Forces have forced the Royal Air Force to be more prudent with its spending and, for the first time, it will have to charge air show organisers for aircraft.

 

The move will hit smaller air shows like Welshpool which attracted large crowds to its edge-of-town airfield this summer and has been trying to secure sponsorship to cover the costs. But it has now conceded defeat.

 

“It is a shame but a sign of the times,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson. “We have looked at several options to try and make it happen but it was proving too expensive. It is disappointing but at the end of the day it is important that our troops are properly equipped on the front line so cuts have to be made elsewhere.”

 

It was hoped that the Red Arrows would make an appearance this year as they are performing at nearby RAF Cosford on the same day. But Welshpool will now host a Model Airshow on July 9/10 instead.

 

It is a double blow for the town which has also pulled the plug on its Music Festival this year.