Carnival off and Air Show reveals costs

 

The Carnival was thrown into doubt after it was announced the Jubilee Celebrations would be held over the same weekend as the event is traditionally held, and earlier this week the committee said it would shift to August Bank Holiday.

 

But following another emergency meeting, it has made the decision to withdraw completely and secretary Trish Hodges said: “It is with regret and after much careful consideration that it has been decided to cancel this year’s Carnival because of the clashing of dates, but it will be going ahead as normal next year.”

 

Meanwhile, the Air Show, renamed the Bob Jones Memorial Air Show after the airport’s owner who tragically died in a plane crash in January, has appealed for sponsors after revealing the costs of attracting the best displays.

Town Councillor John Morgan said the event will go ahead on June 17 but explained that a change in Ministry of Defence policy meant that displays now had to be paid for.

“We would like to make this show a true tribute to Bob’s memory”, said Councillor Morgan. “We have applied to the RAF for their aircraft to display and await their reply as to what they can make available. However, due to the current financial climate the RAF will be charging us for the displays so we need to get funds in to finance the event.

“The committee has asked for the Red Arrows (£10,864), Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (£2,887), Falcons parachute team (£2,627), a Typhoon (£2,565), Tornado GR4 (£1,675), King Air (£680) and Tutor (£706). The total cost would be £22,005.”

 

 “We intend to make this an annual event that will grow. This year is a ‘pump priming’ event to make it self-financing in future. I am asking those who knew Bob and who wish us to succeed in our plans to contact me. We can then discuss their options and how we can help them publicise their assistance if that is what they wish.”