South East Air Show – Manston

This is the optimistic side of it
“Airshow expert Major George Bacon…..”

I wonder whether this is the ex AAC Major George Bacon that I knew many moons ago……………………?

Any new airshow must be welcomed, not an easy task to organise. I wish them well for next year, obviously they will take on board this years comments and experiences.

We left at 9.45.from the Medway Towns arrived in the show at 2.45, so was not to amused.took 4 and half hours to do 3.5 miles.the most laughable part was instead of turning left at the holiday inn roundabout(a reported further 1 and a half hours delay to the airshow) we decided to carry on to the Margate side entrance we managed to drive in with no delay and parked straight up.why they didn’t direct cars to the other entrance is beyond me,mind you what do i know, im no expert at organizing traffic.(just a little common sense MAYBE.)
may of helped a little.

Unfortunately i will think twice about visiting future airshows, a shame as some im sure will have better organization but once bitten……………….

The location of Manston does not exactly lend itself to an influx of large numbers of cars. Or, rather, it always had potential for problems!

That’s the reason we decided not to go. It’s geographic location meaning there is one way in, and one way out.

Trumper – indeed and rather like one of the posters elsewhere who enjoyed himself and decided to avoid the traffic by using the helicopter service provided. Well, yes, but not everyone has the £50 for the luxury. But thousands will have had a great day I am quite sure, so the organisers don’t have to worry about them. It’s the largish numbers of angry to very angry spectators who had a bad time or never even arrived, to whom they need to direct their attention.

Orion – yes it does and I think, but please double-check, that the promised shuttle bus from Ramsgate to the show did not materialise. Apart from the wind the weather was no problem and the forecasts on Friday afternoon were accurate, except that the early rain ceased earlier than expected
, but the wind had been accurately forecast for several days beforehand.

I didn’t go primarily because of the weather. Looking at http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=MMREDR#Y3A9NTEuMjQzMjE5fi0wLjQ0NjQ0MCZsdmw9OCZzdHk9ciZlbz0wJnE9bWFuc3Rvbg== however shows that the railway passes close by. Was there a bus service from Ramsgate Station to the event?

Regards

Looks as though this story will run for a while yet!!

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet_extra/news/Hurricane-sweeps-into-Kent-2332/

This is the optimistic side of it
“Airshow expert Major George Bacon, who commentates at events around Britain, said the “overwhelming success” of the South East Airshow led to major traffic problems.

He said there is always a traffic plan, which involves police and local authorities.

Mjr Bacon said: “I thought it was a great first effort personally.”

Posters elsewhere have made similar comments but I suppose the combination of road improvements over the past 30 years and a very large potential spectator base with no knowledge of those Manston days, like yours truly, somewhat diluted the remaining doubtful few.

I recall a show there in about 1987 (??) which had similar traffic issues.

The location of Manston does not exactly lend itself to an influx of large numbers of cars. Or, rather, it always had potential for problems!

I long ago gave up ‘doing’ airshows (unless for a specific purpose) but would not have gone to Manston, anyway, simply because I recall huge problems in the 80s – unless I am having false memory syndrome?

Looks as though this story will run for a while yet!!

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet_extra/news/Hurricane-sweeps-into-Kent-2332/

Apparently Heritage Events’ FB pages are burning with people clamouring for refunds. I don’t do Facebook but if you do have a look.
I have no doubt the whole day will be analysed and picked to pieces and if it goes ahead next year I am sure it will be a better affair.

There are some interesting posts to be read at http://sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=4108.30. It looks as if the organisers are going to have to embark on a steep learning curve if this is not to prove to have been the first and last South East Air Show at Manston!

Would have loved to have gone, but I knew traffic would be a big problem.

UKAR have a detailed thread running on the pros and cons of yesterday. I certainly think Heritage Events need to answer a few questions.

Traffic was an utter disgrace!!

Gave up and turned around at 15.30 after 5 and a 1/2 hours queuing.

Shambles.

Oh dear! Sorry to hear this after a promising new air show

Hopefully lessons have been learnt for future events.

Well yes unless they’ve already shot themselves in the foot with today’s shambles.

Traffic was an utter disgrace!!

Gave up and turned around at 15.30 after 5 and a 1/2 hours queuing.

Shambles.

Hopefully lessons have been learnt for future events.

A potentially good day spoilt by strong crosswinds(which noone can control)and dreadful traffic management or lack of which organisers and police will have serious questions to answer.

Swordfish replaced by Sea Fury, Ferocious Frankie by Jumping Jacques and Airwolf by an Extra 300.

Weather improving by the hour with a bit of light rain early and dry the rest of the day, although strong crosswinds still look likely. XH558 has been there all week – is it the longest it’s been away from base during a season?