AIR TATTOO CANCELLED SUNDAY
The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire announce that the airshow on Sunday, July 13 will not go ahead.
The decision was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them.
The public is asked not to travel to RAF Fairford tomorrow.
Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks, it became clear by mid-afternoon today (July 12) that significant areas of the fields and of the showground remain unusable.
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: “We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.
“Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available.
“Having worked towards this airshow for the past 12 months, my team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and our band of 3,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers share the huge sense of frustration.”
The senior Police commander for the Air Tattoo, Supt Tony Godwin, said; “It is with deep regret that the decision has been made to cancel the Royal International Air Tattoo on both days. This decision was not made lightly. It was made in the interest of those visiting or working at the event.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who had been planning to attend the airshow, for their cooperation and understanding.”
The Air Tattoo has set up a helpline advising customers how to claim ticket refunds as this cannot be done from the base itself. Details of ticket refunds are available from the website at http://www.airtattoo.com or call the Air Tattoo Helpline on 01285 713300.
By: Stratofreighter - 12th July 2008 at 18:12
From Pprune.org …
“He mentioned that it was not so much a question of car parking being a problem in canx sunday,but more of a problem with the events “insurers”,(or those involved in such matters),who thought the risk to spectators from “slip and fall” related accidents too risky!!
As for monday departures,he has said that several crews he has spoken to today,are now requesting sunday departures for home,so there may not be too much to see on monday if they get the go ahead.”
By: Stratofreighter - 12th July 2008 at 18:03
Just managed to get through to RIAT by phone. Park and View for departure day next Monday has NOT been called off (yet)…
By: pagen01 - 12th July 2008 at 17:33
I don’t think it would be possible to rearrange something has huge as Fairford, don’t forget it’s one of the biggest airshows in the world.
Much of the aircraft participation is done with much planning and alot of effort from their operators and airforces.
I feel for them as much as public, the logistics involved is tremendous.
There must be some real upset with the cancellation.
The days either side of the show weekend are purely arrivals and departures, not trade days.
I’m wondering if this will have a negative impact on Duxfords show, ie way too many people trying to get there instead?
By: Chipmunk Carol - 12th July 2008 at 17:31
Or am I confusing it with another prestigious event (Farnborough or something).
Yes. You are confusing it with Farnborough which starts on Monday.
I think it would be nothing short of a miracle to merely postpone RIAT. It took 12 months to get it to this stage. If you just consider the logistics of getting all the infrastructure in place, you’ll realise it is just not possible. Just rebooking the hotels for the aircrew would be impossible. Forget it.
I predict a big crowd at Legends tomorrow!
By: The Bump - 12th July 2008 at 17:26
As reported on the Vulcan thread, 558 is at Farnborough now.
By: multivac - 12th July 2008 at 17:22
If this cancellation is down to elfn’ safety …Grrr! 😡
Good idea if the airshow could be rescheduled but I expect Fairford might be wanted for something else soon.
Is the Vulcan still at Waddo?
By: RobAnt - 12th July 2008 at 17:15
The only stupid question is the one not asked, so I’ll go ahead and ask a question: Can’t they postpone it for a month or six weeks? I’m sure the majority of ticket-holders will be happy with a show in a slightly smaller scale than no show at all. Most of the foreign displays might not able to make it, but one never knows.
Peter
I thought the only reason for the weekend display was to placate members of the public, who don’t have access during the week.
Isn’t it primarily a trade show?
Or am I confusing it with another prestigious event (Farnborough or something).
By: Arabella-Cox - 12th July 2008 at 17:13
The only stupid question is the one not asked, so I’ll go ahead and ask a question: Can’t they postpone it for a month or six weeks? I’m sure the majority of ticket-holders will be happy with a show in a slightly smaller scale than no show at all. Most of the foreign displays might not able to make it, but one never knows.
Peter
By: RobAnt - 12th July 2008 at 17:12
Chinese lessons working then Rob?;)
You must be gutted, especially after discharging yourself from hospital.
Regards,
kev35
🙁 Bu, wo puthonghua bu hao 🙁
By: Bluebird Mike - 12th July 2008 at 17:06
Bad luck, everyone.
By: kev35 - 12th July 2008 at 17:00
Chinese lessons working then Rob?;)
You must be gutted, especially after discharging yourself from hospital.
Regards,
kev35
By: RobAnt - 12th July 2008 at 16:58
8&^& *$£$ %%$£” !)(*& ^%$£”!
And I mean every word of that!
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July 12, 2008 at 4:30 pm