Increase in visitors

The increase has alot to do with the number of hard-core enthusiasts who travel further afield to a show – as many local smaller shows have since disappeared. I spoke with one family who left at 5am from the other side of Yeovil to get to Biggin!!!

An increase in fuel costs (despite the aviation industry being quite resilient to any economic slowdown) and greater number of retailers hit hard does not bode well for show organisers. If people don’t buy space for a stall, then the organisers have less budget for a good show and many have disappeared because of it. Plus (and quite rightfully) many vintage types charge more for appearances, so again putting a show on is jolly hard work.

Secondly air traffic is almost twice as busy than it was 10 years ago and many smaller airfields have too many restrictions to carry on each year. Not to mention the growing desire from locals to ban all airshows for fear of accidents.

Jock and his team at Biggin are absolutely fantastic people. Their commitment to the show is truely outstanding and they deserve 200,000 next year – might have to move the crowdline foward again – thats no bad thing.

Maybe they should should put pilots/press and hospitality over by the control tower – I am sure they did one year because I got my best Biggin photos with the sun on my back!!!!

Here is to Biggin – the best show by far.

3 B17’s at Legends is also pretty cool!