Areobatics at airshows

I recently attended the small show at Brooklands and it was only when the commentator apologised for the lack of aerobatics that I really noticed.

I am sure some will not agree but, when watching wonderful pieces of kit like Hurricanes, P-51s etc, is there any need to take the extra risk that aerobatics puts into the safety equation? A wonderful low past is a site to behold compared to staring into the sun at a dot on the top of a loop. I know that pilots like to demonstate their skills but isn’t flying these warbirds at shows skillful enough? And they can always go and have a go in a CAP21 or similar.

Are there any figures on what airshow accidennts have been caused by aerobatics compared to other factors? (I will not name names but I am sure that we can all think of accidents that would not have happened if aerobatics were not being performed). And the safer airshow’s are, the more likely they are to prosper in future.

And how many members of the public would not come if aerobatics were reduced or not performed at all?