Many years ago (over 20), we went to Duxford for an airshow. I seem to remember it was an
autumn end of season show.
Fine getting in and parked, not so fine when it came to getting out. All of the marshalls from earlier
in the day had evaporated into thin air. Not much fun with everyone heading for one exit.
Also, even back then, it still wasn’t particularly cheap to get in. Especially when you consider that other
elements of the IWM have free entry.
I emailed Duxford at the time to complain about the lack of traffic control late in the day, and to ask about charges.
I was told in reply that there were staff helping with traffic control. Just a shame nobody could see them
As far as entrance charges were concerned, they said this was because there were private companies operating from
the airfield. I still don’t quite get this. Surely those operating aircraft at Duxford have to pay for the use of the hangars and facilities, as they would on any other airfield ? I assume that the IWM pay them to operate their aircraft at airshows ?
So in short, I can accept that extra charges will apply when airshows are taking place.
Not though, when a vehicle rally or forties weekend is being held.
If you consider that a couple taking two youngsters over 16 yr old. Are probably looking at spending somewhere in the region of £100+ for a day out. When you take into consideration food and travel, they aren’t going to go very often.
Not everyone will visit enough to warrant becoming a friend of Duxford.
By: Lincoln 7 - 30th September 2013 at 12:38
Linc – bear in mind that £50 then is probably not far short of £100 now.
I know that Chas, But a hundred quid is still a hundred quid, just think how much that would have been equal to back then.
Jim.
Lincoln .7
By: Moggy C - 30th September 2013 at 11:33
For what you get the entrance costs at Duxford on airshow and non-airshow days are perfectly reasonable.
Take a look at football match prices, and this just for 90 minutes of chav-ball.
Moggy
By: charliehunt - 30th September 2013 at 10:42
Linc – bear in mind that £50 then is probably not far short of £100 now.
By: charliehunt - 30th September 2013 at 10:40
Supply and demand are the key words. If they reckon they can charge more to swell their coffers and so make the museum better and better then they will. If visitors didn’t go they’d have to review the policy.
I can think of many other events which will cost a family that sort of money.
By: Lincoln 7 - 30th September 2013 at 10:38
Quite right Alan, and not just Air Shows, I used to frequent Silverstone to watch the British G.P. Back then is was less than £50.00, now it’s nearer £100.00 and as you say, it’s exactly 100mls away from me, so there is the added price of fuel there and back, getting in was a nightmare, getting out even worse. These Shows are gradually pricing themselves out of the market.
As for F1 racing, it’s more comfortable to sit at home and watch it on T.V. although I must admit, you lose the “Atmosphere” of the race.
Jim.
Lincoln .7
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September 30, 2013 at 10:22 am