Personally in order to bring more of the general public into the show I think you would need a more varied program (including modern stuff) which would obviously destroy the ethos of Legends. However as has been discussed here before, I have wondered if early jets could be included to broaden the appeal. But countering this argument I feel that the show is presently the right length and any extra acts could make it too long?
Having the morning for arrivals and walking down the market makes adds variety to the day. I think the market could be enlarged a bit which could bring in more income and a more varied punter?
As I have been lucky to attend every Legends I do find that – I am ashamed to say – I take it for granted and as I am normally working I don’t watch much of the show. But I do make a point to watch the ‘surprises’ which always make it special for me personally. (I would be happy to pay the entrance fee just to see the Swiss Connie, of the SAAB B17 etc etc)
From talking to lots of punters over the years I hear all the normal moans expressed here about marquees, stepladders, windbreaks, cost, car parking etc – and I must admit I agree to a large extent.
The Marquees obviously work to bring in extra cash (but do they have to be right in the centre of the crowd line?).
I would ban Stepladders and stop people padlocking deckchairs to the fence – just to try and get people to be more considerate for others, that way anyone from a small child to a giant would be able to get a view (being 6’2” myself I never stand at the front of the crowdline – even if it means I miss the spectacular take offs). Being an aviation event it is possible to get a great view if you step 50m back from the fence and look up – as some people do – that way you get no crowds!. It’s a shame that all airfields are flat!!- If there was a natural bank on which to sit a lot more would see all the action! – as I said its all about being considerate of other people. I get more annoyed at the non crew ‘yellow jackets’ blocking views.
I would also round up all the non paying public who see fit to stand over the other side of the airfield in surrounding fields etc (which I find is dangerous to put it lightly) and make them pay double for endangering their own and the pilots lives. (That would swell the coppers)
Toilets – I think the quality/quantity has gone down a bit this last year – not sure why – There were queues I saw for both sexes – normally unheard of for us blokes! – it was either that or walk half a mile to an empty loo!
Regarding cost – comparing it to other events it seems to be comparable but how about having family tickets or ‘per car’ as in the old days, which may encourage more families back in?
Food – I think the problem lies in that a contract is given to a single catering company IIRC? So there is no competition – but standards are controlled – if in doubt bring your own – that’s what I always do!
Car parking – I have queued for 4 hours to get into RIAT only to miss the best bits and queued for 3 hours to get out of Fininngley a few years back – in comparison with other locations the M11 helps to disperse traffic reasonably quickly. As most of the punters seem to come from the south there is always a slow exit in that direction straight after the show – but generally if you pick your times right you don’t have a problem – (OK if you are with family – or have longer distances to travel this may not be an option) But the Market and hangers remain open for some time after the show has finished so hang around, do some shopping (if you have any cash left!) and watch the departures. 🙂
Sign In
