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But whether it will remotely resemble the "Biggin Hill Air Fair" of old
http://www.biggin-hill-today.co.uk/News ... adline=New
New plan to stage air show in 2013
Thursday, 26 July 2012
BIGGIN Hill airport is in talks to resurrect the town’s popular air show and hopes to stage an event in June 2013.
The announcement was made at a packed meeting of the Biggin Hill & District Residents’ Association, held on Wednesday.
Airport managing director Jenny Munro said the project was a “high priority”,
adding that any future show would have a greater focus on local residents.
Ms Munro was joined by Colin Hitchins, formerly of Air Displays International, the company that for many years ran the Biggin Hill international air fair.
Now working directly with the airport, Mr Hitchins said his desire was to hold an air show in Biggin Hill on an annual basis.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today if the airport wasn’t behind this – the ambition is there,” he said.
Mr Hitchins said the success of the show – established in 1963 – had grown “faster than our capabilities”
and insisted his efforts were now focussed on making sure Biggin Hill residents get more tickets.
“Local people have got to be the priority,” he said. “Let’s try and limit tickets to ensure you get a good experience.”
That point was confirmed by Ms Munro, who said she did not anticipate a future show drawing “anywhere near” the previous maximum of 70,000 visitors over two days.
Mr Hitchins said the intention was to stage an event “worthy of Biggin Hill” that represents “all facets of aviation”.
The aim would be to set ticket prices at or below the amounts charged in previous years (around £45 for a family ticket).
A 2013 air show – likely to be held over two days – would almost certainly have to incorporate the daily operation of the airport, as well as the flying displays.
An application for the RAF Red Arrows to take part in the event could be made as early as September this year, Mr Hitchins said.
Hosted by residents’ association chairman David Haslam,
the meeting was held to get local residents’ views of the show –
what they liked and disliked about previous events and what they wanted to see from any future show.
Ideas included:
•Scrapping the fun fair, branded “tacky” and “expensive” by members of the audience
•Inviting local students to perform or be otherwise involved in the event
•Creating a careers opportunities tent
•Celebrating the vintage of Biggin Hill by involving all generations
Biggin Hill’s long-established annual air show was scrapped shortly after Biggin Hill Airport Limited seized control of the event in 2010.
At the time, airport bosses said they were concerned about the safety and business risks involved with running the show.