Lift-off for air show as Teignmouth plans bid

IT COULD be lift-off for an air show in Teignmouth in 2019 – but only if residents and businesses support it.

Negotiations to hold a joint Teignmouth and Dawlish airshow this summer ran out of time, but hopes were high that a show could take place in 2018. Now it has been confirmed a one-day airshow just in Teignmouth for either June or July 2019 is on the cards – but only if enough cash can be raised.

And organisers of the event hope the Red Arrows will be roaring over the skies as part of the event, but they have to submit a bid by the end of September – and won’t know if they are successful until March.

Town and district councillor and committee chairman, Cllr Dave Matthews, added: “The town council and traders’ association are fully behind what will be an amazing event for the town. Our town will provide a wonderful backdrop for the air display, bringing thousands of extra visitors, but we need help with fundraising and sponsorship before the event and stewarding on the day.

“We will not know until March, but early indications are we stand a very good chance.”

Committee member Tracy Scranage, former town centre development manager for Teignmouth and Dawlish said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Teignmouth to have its first air show and our beautiful promenade and estuary provide a fantastic panoramic view for

The Red Arrows could seen in South West skies again next year, but over Teignmouth, not Torbay the Red Arrows. If you can lend a hand with fundraising or any other way, get in touch.”

Organisers would not be drawn on how much cash would need to be raised to ensure the air show could go ahead, but said that if there was a funding shortfall or they were unsuccessful in bidding for the Red Arrows, any money pledged would roll over until 2020 when they would try again.

Ms Scranage added: “We have secured some sponsorship and we are planning on some fundraising events, the first being a Night at the Races at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park on November 10 from 7pm.

“Tickets are available from Bitton House or Lady’s Mile at a cost of £30, and the ticket price includes a welcome drink, two-course meal, live auctions and a disco.”

She added: “If you can help in any way by joining the committee, volunteering, fundraising, raffle donations, auction prizes or just wish to donate some money to help make this happen, please call us on 07464 750735 or contact us through our Facebook page Teignmouth Airshow.”

The announcement comes as it is unclear whether the Torbay Airshow will go ahead in 2019. Torbay Council’s cash crisis means it can no longer afford to spend £90,000 on funding the 2019 show. The authority’s financial chief has been asked to try to raise the money from alternative sources and asked to report back in November so mayor Gordon Oliver can make a decision on whether the show could go ahead.

The Red Arrows also flew over Sidmouth this summer with the town council collecting £10,479.60. In addition to cash raised from car parking, the town council said it should be enough to cover the costs of an air display over the town in 2019.