Air Show flying high as ‘People’s Choice’ winner at tourism awards
THE Southport Air Show was confirmed as the ‘People’s Choice’ winner at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards last week.
Taking place on Thursday, May 19 at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, the awards ceremony was hotly contested across a range of categories, with the Air Show winning via a public vote.
The Sefton Council-run event was also shortlisted for Large Tourism Event of the Year and Tourism Experience of the Year while the British Musical Fireworks Championship was shortlisted for Small Tourism Event of the Year.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “We are delighted that the Southport Air Show has won this prestigious award, especially as it is voted for by the public.
“The team at Sefton Council work very hard throughout the year to deliver the event and this is a fantastic reward for their efforts.
“Southport Air Show is part of a wider extensive events programme that brings thousands of people to the borough throughout the year, including the British Musical Fireworks Championship, Southport Food and Drink Festival and many more.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Air Show and we are looking forward to celebrating with the launch of Friday night flying!”
The Southport Air Show highlights from 2015 included the historic and final flypast of the Avro Vulcan and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.
Southport Hotel The Ramada Plaza was also shortlisted for four awards.
Deputy Manager Lisa Little said:“It was an absolute honour for the Ramada Plaza to be shortlisted and then go on to make the final in no less than four awards.
“We took along a representative from all departments and we all had a thoroughly good evening, the hospitality was amazing.
“We were in some very good company in all of our categories and we are proud to have been there.
“I’d also like to express our joy at the People’s Choice award going to the Southport Air Show, we all felt proud to be representing Southport that evening.”