Plans to save Bournemouth Air Festival revealed

BCP Council's come up with some proposals to keep the event going

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 14th Nov 2023

Proposals to save next year's Bournemouth Air Festival have been revealed.

Cash-strapped council bosses are suggesting it's shortened to three days instead of four next August to save money.

BCP Council has been trying to work out how to finance the festival as it grapples with a budget shortfall of £44 million.

A report suggests the authority invests £200,000 in the event next year, but from 2025, it proposes no council money should be used.

Potential changes also include creating a new look for the festival with displays involving kites and drones.

The Bournemouth Air Festival generates millions for the local economy but BCP Council say they can't afford to subsidise it as they battle a budget shortfall

It's also thought the festival could have a fourth day, which would be focused on 'community fun' and run by external organisations.

Performances by the Red Arrows - a popular part of the Air Festival in previous years - won't happen in 2024.

That's due to overseas commitments by the team, but council teams are working to secure alternative multi-jet and fast-jet display teams from Europe.

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture said:

“This proposal is a stepping stone to a long-term economic and cultural future for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Our area is built on a visitor economy and this proposal is about supporting the businesses that depend on it with a long-term way forward, while also recognising the cultural value it brings in making the area a great place to live, work and play.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the business community, council officers and BCP cabinet members who have together explored new ways of organising and sustainably funding the festival over the last few months.

“We are in a tough financial climate and as an open and transparent council, we welcome this debate and democratic decision making. What we do know is that there has been an escalation in uncontrollable costs in delivering the event since 2019 and there are concerns about the impact on the environment.

“We also know we have a £44m budget shortfall and we have had to make tough decisions about the future of some council services. We also know the value this event brings to the economy, to the cultural offer of our area and to wellbeing.

“I hope this proposal reconciles all these valid and compelling stand points and charts a course for a future financially sustainable festival that we can all be proud of.”

The Red Arrows won't feature at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2024

The provisional dates for next year's event are Thursday 29th August to Saturday 31st August.

The recommendations will go before councillors next week.

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