Council cuts Torbay Air Show funding

Down 75 per cent

Council funding for the upcoming Riveria Airshow in Torbay is down by almost three-quarters compared to previous years. 

Torbay Council will pay £26,000 towards the airshow, due to take place on Saturday 4 June and Sunday 5 June, down from the £100,000 it has invested in previous years.

It is not clear why the £74,000 cut has been decided, given the council’s previous emphasis that the event contributes many millions to the local economy.

When asked to clarify, a Torbay Council spokesperson didn’t answer the question, but in a statement said:  “Torbay Council has budgeted £26,000 for the 2022 event. Costs that cannot be covered through income will be met from the council’s £750,000 three year investment to support cultural and heritage events and activities.”

They added that “a significant proportion of the cost” will be covered by private partners, sponsorship and traders.

They didn’t say what they consider to be a significant proportion of the cost, or what resources will be put into finding private partners, sponsors or traders.

Last year’s airshow was cancelled because of covid. Previously known as the ‘Torbay Airshow’ the event began in 2016 and in 2018 attracted more than 165,000 visitors.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said the event will bring thousands of residents and visitors to the Bay and, according to a 2017 economic study, boost the local economy by around £7 million. 

The 2022 show will take place during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, which start with a two-day bank holiday on Thursday and Friday, 2 and 3 June.

The council will spend £50,000 on other Jubilee events, making the combined total, £76,000, equivalent to the combined annual council tax bill of 45 Torbay band D properties.

The Riviera Airshow will run between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday: “with a selection of cutting edge and beautiful vintage aircraft taking to the skies.”

Separately, there will be a street party and a ‘Jubilee Flotilla’ featuring “celebrated and private vessels representing all parts of the area’s coastal community.”