Torbay Airshow 2019 under threat

Cash-strapped council can't afford contributions

In July last year Torbay Council agreed a five year budget for the Torbay Airshow that would see them commit £100,000 of funding to the event in 2018, with a 10 per cent year-on-year reduction over the next five years.

But Torbay Council’s cash crisis, with a forecasted budget overspend of £2.8m, means it can no longer afford to spend £90,000 on funding the 2019 show.

The council’s Policy Development and Decision Group is due to be told by officers that the commitment is no longer affordable, and that unless alternative funding sources are found, they will have to cancel the 2019 airshow – and if cancelled, it is unlikely any airshow would return in the near future.

The group, who meet on Monday, September 3, are being recommended to approval that the council’s Executive Head of Assets and Business Services be requested to engage with the business, community and voluntary sector with a view to securing £90,000 funding/sponsorship to fund the Torbay Air Show for 2019.

They would then report back to the Policy Development and Decision Group on October 1, knowing if funding could be secured on not, to enable the Torbay mayor Gordon Oliver to determine if the Council can proceed with the Airshow for 2019.