RIAT - 13th July - AIR TATTOO CANCELLED!

[Oxlade1]

The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire announce that the airshow on Sunday, July 13 will not go ahead.

The decision was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them.

The public is asked not to travel to RAF Fairford tomorrow.

Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks, it became clear by mid-afternoon today (July 12) that significant areas of the fields and of the showground remain unusable.

Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: “We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.

“Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available.

“Having worked towards this airshow for the past 12 months, my team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and our band of 3,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers share the huge sense of frustration.”

The senior Police commander for the Air Tattoo, Supt Tony Godwin, said; “It is with deep regret that the decision has been made to cancel the Royal International Air Tattoo on both days. This decision was not made lightly. It was made in the interest of those visiting or working at the event.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who had been planning to attend the airshow, for their cooperation and understanding.”

This is an absoulute pain to me, RIAT is the highlight of my year and its been ruined by our "lovely" summer. Right now the weather is laughing at me. The weather on the 12th and 13th has been beautiful but been ruined by the arrival days. However, the refund we're getting will be enough to cover costs for The Farnborough International Airshow, not as good but its all thats left. I will try and upload the only RIAT photo's of the arrivals. So now i can wear my RIAT 2008 t-shirt and read my RIAT 2008 Program and say "This is the day that never happened"

I will do a new thread soon for the Farnborough Airshow







Watch the News Story on the below link
BBC NEWS | UK | Fairford air show a washout