Air Tattoo cancelled on Sunday due to heavy rain

The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford has been cancelled on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2008, due to the unusually heavy rainfall, organisers have announced.

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2008 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have had to cancel the airshow on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2008, and the public is asked not to travel to RAF Fairford.

The cancellation of the airshow on both days of the two-day aviation event follows a sustained period of heavy rainfall that has resulted in waterlogged conditions not only in the public car parks, but also on the airfield itself. The decision was taken following consultation with the police and other safety services.

Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks on the Saturday, it became clear by mid-afternoon that significant areas of the fields and of the showground remain unusable, organisers have said in a statement.

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,’ he added.

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.’

The Air Tattoo has set up a helpline advising customers how to claim ticket refunds as this cannot be done from the base itself. Details of ticket refunds are available from the Royal International Air Tattoo website at airtattoo.com or by calling the Air Tattoo Helpline on 01285 713300.

SoGlos.com
12 July 2008