Weston-super-Mare’s annual Air Festival – which attracts crowds of hundreds of thousands to the resort – has been cancelled.
North Somerset Council has taken the decision to cancel the event, due to take place in the resort over the weekend of June 27 and 28 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
A council spokesman said: “Following recent events and in line with government guidance, it is with great regret that Weston Air Festival, which was set to take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, has been cancelled.”
Over the years the festival has featured displays from the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Display and Chinook.
Each year the event attracts crowds of around 200,000 which line the prom to watch the spectacle.
It is expected the event will return to the town in 2021.
North Somerset Council executive member for tourism services Councillor Caritas Charles said: “Weston Air Festival is a brilliant annual feature on the south west event calendar and we love bringing the spectacle to the seafront and beach lawns for both local and national audiences.
“At this time, it is crucial that we follow all government and medical authority guidance, so it is with regret that we are cancelling the event.
“Although it is a very difficult decision, our priority is to protect both air festival visitors as well as the local residents of Weston-super-Mare.
“As one of the region’s flagship events it is of huge importance and we would like to extend our thanks to our flying teams, suppliers, organising teams and visitors for their support for the event.”
The festival pumps hundreds of thousands of pounds each year into the local economy.
