Torbay airshow costs cut by new sponsorship deals

Torbay Air Show has cost £30,000 in previous years

An airshow in Devon will cost taxpayers a third of its usual £300,000 price tag, according to the council which runs it.

The English Riviera Airshow is due to take place over the weekend of 1 and 2 June in Torbay.

Conservative Torbay Councillor Jackie Thomas, cabinet member for events, culture and tourism, said they had "managed to bring the event in at just a third of the cost from last year", thanks to a "collaborative" approach with local businesses.

An independent councillor said they supported the reduction, while a Liberal Democrat councillor said she was "furious" that a cross-party steering group never met to discuss plans.

A wartime Spitfire at Goodwood - some aircraft will not take place following the death of Sqn Ldr Mark Long

Fears were raised last summer that the event, which features flying displays, live music and other entertainment, may have had to be cut to a single day over cost concerns.

Members of Torbay Council later decided to "support and enhance" the show rather than cut or cancel it, with "marketing and sponsorship" part of the plan.

On Wednesday, Ms Thomas told the BBC by making the event "more community-based", and with "generous sponsorship", it would this year cost a third of what it had previously.

She added: "There was talk that we couldn't afford the £300,000 budget that we've had to shell out in previous years.

"But this year we have made it more a community-based event, so we've involved local community groups."

She said collaborative working had also led to "better prices for infrastructure".

'Not consulted and furious'

Councillor Christine Carter, Liberal Democrat coucillor for Roundham with Hyde ward in Paignton, said a steering committee had been formed for the airshow but "then never met".

She added: "We weren't consulted at all. The steering group did not meet and we have not been given any information at all. We get our information from the press.

"I am furious. Previous to this, it always met. But, this year, from May, when the Conservatives took control, we know longer met at all."

Councillor Darren Cowell, leader of the Torbay Independent Group, said "any cost-saving was always to be welcomed".

"It's a flagship event," he added, "and it's important at the early part of the summer season to boost our tourism offer.

"It's also welcome the fact there's wider community engagement with the organisation this year.

"I just hope the sun shines and people from around the county and further beyond flock to Paignton."

There are no Labour councillors on the authority.

WW2 memorial flight cancelled

Wold War Two aircraft due to form a major part of the airshow have been grounded after a fatal crash.

Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire on Saturday.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) had been due to fly over Torbay on both days of the show, including a Lancaster bomber alongside Hurricane and Spitfire fighters.

The RAF said it had taken the decision to "temporarily" ground the aircraft while investigations take place.

Councillor Thomas offered her "sincere and heartfelt condolences".

She said other aircraft would be taking part, including the Red Arrows, adding that live music would play on both Saturday and Sunday evenings.