Dawlish Air Show axed as costs and rules rise

An air show has been cancelled next year as organisers face increased insurance premiums and tougher safety rules after the Shoreham air disaster.

Dawlish Air Show in Devon said: "We have decided that, at this moment in time, we will be taking a break during next year's air show season."

The air show, which has been running for 10 years, said it hoped to "see you all again".

About 80,000 people saw a Vulcan bomber flypast at this year's show.

An organisers' statement, external said: "We have had over 10 years of amazing displays in Dawlish and won awards internationally.

"And so, on those high notes, we'd like to take a year out to plan, prepare and increase support, both financially and in-person, to improve and best cater for the 80,000 people that descend on our beautiful seaside town for the air show weekend."

No-one was available for further comment.

Dawlish Mayor Howard Almond said the prospect of increased insurance premiums and a clampdown on safety had "triggered" the move.

"They are very aware of all the risks and responsibilities for safety and the incident at Shoreham brought it home very clearly," he said.

"They are all volunteers and they know there are going to be changes in legislation and premiums.

"So they made a decision to step back from it and look at the changes."

The town council contributed £7,000 to this year's event.

Ali Hill wrote on Facebook: "This is a great disappointment to business holders like myself and I'm sure many holiday makers."