Residents and visitors to Weston-super-Mare can look forward to an exciting line-up of events this summer as the government relaxes its lockdown restrictions. Unfortunately, the line-up will not include the Weston Air Festival and Armed Forces Day celebrations which were scheduled for the weekend of 19 and 20 June.
Restrictions still in place at that time regarding large outdoor gatherings mean the event, in common with many other planned air shows across the country, is unable to go ahead this year. Alternative dates were explored but unfortunately they were operationally unviable.
“We are extremely disappointed that the air festival cannot go ahead this year,” said Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism. “It is one of the region’s flagship events and is of huge importance to the local economy.
“However, we have to follow government guidance which means we are unable to stage an event of this size at this time. Our priority continues to be to protect the health and safety of both local residents and visitors.”
Cllr Solomon said money earmarked by the council for the air festival will now be used to support other events.
“We are working hard to bring forward a programme of events that people can enjoy as the restrictions are lifted,” he said. “After months of lockdown these events will provide great opportunities for people to get out and about again and enjoy the entertainment on offer.”
