Talks are already ongoing between BCP Council and a potential operator to take on the popular show over a 10-year contract. As reported, the anonymous operator is described as “experienced” in air shows and would look to host it on different dates over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. An air show will not be returning for 2025, but the show could make a return in 2026, should contracts be signed.
Culture cabinet member at BCP Council Andy Martin said: “From my point of view, having been involved with the air festival in different capacities for all its time, it clearly needs to be a different beast if it comes back. “I’m sure it will be a different beast when it comes back given what I know of potential interest. But without being too simplistic, it would be great if it was less and more Farnborough.
“More about , and STEM and building on the great work done on STEM at the air festival, but something that’s a lot more commercial event as well as a public spectacle.” A report by BCP Council said the operator’s experience includes “key links to the European Airshow Council (EAC) and the UK Air Display Symposiums”. It included the provision to ‘commercialise’ the area between and Bournemouth piers with a variety of hospitality offers ranging in price.
Cllr Martin questioned what that would look like. Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities, added: “This would be far more commercial and I really don’t want to see anybody priced out of going. “Bu.