A target for £100k was set by BCP Council's cabinet late last year, raised by sponsorships and donations, to help fund the three-day show. Alongside this, BCP Council would contribute £200,000 of taxpayers' money to fund the show - breaking even from the revenue. Sources have told the Echo that the £100,000 has not been raised, but BCP Council has said it expects this to be raised after the air show this week.
A spokesman said: “In addition to income raised prior to the festival’s launch, income raised during the festival, though premium parking, programme sales and other commercial activity, will support us in achieving our overall income target.” Responding to the question ‘has £100,000 been raised?’, Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, could not give a straightforward yes or no. He said: “Income generation in advance of this year’s Air Festival is making good progress, reflecting the strong support for this much-loved event.
“In addition to the funds already secured, revenue will continue to be boosted through ongoing sales of advance programmes and commercial income raised during the event. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival [this week].” It’s not clear how much has been raised.
Just last week, BCP Council asked its residents to consider donating either £2, £5 or £10 to contribute to its year-round leisure activities. Cllr Herrett added that the donations raise.