Jim Parker: Keep those Red Arrows flying over the Bay

It would appear that some people have grabbed the wrong end of the stick as they see millions of pounds coming into the Bay.

More than £200million from the private and public sector will help deliver a new future for the English Riviera which it, and we, need so badly. But some people mistakenly believe that this money is going straight into the Town Hall coffers for Torbay Council to have a jolly good spending spree.

Absolutely not the case. The investment is being, and has to be spent, on game-changing projects that will deliver that new future with the regeneration of our ailing town centres at the very top of the priority list.

Money to actually run the local authority is still tight and an on-going challenge. That is why there is a need to increase council tax just to provide basic services.

And when it comes to events like the English Riviera Air Show, the Town Hall still desperately needs the support of the private sector with sponsorship etc. Without it, the air show itself may be in doubt. Time is running out to find cash backers. In just a few weeks' time what may be a tough decision will have to be taken if the support is not there and that could mean reducing the show from two days to one - or even pulling the plug on it all together.

The English Riviera BID Company recognises the importance of events, especially those which boost tourism and attract holidaymakers outside the main summer season.

Chief executive Carolyn Custerson says: "We put in £20,000 as direct cash sponsorship plus significant ‘time in kind’ for marketing and promotion including the setting up of the new website working with Bigwave and ensuring that the Air Show is promoted very prominently on the official ER visitor website, plus we will be investing in a targeted digital marketing campaign to specifically attract new visitors to the event.

"Signature events like the Air Show are hugely important in raising the profile of the area and attracting new visitors to the resort. Our aim is to encourage more people to ‘Make a Weekend of It’ and to stay over and explore all the great things there are to do here for all the family. For these reasons we are pleased to continue in being one of the main sponsors of the Air Show and would encourage local businesses and residents to also show their financial support to ensure that the 2024 Air Show goes ahead.’’  

The show has been the Bay's flagship event since 2016. Historically a council event, this year the local authority is working with community partners to make it happen.

Adam Billings, the councillor in charge of Pride in Place, says: "The council's new approach reflects the success of community organised air shows such as Teignmouth and the ever increasing need to deliver value for money by working in collaboration with the businesses and the wider community. The ERBID Company, Bigwave Marketing, Torbay Communities and the team behind Children's Week have already pledged their support and are committed to bringing a two-day flying and on the ground spectacular. But the cost of the flying display teams, which include some of the RAFs most loved aircraft (including the Red Arrows), costs in the region of £120,000. Meeting that financial target isn't easy, and that's where  business can help."

Cllr Billing said the show delivers regional and national exposure, reaching social media audiences of over 24,000 followers with, 65,000-plus visitors. It also has a positive community impact: and  attracts visitors from all over the UK.

"Business sponsorship packages are available. Or perhaps a business might not be able to provide financial support in the form of sponsorship but could provide essential services or support," says Cllr Billings.

He added: "For those of in the local community who simply enjoy attending the Air show and wants to ensure it does go ahead, they can become a 'Friend of the English Riviera Airshow' or a 'Patron'"

All the details are on the English Riviera Airshow website: https:// englishrivieraairshow.co.uk/

Cllr Billings warned: "Time is running out to show support. If the cost of the event isn't covered through sponsorship and donations it could mean the scale of the event may have to be reduced, so let's all try and all work together in the spirit of our community to make this the brilliant event we all want it to be."

Yep, the air show does cost a lot of money to stage, especially when council budgets are tight. But the importance of putting the English Riviera on the map cannot be under-stated.

It also generates millions of pounds for the local economy. Now is the Time for those who may just sit back and reap all the rewards to put their hands in their pockets and save the Air Show before it's too late.