Airshow donations �35k down

Donations taken at the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival were down by nearly �35,000 this year, the organisers announced today.

Bad weather and the subsequent lower attendance hit festival funds, with a total of �85,832 taken over the two days - a drop of �34,309 on last year.

Organisers have decided to postpone a decision on the 2011 festival until next month due to the dip in proceeds.

It is also expected that income from park and ride sites and the sale of merchandise and programmes will show a drop from last year, when attendance was about 420,000.

An estimated 333,000 people attended the event on Thursday and Friday last week, and were all asked to make a minimum �2 donation.

Festival managing director Paul Bayfield said: 'While the bucket collection was good considering it was the worst weather we have ever experienced in 14 years, it was unfortunately not good enough for us to decide to go ahead with next year's air festival.

'We still have bills to pay and we know that with budget cutbacks and a VAT increase we are facing big increases in costs next year, especially for emergency services cover, so we have some serious matters to consider before we can make a decision one way or another.

'We do, however, owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's festival, especially all our volunteer collectors and stewards who worked tirelessly through the rain, thunder and lightning to make the event as successful as possible.

'In view of this support and the fact that 333,000 people turned out in spite of the gloomy weather forecasts for both days, the air festival company is determined to make every endeavour to make the event happen again next year.'

A decision on next year's show could be made by September 28, when applications have to be in for RAF displays including the Red Arrows.