Abingdon Air & Country Show is postponed with a week to go

The annual air show, which usually attracts about 10,000 people, and raises thousands of pounds for charities including Thames Valley Air Ambulance, was due to take place on Saturday, May 18.

But organisers have now released a statement informing ticket holders that the show at Abingdon Airfield is being postponed following correspondence with the Ministry of Defence and is expected to be held later this year instead.

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The statement says: "Due to exceptional circumstances well beyond our control sadly our 2024 event being held on Saturday, May 18 is postponed.

"The reason being there is ongoing Ministry of Defence 'correspondence' that cannot be resolved in the timescale to the Air & Country Show which was due to take place in just over a week.

"However positive steps from the Ministry of Defence are being taken to resolve it in good time to allow us to restage an event much later in the year.

"We are sorry for the news but the committee and core volunteers are looking forward to seeing you soon with the new date to be announced once known.

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"Thank you for your support. All participants are being informed during today and ticket holders stand by for correspondence from the ticket provider."

Just days before the announcement founder and event organiser Neil Porter said: "Lots of time has been put in once again from the committee and also the core volunteers involved to create a family-friendly event for the community and the wider audience.

"It costs a huge amount to put on, but as long as the costs do not rise too much, we can sustain the show so public support is vital in helping to fund it via ticket sales, for example.”

This year, the afternoon flying display was due to consist of The Gazelle Squadron helicopter team, aerobatics from The Titans Display Team and Muscle Pitts, complete with a car race using a Ferrari.

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Also being lined up were aerobatics from a 1950s Jet Provost, the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display team, and a 1940s line-up of Hurricanes, Spitfires, Auster, P51 Mustang and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber ‘Sally B’.

Displays on the ground were to feature include classic cars and flight simulators.

The announcement will disappoint aviation enthusiasts who travel to the show from across the country, and people who live in Abingdon and the surrounding area who enjoy the day out.

Organisers say they are now looking at September for possible alternative dates.

It is understood talks are now taking place between Dalton Barracks and the Military Aviation Authority.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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