Lydd Airshow 2008 Cancelled

4.46.06pm GMT Fri 25th Jan 2008

Lydd airshow has been cancelled this summer because it failed to attract a sponsor. The airshow had its debut in 2006 and was attended by 40,000 people.

It replaced the council-run Shepway Airshow which ended in 2004.

Airport chief Zaher Deir said the show, planned for June, had been costly and a major sponsor was needed to safeguard its future, but had not been found.He said:

"For the past two years Lydd Airshow has relied solely on Lydd Airport for its full financial support. LAA is simply unable to keep covering the full cost of the airshow, so we have had no option but to cancel for this year."

He said LAA and airshow organisers would be looking into holding the show next year "provided we can secure sufficient funds", and would also consider running it every other year.