Air show Red Arrows bid leads to clash

Bosses of a Mid Wales air show have taken the unprecedented step of holding next year's event on the same day as Shropshire's RAF Cosford Air Show in a bid to secure the Red Arrows.

Organisers of Welshpool Air Show said today that although they would generally try and avoid the events clashing it was the only way they could get the high profile air display team to attend the Powys event.

They are hoping the Red Arrows will perform at Cosford and then fly on to Welshpool. But RAF Cosford today said discussions would need to take place with its air show organisers about whether the Red Arrows would be able to appear at both events.

Robert Robinson, Welshpool's event organiser, said the show, which was normally held in July, would now take place on June 12 next year.

He said they "hope that by rescheduling the date to the same day as the RAF Cosford Air Show we will be able to attract more air displays. We will definitely stand a better chance of getting the Red Arrows."

RAF Cosford Wing Commander John Stanfield said: "The organisers of Welshpool Air Show will need to speak to our organisers about the possibilities first.

"There are strict rules and guidelines which need to be followed and I would suggest they get in touch."