Replacement event planned after scrapping of Welshpool Air Show

After running every June since 2007, the Bob Jones Memorial Airshow and Transport Festival was axed for next year due to rising costs after a hard two years.

The decision was taken after great consideration because the show enjoyed much success and attracted big crowds in previous years.

The town council, which has worked in conjunction with Bob’s wife Linda, has acted fast to come up with an alternative event to replace the air show.

A proposal is going forward to full council tomorrow for a new style of transport festival, based around cycling, cars, buses, commercial vehicles, trains, flying, boats, tractors and hot air balloons.

County councillor Phil Pritchard believes it is a positive thing the council has acted so fast after having to axe the air show.

He said: “It couldn’t keep going as it was, at the expense of the taxpayer. Costs were rising and it was a massive risk, but this alternative is not a massive risk and we will still offer something of entertainment value for the town.

“It will hopefully bring in crowds and hopefully other events in the town will, too. The air show was great for the town, but as it was it just could not keep going.

“This event will draw people in and still bring that economic boost to Welshpool.”

The proposals include a cycling event with a display of old cycles in the town hall, and displays of old cars in the town. Vintage buses would be on display and a service would run from Castle Caereinion Station to the main line.

Ideas have also been tabled for two small aircraft which could fly the length of the route from the main line station to Llanfair and back again.

Canal trips are also a possibility with hot air balloons potentially going over the town.

The cost presented in a paper for tomorrow’s council meeting is coming in at considerably less than the air show, with the net cost £1,800 for an event next June.