Reactions flood in to announcement of Scampton Air Show

Thousands of people from across Lincolnshire and the UK have been reacting to the news that RAF Scampton has agreed to stage an air show in September 2017.

The Minister of State for Defence, Earl Howe, and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) announced the agreement to hold the Scampton Air Show at the base north of Lincoln earlier this morning.

As previously reported, the popular air show at RAF Waddington was officially scrapped in September 2015 due to “significant security concerns and operational risks”.

Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

Following the announcement, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, said: “There was a great deal of disappointment in Lincoln and Lincolnshire at the decision to end the air show at RAF Waddington in my constituency, although, given the heightened operational and security threat to Waddington, we well understood and appreciated the reasons why this decision was made.

“It is extremely pleasing to know, therefore, that Lincolnshire will play host to another air show – this time at neighbouring Scampton.

“In the run up to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, it is important to all of us in Bomber (and Fighter) County that we retain an International Air Show very close to its original home just north of Lincoln in Scampton, the home of the Red Arrows, and that the RAF has committed to maintain its traditional and modern links to Lincolnshire.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Fantastic news

Councillor Roger Patterson, who represents the Scampton ward on West Lindsey District Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Scampton, West Lindsey and Lincolnshire as a whole.

“Not only does it keep the air show in the county, it also secures the future of RAF Scampton, in its 100th year, and that of the Red Arrows squadron.

“I would like to thank Sir Edward Leigh who has championed RAF Scampton for a number of years, and like myself has always believed the base has a future.”

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Jeff Summers, said: “This is first-rate news and must surely be warmly welcomed.

“West Lindsey has big ambitions to grow our tourism industry and this is exactly the sort of news that we wanted to hear.

“I am confident that West Lindsey District Council will rise to the challenge to support delivering an air show in the district and we stand ready to assist the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust to do so.”

The Red Arrows performing at the 2014 Waddington Air Show. Photo: SAC Lauren Pope

Your reactions

Dale Radley said: “Jolly good I can watch it from my back garden.”

Rachel Bagley said: “Great news for the county. Would like to see what plans they have drawn up for travel arrangements and residents of Scampton. Be a great excuse not to work that weekend for me anyway.”

Mick Smith said: “Great news except for the people that live locally. The Waddington Air Show caused chaos on the roads for two days and Scampton is no better placed when it comes to the road network.