SOUTHEND’S much-loved airshow should be revived and hosted every four years on the seafront to boost the city’s economy and “bring in millions”, it has been claimed.
Southend Confelicity Party leader James Miller has said the event needs to return and all options should be explored to control the costs.
This includes hosting the airshow every four years, keeping seafront roads open during the event, and only booking the “big draws”, including the Red Arrows.
Mr Miller’s call comes after the cancellation of the LuminoCity lights festival as council bosses grapple with a £10.7million deficit.
He added: “The air show is a great investment in Southend because we know how many thousands of people used to visit when it was here before.
“There are more financial barriers than before, but that shouldn’t stop it, we need to do things a bit differently, such as holding it every four years so the events budget might be better to accommodate it an allow more time to attract sponsors.
“Also, don’t close the roads, move it away from the bank holiday, only book big draws and bring together a huge team of volunteers to marshal it.
“Residents would want it back, and I’m supportive in making it happen.”
Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome Arcade, in Marine Parade, said having the airshow will benefit the entire city as “thousands of people will come down and spend lots of money”.
He added: “The airshow was one of the best things that happened in Southend, and it’ll bring in millions.
“However, the council needs an events and organisations team, who have experience in businesses, to bring it back.”
“If Southend Airport can be a base for the jets for the Eastbourne Airshow, why not have them flying over the seafront?
Kevin Buck, Conservative councillor responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “Anything is feasible but there needs to be the will of the people to make it happen.
“I’d love to see it return as it was one of the highlights of the calendar year in Southend.
“I believe there’s a way to deliver a slimmed down version, such as not shutting down the seafront.”
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