Overview

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has axed this year’s four-day air festival for the first time in 16 years, citing climate emergency commitments and staging costs.
• The event drew about 600,000 visitors annually and generated an estimated £60 million for local hotels, restaurants and retailers.
• Rosie Radwell of the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association warned that losing the festival could inflict long-term damage on the town’s tourism sector.
• Labour councillors Sue Aitkenhead and Michelle Dower proposed scaling back or greening the show rather than canceling it outright to preserve its economic benefits.
• The decision faced added scrutiny after the council appointed a new chief executive on a £220,000 salary amid ongoing budget pressures.