Woodspring Wings Show 2012 cancelled

Organisers of this year's Woodspring Wings Show have announced the cancellation of the event due to take place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July.

 

The show, which brings thousands of model aircraft enthusiasts to North Somerset every year, takes place at the Yatton Airfield but after inspecting the waterlogged site this week, organisers have been forced to cancel.

 

In what would have been its 20th year, the Woodspring Wings Show was due to feature some of the best pilots and models in the UK.

 

Woodspring Wings chairman Warren Smyth said: "It is with great regret that the 2012 Woodspring Wings Show cannot go ahead. Following several site inspections, the unavoidable decision has been taken to cancel the event, which we believe is in the best interest of the pilots, traders, suppliers and members of the public.

 

"The airfield is on the Somerset levels which are low lying and prone to flooding, and with this year's high rainfall the ground is untenable and will not dry out in time for the event.

 

"The fields would not be able to cope with the level of show traffic without suffering damage to both the ground and vehicles. The weather forecasts for the near future lead us to believe that the situation will not improve appreciably by the show weekend.

 

"It was a very difficult decision for myself and the rest of the committee to make but our fields are sodden and have only a thin crust of turf on top with many feet of peat bog below. This is a unique feature of the Somerset coastal landscape but does give us problems in very wet weather!"

 

The Woodspring Wings show, which has been cancelled only once before in 2007, is one of the top events in the UK modellers' calendar with flying expertise displayed by club members and top UK pilots.

 

Presented by Woodspring Wings MAC and Weston Model Flying Club the show had planned displays from 'Heli Harry' a 10-year-old ace helicopter flyer and flyers from members of the Large Model Association.

 

Featuring First World War biplanes, modern jets, an exciting high-altitude rocket launch and the children's favourite 'Toffee Bomber' the show was expected to attract thousands.

 

"It is very disappointing that the show won't go ahead this year as people really look forward to it and a great deal of work has gone into its preparation.

 

"We have seen the fields like this once before at the show held in 1998. Vans and cars were stuck in the mud and it was a nightmare, so it was important for us to avoid a situation like that again.

 

"Please do accept our apologies; we do, however, plan to hold an even bigger and better show in 2013, with more pilots and models than we've ever had before. Watch this space and keep your fingers crossed for better weather!"

 

All traders and those who have bought tickets already will receive full refunds. For more information about Woodspring Wings please visit the website at www.woodspringwings.co.uk