‘Devastating impact’ as RAF Fairford loses air show

Jo Northen, who owns Kempsford Camping, said the decision would have a “hugely devastating financial impact” and would affect both the teenagers they employ to help during the event and their local suppliers.

Northen works as a farmer but opens her land for camping specifically for the air show.

“Without the air show, we’re just a field,” she said.

Former mayor of Fairford Chris Roberts said she was “not surprised” the event had been moved but she said she found the news “very sad”.

She said: “RIAT has made Fairford an aviation hub.

“It has put us on the map. We’ve had global visitors using our pubs, restaurants and shops.”

A spokesperson for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises said RAF Fairford would “always remain an important part of the event’s story”.

They said: “While RIAT’s flying operations will move to MoD Boscombe Down, Fairford will remain the home of the organisation.”