THE future of Rhyl Airshow is uncertain despite record numbers flooding the resort over the weekend.
Nearly 90,000 people watched the two-day event providing a massive boost for the town's economy.
Ten-deep crowds of more than 62,000 lined Rhyl Promenade to watch the Red Arrows aerobatic team perform on the Sunday - up from 25,000 in 2009.
Saturday’s display attracted 27,000 despite awful weather which saw some displays cancelled.
Sian Davies, Denbighshire County Council’s events manager, said: “The weekend has been absolutely phenomenal. I’m just blown away by it. People travelled from across the country to see this year’s show and we did our best to please all, and there’s not doubt we did that this weekend
Organisers of the free event were told of hundreds of people at Ffrith Beach, Prestatyn, and Graig Park, Dyserth, not within the official spectator area which stretched from the harbour to Splash Point.
David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration and Tourism, said: “To watch the stunning displays and to see the many thousands of people flocking to Rhyl and enjoying our beautiful coastline is something that will stay in people’s minds for a long time.
“The town centre was buzzing and I’m sure this will have been beneficial to the whole town and the local economy.”
Despite the outstanding success of the event organisers say no decision can be made on its future until the county council looks at the expected 25 per cent cuts in spending expected in the next few months.
“Fingers crossed it will be back next year but we are aware of local government officers and departments facing huge cutbacks,” said Mrs Davies, who praised the role of sponsors, emergency services, coastguard, Rhyl lifeboat, air cadets and volunteers for their support in staging the event.
He said the feedback had been “incredibly positive” and urged spectators to help safeguard the event’s future by registering their approval on the Rhyl Airshow website at www.rhylairshow.co.uk
Esther Roberts, managing director, of North Wales Tourism, said: “Certainly the event has been very good for the Rhyl area and the region as a whole. We understand a lot of the hotels and guest houses were full with people choosing to stay because it is a two-day event.”