THE cancellation of the Rhyl Air Show 2024 has prompted a flurry of discussion with readers voicing mixed views on social media.

Organisers Denbighshire Leisure Ltd revealed on Wednesday, February 21, that the Air Show is taking a break following the announcement of the Red Arrows 60th season anniversary international tour.

At the time of the Air Show, in August, the Red Arrows will be in Canada as part of a a five-week tour to help mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial so they will not be able to take part in the crowd-pleaser in Rhyl that normally attracts thousands of visitors. 

The Red Arrows did not feature in the Air Show line up in Rhyl in 2019. Fans instead were treated to a display by the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon display team.

Several readers were quick to express their frustration at the loss of the popular event.

Denise Burrows posted on the Journal Facebook page: "What a joke, people do not come just to see the Red Arrows. It is an Air Show so there are other aircraft to see."

Daniel Fretwell said: "Can’t believe they’ve cancelled it just because the Red Arrows can’t be there. That’s gonna be a lot of money lost for the shops in Rhyl."

Paul Penlington said: "If DCC [sic] had any imagination they could still have an air show. What was the point of all the previous air shows if it all depended on the Red Arrows?"

Others like Sue Holdsworth shared concern about the broader potential impact on the town.

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Sue said: "The forced closure of the little kiosks and Sea Quarium along with an empty, unused events arena mean there is nothing for visitors. SC2 costs an arm and a leg, not everyone wants arcades, and the beach, beautiful as it is, doesn’t have enough to keep families busy all day.

"There must be other events that could utilise the space."

Anton Sampson suggested: "As much as I love and support the Air Show, I think several large events could be put on and spread out over the summer season that would be a greater benefit to the town and people. It's a serious amount of money."

Karen Berry thought a year's break "might not be so bad."

She said: "To be honest, as good as the Air Show is and the tourism it brings with it, it’s tending to be the 'same old’ every year."

Joseph Szaraz termed the cancellation as "excellent news" and added that his dog "doesn't like them" [the noise from the planes].

Rosie Harmon joked: "I say we all get the kites out!!"

Whilst Mark Chesterton offered a different perspective.

He said: "To be honest, the Air Show doesn't really help small businesses in particular. Of course, visitors come to it and perhaps stay in a hotel but they don't go shopping.

"They head straight for a spot on the beach, many with a picnic and stay there all day."