Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere on this site, but I spotted this announcement on the BMFA website. Real bad news for those of us who enjoy the annual pilgrimage to Barkston Heath.
It is with some disappointment that we confirm that the RAF have declined us permission to use Barkston Heath to hold the 2016 Power Nationals.
During the course of 2016, there will be a considerable amount of construction work undertaken on the airfield which will render a large area out of bounds. As such, the view of those in command was that they would not be in a position to support a major public event at Barkston Heath in 2016. It is only the third occasion in the last thirty six years that the airfield has not been made available to us for the Power Nationals.
We are certain that members will share our disappointment at this announcement, as will local businesses which are set to lose tens of thousands of pounds as a consequence. Our hope is that Barkston Heath will be available to us again for 2017 but this cannot be confirmed at this time.
The Free Flight Nationals will still take place as usual over the late May Bank Holiday at Barkston Heath as this is a much smaller event which the RAF are happy to accommodate.
Alternative arrangements will be made for the various component contests within the Power Nationals and we can confirm that the intention is to run the Showline as a standalone event with a full trade show and camping over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The venue has yet to be confirmed.
Further announcements will be made as information becomes available.
Dave Phipps
CEO and Nationals Co-ordinator
It is with some disappointment that we confirm that the RAF have declined us permission to use Barkston Heath to hold the 2016 Power Nationals.
During the course of 2016, there will be a considerable amount of construction work undertaken on the airfield which will render a large area out of bounds. As such, the view of those in command was that they would not be in a position to support a major public event at Barkston Heath in 2016. It is only the third occasion in the last thirty six years that the airfield has not been made available to us for the Power Nationals.
We are certain that members will share our disappointment at this announcement, as will local businesses which are set to lose tens of thousands of pounds as a consequence. Our hope is that Barkston Heath will be available to us again for 2017 but this cannot be confirmed at this time.
The Free Flight Nationals will still take place as usual over the late May Bank Holiday at Barkston Heath as this is a much smaller event which the RAF are happy to accommodate.
Alternative arrangements will be made for the various component contests within the Power Nationals and we can confirm that the intention is to run the Showline as a standalone event with a full trade show and camping over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The venue has yet to be confirmed.
Further announcements will be made as information becomes available.
Dave Phipps
CEO and Nationals Co-ordinator
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