No More Flying Legends at Duxford?
Discussion
The IWM have apparently put out a statement, which I can’t find, babbling on about it being a mutual decision, discussions with our partners etc etc, etc.
They have said that they will be looking into putting on their air show next year so I guess that the IWM want all of the income to boost their own coffers.
Many many unhappy people at the moment.
They have said that they will be looking into putting on their air show next year so I guess that the IWM want all of the income to boost their own coffers.
Many many unhappy people at the moment.
IWM email.
'After a long and successful partnership of some 30 years, IWM Duxford and The Fighter Collection (TFC) are announcing today that the Flying Legends air show will no longer be taking place at Duxford.
Given the financial pressures which have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic over the past few months, IWM Duxford has been required to examine all future events and consult with key partners to ensure that, as a charity, the organisation is able to maximise income and remain financially stable. It was therefore mutually agreed that TFC would seek an alternative location to host Flying Legends, which will be confirmed at a later date.
John Brown, IWM Executive Director Commerce and Operations, commented: “The Fighter Collection will continue to be a highly valued partner at IWM Duxford and we are delighted that its collection of amazing aircraft will remain on site and continue to be displayed throughout the year. We are confident that Flying Legends will continue with its success and would like to thank them for entertaining audiences at IWM Duxford over the years. We will be making some exciting changes to our own Air Show programme for next year and look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.”'
'After a long and successful partnership of some 30 years, IWM Duxford and The Fighter Collection (TFC) are announcing today that the Flying Legends air show will no longer be taking place at Duxford.
Given the financial pressures which have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic over the past few months, IWM Duxford has been required to examine all future events and consult with key partners to ensure that, as a charity, the organisation is able to maximise income and remain financially stable. It was therefore mutually agreed that TFC would seek an alternative location to host Flying Legends, which will be confirmed at a later date.
John Brown, IWM Executive Director Commerce and Operations, commented: “The Fighter Collection will continue to be a highly valued partner at IWM Duxford and we are delighted that its collection of amazing aircraft will remain on site and continue to be displayed throughout the year. We are confident that Flying Legends will continue with its success and would like to thank them for entertaining audiences at IWM Duxford over the years. We will be making some exciting changes to our own Air Show programme for next year and look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.”'
To paraphrase someone from another site, I have the feeling Duxford would be happiest with no airshows, no exhibits and no visitors.
I predict they want to turn it into an interactive museum for infants and ignorants, much like the new style IWM London, and the old BoB hangar at Hendon.
A great shame and personally I will probably not be renewing my membership this year, not just because of this, but many other Duxford policies that I have struggled to comply with.
I only hope that TFC find a new home for FL.
I predict they want to turn it into an interactive museum for infants and ignorants, much like the new style IWM London, and the old BoB hangar at Hendon.
A great shame and personally I will probably not be renewing my membership this year, not just because of this, but many other Duxford policies that I have struggled to comply with.
I only hope that TFC find a new home for FL.
ecsrobin said:
I’ve always felt Duxford have been on the money grab. I organised a few away days in the RAF where staff would go and learn about military history, the only place that never supported a visit either by providing a guide, discount or free entry was Duxford.
Fact is, overall there’s no better place to have the largest warbird airshow in the country than Duxford. It’s easy to get to, it’s got the history, the space and one of the best aircraft museums in the world. Even if the weather is rubbish and/or the flying is cancelled, at least there’s free access to the museums, and plenty of shelter indoors, so the day isn’t a complete write-off. Not that I’ve ever been when that’s happened.
dantournay said:
Hopefuly to somewhere like Old Warden, Sywell, East Kirkby or Bicester
The problem for TFC trying to fins another venue is the logistics of organising it elsewhere, given Duxford is their base, and the base, so everything is there on site, and all meetings with IWM are where they are.....It will be a huge undertaking (with added associated costs) for TFC to host Legends at another venue, and my gut feeling is, that sadly we might well have seen the last Legends.
danllama said:
To paraphrase someone from another site, I have the feeling Duxford would be happiest with no airshows, no exhibits and no visitors.
I predict they want to turn it into an interactive museum for infants and ignorants, much like the new style IWM London, and the old BoB hangar at Hendon.
I agree.I predict they want to turn it into an interactive museum for infants and ignorants, much like the new style IWM London, and the old BoB hangar at Hendon.
The fact that the IWM were serious about accommodating Marshall's at the airfield which would have killed off all airshows anyway due to overfly restrictions, shows that they couldn't give a stuff about the flying aspect there.
I wonder if some of the restoration firms may start to look elsewhere over time, and look to move out of Duxford.
Bicester Heritage would likely be chomping at the bit to attract them there I would think.
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