Sidmouth Town Council is pleased to announce that the Sidmouth Regatta Air Show will return on Friday 25 August 2023 as part of the Bank Holiday Regatta weekend with the Red Arrows once again invited to return to Sidmouth as part of the Air Show.
On Monday 7 November, the Town Council considered an evaluation report, compiled over the past 8 months, detailing the benefits and disbenefits of holding the event in the town. The Council acknowledged that the Air Show brought significant economic and social benefits to the town and a survey of local residents, conducted in June 2022, showed that over 90% supported the return of the Air Show next year.
The Council wish to steward Sidmouth towards a more sustainable future and with this in mind, they also decided to investigate possible alternatives for the August bank Holiday during the next 18-24 months before further evaluation is carried out which will include another consultation with residents and businesses with specific reference to the Air Show, its impact on the town and its impact on the environment. Alongside this, the Council will attempt to continue to build up the rest of the Sidmouth Regatta weekend working with local groups and organisations.
The Council will examine ways to mitigate the environmental impact of major events throughout the year by considering supporting sustainable practices, such as schemes such as increased electric vehicle charging, park and ride, promoting environmentally sustainable behaviours and using events to promote environmentally friendly values which would form part of a Sustainable Tourism initiative being piloted by the Council.
