Over 90 per cent support Sidmouth Airshow returning in future years, survey finds

More than 90 per cent of Sid Valley residents would support Sidmouth Airshow returning in future years, according to a survey conducted by Sidmouth Town Council.

The local authority carried out the survey over a two-week period last month to find out what residents thought of the event. There will be another survey for visitors and a consultation with local businesses later in the year.

The airshow returned by popular demand in 2015, having been a staple event in Sidmouth from the 1960s to the early 2000s.

This year's event will take place at the end of August.

Survey results

There were 869 responses from the EX10 area, with the majority of responses overwhelmingly positive.

When asked 'Do you feel that Sidmouth Airshow brings an overall positive benefit to the people and community in Sidmouth?', 90.97% (of 864 responses) said 'yes'.

When asked 'Would you support the Sidmouth Airshow, featuring the Red Arrows, returning to Sidmouth in future years?', 90.50% (of 863 responses) said 'yes'.

When asked 'How likely are you to attend the Sidmouth Airshow this year?', 83.51% (of 867 responses) said 'very likely'.

When asked 'If the Airshow continues, what additional events/activities would you like to see running alongside it?', the most popular responses included a wide range of food and drink options, a family friendly music event, and fireworks.

Suggested improvements from residents included a bigger airshow with more aircraft, park and ride, better parking, additional regatta events, improved crowd control, sporting events and children's entertainment.

Click here to read the results in full.