13 February 2003
No Air Fete
BURY FREE PRESS

THE world-famous Mildenhall Air Fete has been scrapped for the second consecutive year amid fears it could be vulnerable to terrorist attack.

Base officials announced the decision yesterday, blaming an increase in 'operational tempo' as the main reason behind the cancellation.

The news will come as a relief to locals, who last week told the Bury Free Press they feared the massive show could be a terrorist target.

Col Donald Lustig, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, said scrapping the show was a 'difficult decision to make'.

"In past years, operational missions were suspended during air fete, but with the increased operations tempo that isn't an option this year," he added.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but in the end we could not guarantee the calibre of event that people expect.

"We also listened to the local community concerns and based our decision on their interests as well."

With next year's show already cancelled because of a scheduled runway project, the fete the largest military show of its kind in Europe has taken place just twice in five years.

But Matt Tulis, a spokesman for the base, stressed there were no thoughts of cancelling the show for good.

"As of right now we are planning for 2005,' he said. "Air fete is our biggest community relations event and it's something that we look forward to every year it's a chance to say thank you to the community for their support."

Gerald Taylor-Balls, Mildenhall Parish Council chairman, said: "There will certainly be an element of financial loss for people in the area but it's just one of those things that can't be avoided.

"We've got to understand the security and safety side of things and we have to agree with the decision they've come to."

West Suffolk MP Richard Spring echoed Mr Taylor-Balls' comments, saying: "I perfectly understand why they have done this.

"There's a major security concern around the world. It is not only aircraft and United States Airforce personnel who could be affected by this but local residents and local communities in the circumstances this is entirely the right decision."