Last Updated: Friday, 21 January, 2005, 13:12 GMT
Security fears threaten air show. The future looks bleak for another Air Fete show at RAF Mildenhall
The future of one of the largest air shows in Europe looks uncertain after being cancelled for a fourth year.
The Mildenhall Air Fete in Suffolk, which attracts more than 500,000 people to the area, has not taken place since 2001 amid security concerns.
A Community Appreciation Day will be held in June, however, to show the base's thanks for the support provided by local communities, but USAF spokesperson Sgt Cindy Dorfner said the event would be ticket only.
Security concerns.
"We're just having this to show thanks to our local community neighbours who welcome us every day and put up with our noise," she said.
Air Fete, the largest military air show in Europe, has not been held since September 11, 2001 due to runaway resurfacing and the "war on terrorism".
"Logistically it takes a lot to plan...the basic framework was already there in 2001 - to start it again from scratch would be difficult," Ms Dorfner added.
"Security's a lot tighter in the days after 9/11. There are lot of concerns now with holding an air show."
"Who knows if we will ever have an Air Fete again - we may have both," she added.....
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,
& gone forever!
