Seeking Lessons from 2023 Southport Airshow: Councillor John Pugh Requests Formal Review

Following certain difficulties and challenges encountered during the 2023 Southport Airshow, opposition leader on Sefton, councillor John Pugh, is to request a report on the event indicating lessons learnt. A formal request will be made at the Sefton full council meeting this week.

Difficulties on the beach, in access and with the programme itself beset this year’s event.

“This is an important part of the calendar in a town where staging events well is crucial for our prosperity and profile.The Council is rightly ambitious to widen and develop further an already strong events programme. Running big events with the British weather has always been a high-risk, immensely stressful affair, but I think in Southport we want to be the best in the business.
 

That’s why when things don’t go quite to plan we all need to understand why. "

 Cllr Pugh added,  "In the past the Director of Tourism would routinely report to elected councillors every year and be quizzed on the impacts.That level of scrutiny no longer exists - hence the call for a proper report. 

It’s never a question of apportioning blame or credit. It’s a question of getting feedback, greater understanding and the right lessons learnt."