Airshow London draws 20,000 as popularity remains sky-high
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London’s drive-in air show is a hit.
More than 20,000 people filled the fields around London International Airport over the weekend to view aerial displays as Airshow London took to the skies in a pandemic-friendly drive-in format, organizers said.
“It has been amazing,” said Tori Hill, a spokesperson for the event that drew 2,500 vehicles both Saturday and Sunday. “We had great turnout. We sold out Saturday and Sunday.”
In all there were 16 performers, including the U.S. Blue Angels, six F-18 Super Hornet jets, as well as the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet demonstration team.
The event was made COVID-compliant as a drive-in show with no static displays where those attending could usually view planes on the tarmac. Instead, each vehicle was given a designated area where they could park and attendees could sit in lawn chairs to watch the skies.
“Everyone lined up in their cars in a row, we mapped out a spot drawn on the ground where they could park and people brought out chairs, coolers and umbrellas,” Hill said.
There were also food and beverage carts travelling the area where snacks and drinks could be purchased, she added.
The show also featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the U.S. Navy had an E-2C Hawkeye while the U.S. Navy brought a C-17 Globemaster. There were also fly-bys by U.S. military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and tankers.
“Last year we had a drive-in event as well and surveys showed about 90 per cent asked to have the drive-in format return,” Hill said. “We’re very happy with how it all turned out.”
ndebono@postmedia.com
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