Abingdon Air & Country Show has announced a new date after the event last month was postponed.

The annual air show, which usually attracts about 10,000 people and raises thousands of pounds for charities including Thames Valley Air Ambulance, was due to take place on Saturday, May 18.

But about a week before the event, organisers released a statement informing ticket holders that the show at Abingdon Airfield was being postponed, following correspondence with the Ministry of Defence.

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Event organiser Neil Porter has announced the air show will now go ahead on Saturday, September 21 instead. 

(Image: Oxford Mail) A statement posted online said: "After various discussions, a high level meeting at the barracks and some time to reflect, we are delighted to announce the new date is to be Saturday, September 21 after the unfortunate postponement of the original May date, which was outside of our control.

"This is something between the Establishment and the MAA (Military Aviation Authority) that's ongoing and we are thankful to both parties in their continuing effort to sort things out over time.

"However, in the short term this means the show will adapt for its continued survival as a community show rather than we call it a day after 23 years of existence. So what does this mean?

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"The ground attractions will continue and we hope to diversify it a little more for a broader range of things to enjoy and browse through.

(Image: Neil Porter) "On the aviation side, in line with current restrictions we hope to have operational commitments permitting a small military static aircraft area for local engagement as well as a small number of privately owned helicopters - however no fixed wing privately owned aircraft will land (as they had done in previous years).

"There will be flying displays during the afternoon but most will operate from and to their home bases."

Mr Porter added: "It's pleasing that most traders, exhibitors that were booked for the original May event have 'rolled over' to the new date, as have all the infrastructure companies and sponsors so we owe them a huge thank you as well as all the volunteers signed up to help us."

(Image: Oxford Mail) More details will follow soon and tickets will soon be available on a a new-look website.

Tickets will cost £20 for adults, £10 for seniors over 65 and £7 for children aged between five and 15.

The festival has raised more than £100,000 for various charities since it launched in 2000.

Organisers have said it costs about £80,000 a year to stage the air show.

Last year the show featured about 70 different aircraft, from helicopters to Second World War fighters, as well as light and sport aircraft.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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