Some of the planes that were to feature at the now cancelled Classic Fighters Airshow. Photo: Supplied
The Classic Fighters air show in Marlborough has been cancelled four days before it was due to start, with the weather forecast making it unsafe to fly.
The show, held at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim every second Easter, was to be held from 18-20 April.
But in a statement released late Monday, organisers said the 2025 show had been cancelled due to the "severe weather event expected over the next several days".
"The combined Classic Fighters and Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Trusts met this afternoon and determined that the risks involved with attempting to run CF2025 at Easter are too significant. This decision needed to be made immediately to allow all attendees time to mitigate the effects of this decision."
The banner announcing the cancellation. Photo: Supplied
Organisers said it was a safety issue.
"The weather event forecast for Easter indicates almost a week of rain, low clouds, lower-level winds, and turbulence that would prohibit any display flying over Easter. The trusts must heed the general forecast conditions for safety in the air for the pilots and the audience on the ground."
Classic Fighters trustee Brian Greenall said all ticketholders were now being contacted to advise them that the show has been cancelled, "and to advise when they can expect some clarity around their ticket investment".
The last show in 2023 was the first in four years, after two attempts to hold the show in 2021 were thwarted by Covid-19 restrictions.
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