THE managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), the company organising this weekend’s Rhyl Air Show, has hit out at the “cowardly comments” made about the event prior to its return.

Jamie Groves said in a statement yesterday (August 21) that “negativity” expressed about the air show on some platforms has been “nothing short of disgraceful”.

Rhyl Air Show will be held along the town’s beachfront on August 26 and 27, with the Red Arrows and the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight among those on the schedule.

Last December, the 2022 air show was named “best event of the year” at the 2022 Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

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Mr Groves said: “As our teams gear up to welcome tens of thousands to another air show, it’s been disappointing to see such negativity about the event on some platforms, some of which is nothing short of disgraceful.

“The air show is a product of 12 months of planning and preparation by a small group of dedicated local, hard-working people, who are supported at the event by a team of dedicated volunteers.

“The team has the respect and trust of military and civilian air teams, the CAA and experienced flight directors.

“The event has won event of the year at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards for the past two years and contributes millions to the local economy year after year.

“It showcases the best of Rhyl, and should not be taken for granted.”

Last year’s air show, the first in Rhyl since the COVID-19 pandemic, was estimated to have attracted about 100,000 people on both days.

As one of North Wales’ biggest free events, this year’s show will also boast a range of land-based attractions and entertainment.

Mr Groves added: “These teams deserve our respect and gratitude. Not cowardly comments from those hiding behind a keyboard who are adding nothing to help Rhyl or Denbighshire as a destination.

“Those posting negative comments, please ask yourselves – what do you actually contribute to Rhyl and the local economy? If you want no part of the air show, then no-one is forcing you.

“We cannot wait to welcome the tens of thousands who will want to be there to enjoy the displays and an all-round great day out for the family.

“We all want to celebrate Rhyl, as a destination, and the amazing team that has managed to deliver one of the best free events in the country; an event that is the envy of many other counties across Wales and the UK, for another year.”

Rhyl Air Show was first held in the town in 2009.

The town’s 1891 bar and restaurant, adjacent to the Pavilion Theatre, will also host after-parties on both days of this year’s air show.