ORGANISERS behind a popular Suffolk air show today warned that the event could be in jeopardy unless it attracts more visitors.The grim verdict from John Agnew, owner of the Rougham Airfield, comes after people turned their backs on the latest Rougham Air Display and Classic Car show.

ORGANISERS of a popular Suffolk air show have warned that the event could be in jeopardy unless it attracts more visitors.

The grim verdict from John Agnew, owner of the Rougham Airfield, comes after people turned their backs on the latest Rougham Air Display and Classic Car show.

Mr Agnew admitted he was “depressed” about the future of the airfield - coming just weeks after it lost thousands of pounds when a three-day arts festival was unexpectedly cancelled.

And he made an urgent rallying cry to the local community and air enthusiasts to support the next weekend air show in October or face losing the popular event forever.

He said: “It is very frustrating that we didn't get the people and very depressing as we lost money on the event in June and we really needed a good weekend.

“We need people to come and support us and I am worried about the future of the air shows.

“We have this wonderful space for air shows and great support from companies and pilots but if this is not reciprocated, by the public, then it is very difficult to save.”

A regular fixture in Suffolk for 14 years, the weekend's air show featured a number of flying displays including Spitfires, displays by Bury Model Aircraft Club, military re-enactment and street theatre.

But, like June's air show, visitor numbers were down as organisers were dealt a further financial setback.

Earlier this month, the three-day Human Zoo Arts Festival - due to be a money-spinning event for Rougham - was cancelled at the last minute.

Organisers of the event said they had no choice but to cancel after St Edmundsbury Council warned they could face legal action and heavy fines if they broke strict noise conditions.