Museum Statement 11.08.26
The museum trustees are aware of the disappointment being expressed about not pursuing a Falkland Event next year; and acknowledge that more context about the decision would have been helpful.
In 2025 the decision was taken to stop hosting Cockpit-Fest and other similar two day events. This decision was in part taken in response to the new obligations for event organisers under the Martyn’s Law Legislation. Plus, an additional factor was the impending loss of the overflow car parking area, linked to the site acquisition – this has now happened, with the completion of the land deal on 4th June 2026.
The Aeroboot event on 8th August 2026 was the first event we have operated under the new site arrangements. The event was monitored to evaluate the challenges of hosting future events.
The available car parking areas (including a new area used on the inner hardstanding) were nearly full by 11am (15 spaces left), and the situation was only relived by some buyers starting to leave. However, we did note significant pinch points in the area of the Southfield Site access gates.
Based on the previous Cockpit-Fest type event, visitor and exhibitor arrival and departure experiences; these single point entries have been highlighted as a potential safety issue, for non-Aeroboot type events.
As such, the trustees felt unable to meet their Martyn’s Law obligations, using the new site arrangements. This, coupled with the issue of finding a suitable date; meant that this morning they took the difficult decision to not proceed with the proposed Falklands event in 2027.
The future access obligations that we have entered into as part of the Site Acquisition process will help address these issues. Sadly, we do not have the six figure sum available to start undertaking the work in time for next summer, nor do we have the required planning permission.
All that said, our current 2026 visitor figures, even without Cockpit-Fest are running on par, and if not slightly ahead of the 2025 numbers; which is some good news.
We appreciate this decision is disappointing, however the safety of people on site and the long-term future of the collection will always remain our priority.
The Newark Air Museum Trustees.
