A POPULAR Lake District event which brought thousands to the area looks set to be revived after a three-year hiatus.

Windermere Air Festival, cancelled in 2011, could make a spectacular two-day comeback in the last weekend of September with a Royal Marine display, food festival and firework extravaganza over the water.

“We’re in basic talks with other parties and we’re looking for sponsors because we want to make this a reality,” said Paul Milledge, a directors of Showcase Events Limited, which has taken on the organisation of show.

“If we can get some good sponsors it could continue year on year which would be brilliant.”

The show ran for 11 years at Bowness with the first 10 organised by Windermere Rotary Club.

They passed it over to Bluestone Events after the 2010 show, and the London-based company ran it for one year as a commercial event But it attracted criticism from hundreds of local people over parking charges and a brand new entry fee to the Glebe.

The event was eventually cancelled in 2012.

“We wouldn’t charge entry,” continued Mr Milledge. “That was something the other company did and we don’t want to do that as it didn’t go down well.”

He added: “I know people got disgruntled so if they want to get in touch with suggestions that would be great.”

He explained that his company planned to make money through sponsorship and by renting out stalls at the food festival – but all profit would be ploughed back into the following year’s event.

The company hopes to make a name for itself in the area to encourage attendance at other planned events, including a balloon festival, a trucking weekend and an assault course race.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, a fan of the air show, hailed the ‘wonderful news’.

“The event has been a major date in the calendar of people who live in the Lakes,” he said.

“We need to try to make sure any new event is focused on the community and I think if local people, businesses and chamber of trade all pull together we can make a big difference and deliver a great weekend!"

Businesses and individuals who want to sponsor the event, and local people with suggestions, are asked to get in touch with Mr Milledge by emailing info@showcaseventslimited.co.uk or ringing 0845-4594004.