Rhyl Airshow 2023 chief blasts ‘keyboard warriors’ over ‘negativity’
Written by Claire Carter on 23/08/2023
A Rhyl Air Show organiser has hit out at “cowardly” keyboard warriors over their “negativity” about the event. Jamie Groves, the managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) – who help organise the event which returns to North this weekend with the Red Arrows – aimed both barrels at “nothing short of disgraceful” online whingers.
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.
“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.”
An unofficial Facebook page for Rhyl Air Show fans responding to the statement saying that Mr Groves “needs to chill a little”. The page went on to say that the DLL managing director needed to understand “it’s the nature of the world we live in” where you cannot please everyone.
But Mr Groves broadside won support from fans of the show. One wrote: “Nothing is ever good enough for some people! You could give the keyboard warriors Concorde and they would still have something bad to say!”
Another said: “Honestly you could be handing out tenners in the high street and people in Rhyl would still find a reason to moan! The Air Show will be successful as always, local businesses will benefit from it and people will enjoy the free show.”
A third added: “There are some awful comments on other posts. I can’t quite believe that people moan about a FREE event. The climate and hardship we are in at the moment and people still have the absolute AUDACITY to ridicule a free event. Just disgusting.”
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