A LACK of sponsorship has forced the organisers of the Swindon Show to cancel the event, just a month before it was due to take place.

The show, which was due to be held during the weekend of July 10 and 11 was to feature air displays from the RAF's Harrier jump jet and the Red Arrows display team as well as a wide variety of arena events, stalls and music.

But David McCance, chairman of the show and founder of the Imperial Charity the show's main beneficiary says a lack of interest from Swindon firms has forced him to cancel.

Illness among some of the charity's committee members has not helped the situation.

Mr McCance said: "We simply have not had the sponsorship from the major companies in the area this year. We have sent letters to these companies, and they have just replied with their generic letters with the details altered.

"We cannot put on a show without support from the community. Last year we started, with little help from the council, with the hope of becoming an established event, but none of the firms are interested in helping.

"A few thousand pounds towards the event for them would be like you or me buying a packet of cigarettes."

According to Mr McCance, an appearance by the Red Arrows alone costs up to £7,500.

The first Swindon Show and Air Display was held at Lydiard Country Park in August last year, it featured air displays from helicopters and jets as well as daring motorcycle stunts from Jake Semtex.

But despite huge enthusiasm from the visitors and children and being held on one of the warmest weekends of the year, it managed to attract only half of the 10,000 visitors expected.

It left the charity with a £20,000 deficit in its finances, but despite the setback, torganisers were determined to come back and establish the Swindon Show as an annual event.

In February, the organisers announced the dates of show would be moved forward to early July, rather than August in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

The Imperial Charity organises day trips for children with special needs and elderly people.

It also produces low-cost printing of leaflets for other charities.

The organisers have vowed to return to Swindon again in 2005 to have another go.

Anthony Osborne