Not sure too many people was the real problem. Been to many big air shows and Rock concerts in the past with more people attending. The Road management was indeed poor (where were Dorset police and warning delay signage - Duxford is a good example!), and the entry/egress process from Car parks was beyond belief at times. Not enough people directing/hurrying traffic in to site, no proper signage (e.g. Car park 1, area B1,).. plus exit signs etc. No night time floodlighting, which was also needed for the public to avoid trip hazards and help find their car in the dark, on a big sloping uneven field. And the Public were NOT happy with the toilet arrangements.
Perhaps on the day card payments at say £22.50 and correct cash at £20 would have increased the speed of entry up along with more turnstile staff (one person on cash sales is poor). Yes there is a cost to all this, but IF there is to be another GDSF we have to remember the public is king and a bad visitor experience sadly spreads like wildfire on Fakebook/ instagranny etc.
The Show was indeed really excellent with some lovely touches, which the organisers should be praised but has fallen short in some area which is a big shame.
As i say each year why not enable programmes to be order in advance and sent straight to ones home beforehand so one can plan the visit and not miss any gems, with maybe the option to have a follow up list sent afterwards (or put it on the web) with the actual attendees. I'm sure many would indeed pay a few bob more. There was talk of a friends of GDSF, this could be one benefit!
Anyway I hope most people did indeed enjoyed themselves despite the problems and thanks to the staff who worked long days and had to field the public complaints (never an easy task). Lets hope formany more future GDSF's, with lessons learnt.
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