Boost for show organisers as Aycliffe Council welcomes plans

Organisers behind a bid to relaunch the Great Aycliffe Show have been given a major boost after Aycliffe Town Council broadly welcomed the plans.

In an initial meeting between organisers and members of Great Aycliffe Town Council, councillors welcomed the idea, but asked to see more details before progressing discussions.

Newtonian Russ Gibson has already assembled a small team of people, with three of them meeting council leader Bob Fleming, deputy leader Malcolm Iveson and head of recreation Brian Hall this week.

And while they insisted it’s still very early days, they were broadly supportive.

Mr Gibson impressed council members with a positive case to relaunch the Great Aycliffe Show, which is estimated would cost around £50,000 to fund.

Cllr Fleming said: “We’ve very pleased to have held an initial meeting and we were impressed by the enthusiasm presented to us.

“It’s very early stages, but we’re looking forward to further meetings and putting more structure into a potential event in the future.”

Mr Gibson already has a solicitor, an accountant and a local marketing firm on board, and says he’s also held talks with experienced events organisers about possibly getting involved in elements of the show.

He said: “We’re delighted with our progress so far. The meeting with Aycliffe Town Council was very positive and we’re delighted they have welcomed the idea in principal.

“We now need to put together a more detailed plan, with our ideas of what sort of attractions we’re proposing and the provisions those ideas will need.

“We also need to commercialise the event so that it’s financially viable, while making sure the community remains at the heart of the show.

“It is still very early days and we’re under no illusions as to how much work will be involved to bring this idea to fruition, but we’ve already assembled a small management team and between us we’re all very passionate and driven.”

Almost 1,000 people have already followed Mr Gibson’s Facebook page, set up less than two months ago, and he’s appealing for people to show their support by going to www.facebook.com/greataycliffeshow

Any businesses interested in supporting Mr Gibson can email him at [email protected]