Vulcan bosses hit out at 'verbal abuse' as anger boils over at Halloween event
Thousands of people attended the weekend event
Bosses of Doncaster’s historic Vulcan have hit out at people who lashed out with ‘verbal abuse’ at a special Halloween event at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Thousands of people flocked to DSA on Saturday for the’ Halloween Howl’ event where the Cold War aircraft broke a record for an engine run.
But chiefs at Vulcan To The Sky Trust, the organisation which looks after the aircraft, have been forced to issue a statement following complaints about the handing of Saturday’s event, with grumbles from visitors about queues and a lack of food and drink.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We recognise the frustration expressed about food availability and access to the engine test bay.
“However, we want to clarify that the arrangements visitors experienced did not fully reflect those agreed in advance by Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
“Our agreed plan was for spectators to reach the engine test bay by bus, with stewards and chaperones in position before their arrival.
“The decision to direct spectators there on foot was made without VTST receiving sufficient notice to prepare the area and deploy our team.
“Our stewards then worked hard to manage the unexpected influx of visitors.
Want more stories like this? Click here to get our daily newsletter
“We are also investigating why food vendors ran short, including their reported understanding that only 300 people would attend.
“We will address these matters directly with the parties involved through a constructive event debrief.
“We welcome feedback and understand that some visitors were disappointed.
“However, verbal abuse directed at our stewards and air cadets—including young people under 16—is unacceptable.
“Please direct concerns to this page rather than targeting individuals.
“Thank you to our staff, volunteers and cadets for their efforts in challenging circumstances, and to everyone whose support helped make the wider event a success.”
More than 2,000 people atteneded the event which saw Vulcan XH558 break the record for a ‘howl’ - smashing the two minuter barrier for the distinctive noise its engines make under thrust.