A tourism event expected to draw thousands to the Somerset region has become the latest coronavirus restriction victim

An airshow event expected to draw thousands of tourists to the Somerset region has been postponed, with organisers urging everyone to get the jab.

Brisbane Airshow has been postponed. Photo: Duncan Fenn

Event organisers have hit the eject button on the Brisbane Airshow, which was on the runway to hit the Somerset skies this weekend.

Show organisers have postponed the event until October due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Somerset region was programmed to host the event at Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield on Saturday and Sunday.

Australian air displays director Gill Vardi informed sponsors, including the Somerset Regional Council, that the restrictions in Queensland and other states prevented flight crews, exhibitors, and ticket holders from attending.

Grumman TBM Avenger has arrived.

Posted by Brisbane Airshow on Thursday, June 24, 2021

“We are asking all of our sponsors, pilots, aviation expo, education alley, foodies, merchants and contractors to roll with us to October 16 and 17, when we will be better placed to deliver a healthier, safer and wider immunised airshow,” Mr Vardi said.

The Gatton Star understands some interstate exhibitors had already arrived in Queensland prior to the announced lockdowns, and infrastructure for the event was already being set up.

Via its Facebook page, organisers said the aggressive delta variant and the inevitable disruption to this weekend’s scheduled event had forced the committee to adopt a stance which supported the community’s health.

They urged Queenslanders to join the committee in the postponed event and “get a jab”.

The event will be postponed until October 16 and 17, with all current ticket holders transferred to the new date.

Anyone unable to attend can apply for a refund.