Organisers of the Folkestone Airshow have defended their decision to refuse political party UKIP an exhibition stand at this year’s event.

Members within the party this week expressed their dismay after making a request to be one of the exhibitors at the airshow.

But organisers behind the show, taking place on The Leas and seafront in over the weekend of June 7 and 8, say that did not feel allowing a political party to exhibit would be appropriate for a family event.

A spokesman for Open Air Promotions said it was “regrettable” UKIP had made an issue of the decision.

“It is the policy of Open Air Promotions Ltd to contract exhibition space at the free-to-watch Folkestone Airshow only to companies and organisations which undertake to provide a product, service or activity which will contribute to the enjoyment of visitors to the event.

“For this reason, the company rejected the request from UKIP. The decision would have been the same if other political parties had asked to exhibit.”

UKIP councillors at county hall Mo Elenor and Hod Birkby and their MEP candidate for the South East, Janice Atkinson, said they were disappointed with the decision after taking a stand at the airshow held at Manston Airport last year, adding they were prepared to pay a reasonable fee.

Cllr Birkby, who represents the Folkestone West ward on Kent County Council, said: “We suggested that the organisers also ask the other main parties to exhibit too, this is a disappointing decision.

“We are not expecting endorsement from the owners of the airport, just a platform at their event.”

UKIP Kent chairman Cllr Mo Elenor said: “This does seem an odd decision as we took an exhibition stand at last year’s Manston show.”

Mrs Atkinson added: “We are trying to support local businesses and events and, at a time when the public are a little despondent with politics and politicians, this would have been an ideal platform in which to engage with the wider public and our voters.

“Democracy is about engaging with people, not hiding away behind desks and taking the taxpayers’ pound.”

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