Some grumbling over Wings prices

BUZZ: Big crowds on the Saturday.

Wings Over Wairarapa's organising team say the 2015 event received "great feedback" - but it could be more affordable for people and a better investment for stall holders.

This year's airshow pulled in an estimated 20,000-strong crowd, 70 aircraft from both ends of the country, several new features and "three brilliant days of weather".

Wings Over Wairarapa Community Trust chairman Bob Francis and organiser Jenny Gasson said they were pleased with the feedback, particularly from out-of-towners.

However, they are aware of grumblings over ticket prices - $65 at the door ($50 for advance bookings) and $130 for a family pass ($100 in advance) for the Saturday and Sunday.

Comments on the Times-Age Facebook page were mixed - some said the show was "well worth the ticket price", while others were unable to go as it was "far too expensive", especially for families.

Mr Francis was concerned Wairarapa residents were being priced out of the district's "premier event".

"We had massive numbers from Wellington but, going forward, we want to look at how to pull in the average punters in town," he said.

"Making the event more affordable for locals is something to consider." Mr Francis said organisers had a budget of $1.1 million - which included insurance policies in case of weather changes.

"It's a high-risk event, as it's so weather dependent.

"Plus, we start with a big open field we have to fill, so to build the infrastructure is a huge undertaking."

Mrs Gasson said online tickets for 2013 had been $45,with $10 added for booking fees - this year's price of $50 included any booking fee.

"We're offering a whole package of entertainment, so we have to take that into account."

For 2017, Mrs Gasson and Mr Francis said they would look at "reconfiguring the site" to better serve stall holders.

Greytown's Rachel Clifford, who had a stall selling her kiwiana-themed jigsaw puzzles, said the some of the stalls were placed quite far apart - making it difficult for punters to visit every one.

"It was stinking hot, and people didn't want to walk far," Mrs Clifford said.

"When people found somewhere to sit, they didn't bother going anywhere else, except to get cold drinks.

"For me, sales were disappointing."

People were also not as keen on the food stalls, said Wakelin House head chef Ant North.

"Business wasn't spectacular, but people were there to see the planes - the food was almost irrelevant," he said.

"Plus, a lot of people had brought picnics."

Mr Francis said organisers would also look at improving sun shelter on site.

"It was great, but we can always do better."