IAN Woolway, trustee Platform 4 performance, writes: We – the organisers of Airfusion 2006 – would like to thank Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge Council and the residents of Courtenay Park and surrounding areas for the untold success of this year's festival. More than 9,500 people were monitored through the gates during the three days, enjoying the family atmosphere, listening to young up-and-coming bands through to established bands, and taking in the delights and workshops provided on the contemporary dance stage. We are proud to have been given the opportunity to stage this fantastically successful event for the people of Newton Abbot and surrounding areas. We completed all of the planned workshops we had stated in our initial application, on time and in a safe and secure way. The crew of mainly, but not exclusively, younger members of the community did remarkably well. They were all paid in the usual Platform way, with food while on site and working, and a crew or security T-shirt. Excellent pay for one week's hard work. The highlights of the weekend have to be the performances of the three main acts – Too Hot! on Sunday, Morris Brothers Band (MBB) on Saturday and, of course, the headlining band of the festival, Dreadzone, on Friday. With an audience of just under 2,000 people known to be within the perimeter fence during their set, dancing and cheering, it was an astounding feat of achievement for the trustees and crew who made it happen, considering the obstacles we had to overcome just a few days before. The Platform trustees intend to produce Airfusion 2007. we have started working on the initial planning, and will take constructive criticism or praise into account and liaise with the local authority regarding a venue. With the support of local arts groups and the community at large, we will stage the event that you would most like to attend in your town.
