There will be no Culdrose Air Day this year and the future of the show is in doubt as the station focuses solely on defence operations.

In a statement released this afternoon on its Facebook page, it was reported that life at the station would be getting busier in 2017 following the unveiling of the new British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The need for personnel to be carrier ready, combined with existing operational commitments, mean Culdrose Air Day will not be held in 2017.

The commanding officer of Culdrose, Captain Dan Stembridge ADC, said: “We have had to make the regrettable decision to not hold an air day this year in order to focus our resources on delivering our primary roles; to protect the strategic nuclear deterrent, support counter terrorism and be ready to defend the Royal Navy’s carrier task groups.

“HMS Queen Elizabeth, the nation’s new flagship, will sail into Portsmouth Harbour this year... It is essential that RNAS Culdrose is fully prepared to support the aircraft carriers when they deploy with trained personnel and aircraft. Indeed one of my squadrons will provide the very first aircraft to land on her deck. This significant milestone will be a proud moment in history for Culdrose, Helston and the county of Cornwall.

"This new focus comes as many of my personnel and aircraft are already deployed protecting the nation’s interests worldwide. Indeed 80 per cent of my front line personnel are currently on operations or at very high readiness to deploy."

"Culdrose remains one of the largest single site employers in Cornwall and has a very bright future. Our unique relationship with the people of Cornwall is hugely important to us, and provides essential support to our families during periods of separation. The Air Day decision has involved much deliberation and we appreciate that many will be disappointed, however operations must come first.”

The station also said in future years Yeovilton and Culdrose Air Days could be merged to create one South West Fleet Air Arm event, which could see the permanent end of this cornerstone of the Helston events calendar.