Airfield Support for World Scout Event

Published on 27 July 2007

North Weald Airfield is playing a major behind the scenes role in support of Hylands Park as the World Scout Jamboree comes to Essex. The Epping Forest District Council- owned Airfield has become the logistical hub for the Jamboree which has returned to the UK for the first time since 1957. Guests are expected to include Members of the Royal Family and Royalty from overseas.

While Hylands Park hosts the event, North Weald will provide park and ride facilities for virtually all of the 40,000 scouts and 180,000 visitors expected between 27 July and 8 August 2007. Between 300 and 400 coaches will operate between the two sites while North Weald will provide long-term parking for another 50 coaches from overseas. Up to 1,000 event staff cars, 1,500 day visitor cars and 100 mini-buses will also park each day at North Weald. Local roads will be extra busy but detailed traffic management arrangements are in place to ensure congestion is kept to a minimum.

Catering for so many people will be one of the biggest tests for event organisers. North Weald will provide transfer and distribution facilities throughout the event as hundreds of thousands of meals are served at Hylands Park each day.

A mini village of marquees, cabins and containers has been built at North Weald to support the operation.

Councillor Mrs Diana Collins, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said: “This is the biggest world event in the scouting calendar. We are very pleased and proud to support the Jamboree. Visitors from 159 different countries are expected and we will do our best to make sure they are impressed. North Weald is a fantastic facility.”

Councillor Mrs Collins continued: “We have already tested the North Weald arrangements for the European Jamboree two years ago and the World event is another leap forward. If this event proves to be just as successful, North Weald may also have identified itself as a potentially important support facility for the London Olympics in 2012.”

North Weald Airfield will remain operational for nearly all other regular activities throughout the Jamboree including flying. The only exception will be the Saturday Market which will not take place on 4 August 2007.

Councillor Mrs Collins added: “I would like to thank the operators of North Weald Market, Hughmark International who have recognised the importance of this event and given us their full co-operation. Only one Saturday Market will be cancelled and business should return to normal for Saturday 11 August 2007.”