God,
35 years ago I organised an air race/ Nav trial with 254 aircraft competiting. The then dept gave us both guidance and active assistance in organising it.
The race had around 1,000 people and was a boom for the local towns tourism along with the GOOD
PR General Aviation obtained.
I shudder to think what the result would be if anyone tried to do the same today.
Its all about control nothing to do with safety