THE Red Arrows are set to make a welcome return to the skies above Lyme Regis this weekend.
Following the disappointment of the cancellation of the planned Red Arrows display earlier this month, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is now scheduled to fly past the town as part of its flying programme at 12.33pm on Saturday 29 August.
The original display, which would have been the team’s first appearance in Lyme Regis since 2017, was due to take place during Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week as part of the celebrations marking 200 years of a lifeboat in the town.
However, prolonged poor weather in north-eastern Canada delayed the Red Arrows’ return to the UK following their North American tour, ‘Operation Eagle Hawk’, which resulted in the team being unable to fulfil several scheduled appearances, including Lyme Regis.
Although Saturday’s appearance will be a flypast and not a full aerobatic display, it will provide residents and visitors with another opportunity to see the team fly over Lyme Bay.
The Red Arrows are currently scheduled to fly past Lyme Regis at 12.33pm, and those hoping to catch a glimpse are encouraged to be in position in good time. The team will be arriving from the North West and heading South East, with some passes over the sea.
Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Philip Evans MBE said: “We were naturally disappointed when circumstances outside anyone’s control meant the Red Arrows couldn’t join us earlier this month, so we’re delighted that Lyme Regis has another opportunity to welcome them back to our skies.
“It may only be a brief visit this time, but we’re sure it will still be a spectacular sight over Lyme Bay and something residents and visitors will enjoy.”
Those planning to visit Lyme Regis are encouraged to use public transport where possible and allow plenty of time for their journey, as the town is expected to be particularly busy over bank holiday weekend.
This is a scheduled RAF flypast and not a full Red Arrows aerobatic display. All RAF flying is subject to operational requirements, aircraft serviceability, weather conditions and other factors, and timings may change at short notice.
For the latest information about the Red Arrows, visit the official Royal Air Force website.
Red Arrows | Royal Air Force