Red Arrows to headline Great Yarmouth Air Show

The Royal Air Force announced today that the crack team will headline both days of the sea front event, which takes place on June 16 and 17.

Also confirmed were the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Tutor Display Team.

"This is the icing on the cake for what is shaping up to be a brilliant line-up for the Great Yarmouth Air Show," said show director Asa Morrison. "The RAF teams are a huge draw and people travel from all over the country to see them in action.

"We weren't sure that the Red Arrows would be able to come to Yarmouth following the fatal accident involving one of the team's Hawk aircraft in Anglesey earlier this month. They are a very close-knit team but they have decided to proceed with their 2018 programme and we are deeply grateful that they have agreed to include a two-day visit to Great Yarmouth."

The RAF's hugely popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also fly on both days. On Saturday the display will feature its Lancaster heavy bomber accompanied by a Hurricane and Spitfire, recreating some of the most iconic sights and sounds from the 1940s. The following day will see a Hurricane and Spitfire take to the skies.

Completing the RAF's air show contingent will be its exciting Tutor Display Team, which joins the programme on Sunday.

The Haven Great Yarmouth Air Show is organised by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area to boost visitor numbers and the local economy. It is expected to attract 170,000 people and generate an extra £10m for local traders.

Aerial displays will take place from lunchtime until late afternoon on both days. The Golden Mile will also be packed with stalls, stands and amusements.

Other displays confirmed include the Bremont Great War Display Team, Blades and Wildcats aerobatics teams, the Army's Tigers freefall parachutists and a Long-EZ flying wing. More will be announced in the coming weeks.

THE RED ARROWS

The RAF's Red Arrows, now in its 54th season, has flown almost 4,900 displays in 57 countries. The squadron is the public face of the Royal Air Force, promoting recruitment and serving as ambassadors for the UK all over the world.

Based at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, and flying Hawk fast-jets, the team comprises pilots, engineers and support staff with operational experience. The team is famous for its close formation and precision flying, including its trademark Diamond Nine formation.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT

Operating from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is flown by regular RAF aircrew.

The BBMF's mission is to maintain priceless aircraft from our national heritage in an airworthy condition to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of their country, to promote the modern-day Air Force and to inspire future generations.

More information on Air Show (opens new window)

Issued on behalf of the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement, April 2018