Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows

Photo RAF 

Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years. 

They last performed in July 2019, at the Royal International Air Tattoo, but the Pandemic forced event organisers to cancel displays. However, now led by Squadron Leader Bould, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team were given Public Display Authority (PDA) to return to the skies for their 57th season.  

During the Pandemic the Red Arrows kept extremely busy with several major flypasts – including marking the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day – and a vast online outreach programme that explored themes around leadership, teamwork, and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Then, the Red Arrows trained as their home base RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and then moved overseas to a location with more settled weather on Exercise Springhawk.  Here RAF Air Officer Commanding, 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Al Marshall deemed them to be safe and visually appealing ahead of the new season. 

Photo RAF 

Wing Commander Montenegro and Squadron Leader Boule.

Squadron Leader Bould, Red 1 said: “This is the culmination of several months of hard work and everyone’s dedication to the task has brought us to this point, whether they be fellow pilots in the team or our highly-trained support staff.  Being my first PDA as Red 1, I feel incredibly honoured to have led the team to this point and to now have the opportunity to present a new show – featuring all the energy, excitement and excellence that airshow audiences expect and enjoy.”

The new aerobatic show will begin on June 4 at the Midlands Air Festival, followed by a four-month summer campaign spanning the UK and mainland Europe. The first show will last 20 minutes and display some of the most impressive formations including Swan and the Big Vixen Roll.  There will also be several new moves, such as the Boomerang, and even an all-blue-smoke trail as a respectful dedication to the NHS and key workers. 

Wing Commander Montenegro, Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Over the last 12 months, from the high-profile flypasts to the countless remote, virtual sessions we’ve participated in as a team, it’s been clear that people’s enthusiasm and desire for bold, colourful displays and enjoying precision flying is stronger than ever."

Dates and displays are subject to change due to operational, weather and other factors. Further dates will also be added if and when shows confirm.  Some of the locations the Red Arrows are currently expected to visit are listed below, and more information on dates or types of moves can be found on the RAF Website Red Arrows Display Page. 

Midlands Air Festival

Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow

Belgian Air Force Drive-In Air Show

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Silverstone British Grand Prix

Duxford Summer Airshow

Gdynia, Poland Sidmouth Air Display

Bournemouth Air Festival

Guernsey Air Display

Jersey International Air Display

International Sanicole Air Show

Cosford Airshow

Photo RAF 

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