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Red Arrows performing as part of Folkestone and Hythe RAF 100 this weekend

Historic planes and talented air crew will fly and dive in the skies over a seaside town this weekend.

The Folkestone and Hythe RAF 100 air show is celebrating the centenary year of the air force with plane displays across the weekend.

It was announced back in April that the world famous Red Arrows would be returning to the town for the event for the first time in four years.

Scroll down for photos from day one of the 2018 event

Red Arrows open the show in 2014. Picture: Gary Browne
Red Arrows open the show in 2014. Picture: Gary Browne
The Red Arrows performing (3194473)
The Red Arrows performing (3194473)

It is taking place again today, after thousands visited the town yesterday, starting on both days at noon.

Local traders will be exhibiting on the Leas all weekend, and thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the town.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly with a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane on both days.

Crowds await the planes. All pictures: Paul Amos.
Crowds await the planes. All pictures: Paul Amos.
The Red Arrows performing (3194471)
The Red Arrows performing (3194471)

The showing is seven minutes long and will take place at 12.15pm on Sunday.

At 3.30pm today, the Red 10 will arrive at Radnor Park.

They will be positioned in a secure area marshalled and roped off.

The Red Arrows will display at 5pm for a 20 minutes presentation today only.

Organiser Chris Yates
Organiser Chris Yates

Chris Yates, event director, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Folkestone and Hythe District and Folkestone Town councils and value the support they give to these events.

“We are once again working with Academy FM, Leas Cliff Hall and Folkestone rescue all of which make this such a successful event.”

The organizing team on the ground is led by Roger Crouch, who has served with the RAF: "After the huge success of the Red arrows displays in the past we are delighted to see them back in Folkestone and Hythe again.

The Leas was packed with visitors on the first day of the Folkestone and Hythe RAF 100
The Leas was packed with visitors on the first day of the Folkestone and Hythe RAF 100

"The displays, although centred on the Leas, will extend for miles either side so all can see."

The displays will be over the sea and will avoid the Harbour Arm.

The Step Short war memorial charity's ceremony is due to take place from 10am today.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in full swing
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in full swing
The Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire
The Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire

The Red Arrows have been regularly displayed at air shows across the country since 1965 - but 2018 will mark their first appearance in Folkestone in four years.

The team is made up of pilots, engineers and support staff with frontline, operational experience.

The crew perform dives, loops and the famous 'Diamond Nine' shape using skilled and precise flying techniques.

The aerobatic team were last due to be in the town in 2016, but unfortunately thunder and heavy rain forced the show to be cancelled.

Crowds await the planes and have a picnic
Crowds await the planes and have a picnic

Planes had waited on the ground for more than 40 minutes for a break in the weather to allow them to head to Folkestone.

The event two years ago had been designed to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which was fought throughout the summer of 1940.

Before this, their previous visit was in 2014.

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