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Red Arrows will return to Folkestone despite Air Show cancellation

The Red Arrows will return to a town this year after previously backing out of a display.

Residents were disappointed when the Folkestone Air Display 2024 was scrapped after the Arrows - the main attraction - said they could not attend.

The air display with The Red Arrows was a hugely popular event in Folkestone. Picture: FHDC
The air display with The Red Arrows was a hugely popular event in Folkestone. Picture: FHDC

But, fans need not worry, as the jets will still grace the skies at a different event.

The team will perform in Folkestone for Armed Forces Day on June 30.

Running from 10am to 8pm, it will also have displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Chinook Display Team, according to armedforcesday.org.

The Red Arrows will perform over an area behind the bandstand.

Also on show will be classic cars and weapons, as well as a great war trench experience, music and dance.

The red arrows will return despite the cancellation of the Folkestone Air Display. Picture: FHDC
The red arrows will return despite the cancellation of the Folkestone Air Display. Picture: FHDC

The day is free to attend and unticketed, with over 60,000 visitors expected.

It is not yet known what time the planes will be on.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), which puts on the hugely popular Folkestone Air Display, confirmed the event would be scrapped in December.

The much-loved RAF team are engaging in a series of international events this summer – preventing them from attending the show.

Council bosses said they had no desire to risk funding a potentially less popular display than in previous years.

The annual air show in Folkestone was cancelled as the Red Arrows said they could not attend. Picture: FHDC
The annual air show in Folkestone was cancelled as the Red Arrows said they could not attend. Picture: FHDC

Reaction to the news was largely negative, with some lamenting the loss of the show whilst others took aim at FHDC for cancelling the event.

Keren Watson said: “Stupid, there are other planes and display teams - air show isn’t all about the red arrows.”

Stephen West added: “Oh no, what a disaster for the town.”

However, support for the move was found in some corners with Ian Johnstone saying: “I am glad about the airshow not taking place as the noise and traffic here at the harbour area got unbearable last year.”

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