Residents were left in awe after seeing vibrant pink and red smoke streak across the sky this afternoon.

The colours formed part of an “amazing” display by the “Red Devils”, the British Army’s Parachute Display Team, above the Kings Bastion Barracks in Gillingham.

Fay Fautley, who caught a glimpse of the spectacular display from Darland Banks, told KentOnline: “We were just out in the garden and we saw a plane flying around that had an unusual sound.

“Then all of a sudden, these parachutists came out with all the red smoke and the Union Jack.

“It was amazing really.”

Other residents have taken to Facebook to share their excitement over the colour in the sky with photos and videos of the spectacle.

One said: “Bit of a show from our back garden.”

Another added: “Great parachute display earlier. Amazing!”

The display forms part of celebrations to mark the Royal Engineers Festival of Football.

It’s being held to commemorate 150 years since the Corps of Royal Engineers' historic FA Cup final triumph over Old Etonians, which was the fourth final to be played in the history of the competition.

The family event, which began at 12pm features a funfair, giant inflatables, food and drink stalls, and various football matches.

It concludes with a rematch of the classic 1875 final.

Special guests at the event include former England internationals Terry Butcher and Des Walker and comedian and historian Al Murray.

The Corps of Royal Engineers made football history by becoming one of the most successful teams in the early years of the FA Cup, winning the competition in 1875 after two previous appearances in the final.

Based in Chatham, the Engineers were footballing “pioneers” known for their innovative and disciplined style of play, prioritising the use of passing and teamwork over individual dribbling.

Speaking to BFBS Sport, Vice President of Royal Engineers AFC Colonel Andy Phillips, said: “We are unique, we are the first military side to win it and the only military side that's ever done it or ever will do it.

“We played a leading role in the early years of the Football Association (FA), so we were formed in 1863, which is the same year as the FA, and we were seen as pioneers in a way, because we played a teamwork game which was unusual back in those days.”