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Red Arrows to perform in Folkestone despite cancellation of the airshow

12:50, 22 May 2013

The Red Arrows performing at the Folkestone Jubilee Airshow in 2012
The Red Arrows performing at the Folkestone Jubilee Airshow in 2012

The world famous Red Arrows will be performing at Folkestone, despite the cancellation of the popular airshow.

Organisers announced that the three-day event, which was expected to attract thousands visitors to the town, had to be scrapped after a £30,000 shortfall in funding earlier this month.

However Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council are paying £12,000 to ensure the display by the Royal Air Force's aerobatic team can go still ahead on Saturday, June 8.

Shepway council leader Cllr David Monk (Con), pictured right, said: “We wanted to give the people of Folkestone and visitors something to see.

Happier times for council leader David Monk at the count of the 2011 district council elections
Happier times for council leader David Monk at the count of the 2011 district council elections

"The town might not have an airshow but it will now have everyone’s favourite aerobatic display team. This will be a terrific boost for the town.”

Maidstone-based Heritage Events, organisers of this year's South East Airshow at Manston Airport, helped to secure the display.

Spokesperson Chris Yates said: “We have worked with the RAF for many years and are working closely with them for the line up at the South East Airshow at Manston Airport in July, so were very happy to assist on behalf of the council to ensure there was still an event for the town on June”.

The Red Arrows, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, were the stars of the Folkestone Jubilee Airshow in June last year.

Folkestone Town Centre Management Ltd (FTCM), the organisers of the airshow, previously announced they hoped to be able to hold the full event next year.

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