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RAF Red Arrows to return to the skies over Kent this summer at the Folkestone Air Display

10:40, 25 March 2022

updated: 10:43, 25 March 2022

Iconic Royal Air Force aerobatic team the Red Arrows will take to the skies over Kent once again this summer.

The nine-strong display team will be a highlight of the 2022 Folkestone Air Display when they thrill crowds on the seafront on August 21.

The Red Arrows will perform in Folkestone this summer
The Red Arrows will perform in Folkestone this summer

Thousands flocked to the town last summer to see the famous flyers perform feats of incredible skill in their fast jets.

Full details of the display, including the other performers, timings and parking, will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Squadron Leader Tom Bould said: "We are excited to be returning to Folkestone and to perform to a large crowd, including many families, drawn from across Kent, the south-east and further afield.

"Pre-season training is well underway, perfecting a new aerobatic display that aims to inspire people, demonstrates the excellence of the Royal Air Force and represents the United Kingdom.

"The 2022 show features all of the great elements people watching expect and enjoy from the Red Arrows - namely dynamic flying, world-class precision and, above-all, teamwork."

Thousands of people watched the Red Arrows fly over The Leas last summer. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Thousands of people watched the Red Arrows fly over The Leas last summer. Picture: Barry Goodwin

The air show will also feature food, arts and crafts stalls, live music and a classic car show on both the Saturday and Sunday, all organised by Folkestone Festivals.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council leader Cllr David Monk said: "The Red Arrows are a national treasure and it’s a real thrill to have them flying over Folkestone once again this year.

"The air display promises to be one of the highlights of the district's summer programme."

There are three types of display the team leader can elect to fly: full, rolling or flat.

To carry out a full, looping, display the base of the cloud must be above 5,500ft to avoid the aircraft entering the cloud at the top of the loop.

Red Arrows in action over Folkestone. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Red Arrows in action over Folkestone. Picture: Barry Goodwin

If the cloud base is less than 5,500ft, but more than 2,500ft, the team will perform the rolling display - substituting wing-overs and rolls for the loops.

When the cloud base is below 2,500ft, the team will fly the flat display, consisting of a series of flypasts and steep turns.

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