Fears grow as Red Arrows set for US tour

Fears grow as Red Arrows set for US tour

24 October 2018

FEARS are growing that the Red Arrows will not be taking part in next summer’s Festival of Flight in Newcastle.

The RAF’s internationally acclaimed aerobatic display team is embarking upon its largest ever tour to North America next August and September, with appearances in the United States and Canada pencilled in.

The Festival of Flight is traditionally held on the first weekend of August and it seems highly likely the Red Arrows — which is the summer spectacular’s headline act — will be missing due the team’s commitment on the other side of the Atlantic.

The event regularly attracts over 100,000 visitors to Newcastle and is one of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s flagship tourism events, generating tens of thousands of pounds for the local economy.

Last August, poor weather forced organisers to cancel the festival which means it could be 2020 before the Red Arrows are back in the resort.

A spokeswoman for the Red Arrows confirmed yesterday morning that while the display team was heading to North America next August and September, its UK aerobatic display schedule for 2019  had not yet been agreed.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Red Arrows would take part in displays across the Americas, reaching millions of people and showcasing the Red Arrows teamwork and aviation excellence.

“After an incredible year celebrating RAF100, it seems only fitting that the Red Arrows prepare to illuminate the skies of our closest allies in 2019, celebrating and strengthening our incredible relationship with the US,” said Mr Williamson.

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke said the Festival of Flight had established itself as one of the main tourism events of its kind, providing a signifiant boost for the local economy.

He believed that as it appeared the Red Arrows will not be in Newcastle next year, there was an opportunity for the local council to look at innovative ways of expanding the 2019 festival which is still expected to feature an array of aircraft.

“Traditionally, the Red Arrows make their own arrangements in relation to the festivals they take part in and there will undoubtedly be people disappointed they will most probably not be in Newcastle next year,” he said.

“That means the display team will not have appeared in the resort for two years in a row and because the Red Arrows are heading to North America it presents the local authority with an opportunity to now start planning for a festival without them.”

Cllr Clarke said it was essential the flagship tourism event continued to progress and suggested there was scope to be more innovative.

“I have always said the festival should have other components and maybe we could also look at doing something on the water with the promenade providing the perfect amphitheatre,” he continued.

“I think we can expand the festival and do all we can to make it even better and look at having something in place so if the weather was as bad as it was this year, there are other things to ensure the whole thing does not become a flop. At the end of the day, this is a ratepayer-funded festival.”

Cllr Clarke added: “The festival is a major revenue generator and drives the local economy, not just in Newcastle but the surrounding area. It’s now important the key players get together to plan for next summer’s festival given that the Red Arrows are unlikely to appear.”

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokesman said officials had undertaken the normal annual process with the RAF for the Red Arrows to take part in next year’s Festival of Flight and were awaiting confirmation on the team’s availability.