The Red Arrows have been forced to pull out of a number of summer events in the UK after poor weather left them stranded in Canada.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) aerobatics display team are a popular fixture at air shows and military events around the country during the summer but they will not be able to fulfil three forthcoming engagements as their return across the Atlantic has been delayed.
They will not be performing at the Eastbourne International Airshow (13-16 August), the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (ongoing until 29 August) and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week (15-22 August).
The Red Arrows’ single-engine Hawk aircraft have a limited range and cannot carry out air-to-air refuelling, the RAF said.
As such, crossing the Atlantic has to be done in stages and requires having the correct RAF support aircraft, including search-and-rescue cover and those carrying essential technical equipment, in the right place, at the right time.
Weather in north-east Canada has been “particularly challenging”, the air force said, adding that the team will now have to begin its multi-leg journey back to the UK from next week.
Other RAF aircraft will participate at the events in the UK.
The Typhoon Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) remain part of the line-up at Eastbourne.
The BBMF is also carrying out flypasts at Lyme Regis during Lifeboat Week, on 21 and 22 August.
A C-17 Globemaster and two Typhoon jets will now perform a flypast over the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Saturday 15 August.
The mayor of Lyme Regis Philip Evans, said he is “distraught” at the news that the Red Arrows have pulled out.
He added: “Lyme Regis Town Council had agreed to contribute £10,000 towards the overall cost of securing a visit by the Arrows and thanks to the generosity of the people Lyme and district, the full amount had been raised following the reforming of the Lyme Regis Red Arrows 100 Club.
“We will, of course, refund all the donations received.
“This is a particular disappointment for the RNLI as the Red Arrows display would have got this year’s Lifeboat Week off to a flying start.
“We will be going all out to try a secure a visit from the Arrows next year and I would like to thank the town council staff for all the hard work they have put in to rebuild the 40-year relationship between Lyme and the Red Arrows.”
A statement on the RAF website said: “The Red Arrows plan to continue a multi-leg journey back to the United Kingdom from North America next week (w/c 10 August).
“Due to a prolonged period of poor weather in the north-eastern regions of Canada, the team’s return from a tour of the United States was postponed last week.
“It is now anticipated this Atlantic crossing will be able to begin again from late next week based on more favourable conditions.
“Regrettably, this revised timeline means the Red Arrows will not be in a position to complete performances at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
“All of these events remain on as scheduled with exciting line-ups and featuring other participating RAF aircraft.
Wing commander Sasha Nash, officer commanding RAF Aerobatic Team, added: “We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events and we are grateful to organisers and communities for their understanding.
“Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible.
“However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”
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