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Jersey skies will once again be painted red, white and blue again this year, as the best-loved Red Arrows return for the International Air Display after their shock withdrawal from last year’s line-up.
The Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team have appeared every year at the annual event since their formation in 1965, but left islanders disappointed after pulling out for the first time ever last year to perform a goodwill tour of the Middle East, India and Pakistan.
The show-closing arrows were instead replaced by a swarm of bees – a Baltic troupe of dark blue and yellow jets from Latvia.
But Deputy Mike Higgins, who is responsible for organising the annual event, has assured that the Red Arrows will be back in full force this year. They are expected to arrive in the island on Wednesday 12 September, ready for the annual aero showcase on Thursday 13 September.
Speaking about the return of the Red Arrows, who have performed in Jersey more times than any other location in the world, Deputy Higgins said that he was “delighted at the news, as the red arrows were sorely missed during the 2017 air display, much to the disappointment of many islanders, visitors, and the Red Arrows themselves, who consider Jersey one of their own favourite destinations.”
Video: The Red Arrows in action in 2016. (Mab14464/YouTube)
Their time on the island coincides with the Royal Air Force’s centenary celebrations, which could see the team awarded the Bailiff’s Silver Medal for their 53 years of service to the island during a parade in the Royal Square to mark the 100-year RAF milestone.
The news follows concerns from Jersey Heritage over the security of 400-year-old Elizabeth Castle during the yearly Air Display. The organisation, which is responsible for the island’s oldest assets, sought legal and expert aviation advice about whether the display should be moved from its traditional St. Aubin’s Bay location, where it has been held for more than six decades.
Despite their concerns, Senator Lyndon Farnham, the Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Culture, said that the display was not due to move.
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