It will be eyes to the sky on Sunday (8 August) as the iconic Red Arrows headline the 2021 Folkestone Air Display.
The nine-strong Hawk fast-jets will perform at 4pm, with a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at 2pm, and a display by the Stampe Formation Team at 3pm.
As well as the air display there will be food, and arts and crafts stalls, live music and a classic car show, all weekend and organised by Folkestone Festivals.
Last year’s air display was cancelled due to Covid-19 and F&HDC Leader Cllr David Monk welcomed its return: “The three displays will be thrilling, and along with all the other activities, it will be good to see The Leas area come to life again. Fingers crossed for the weather!”
Parking
As well as the district’s usual car parks, two temporary car parks will be available on Sunday: Folkestone School for Girls and Radnor Park will be open from 9am to 6pm with a £5, cash-only charge per vehicle for the whole day. Change cannot be provided so everyone is asked to bring the correct amount.
The Leas and Harbour areas are expected to see an increase in traffic however, and stewards will be working throughout the day to keep disruption to a minimum.
Several roads will be closed and there will be suspensions to some parking bays: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folkestoneairdisplay
The display, which is supported by Folkestone Town Council, is a rare chance for residents and visitors to see the Red Arrows, officially called the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Ruthless weather
A spokesperson said: “This season has once again been largely affected by not only Covid, but the ruthless weather!
“To date we’ve displayed 10 times throughout the 2021 display season, our 57th. The closest we’ve come to displaying in the south east was Goodwood in Chichester.”
The pandemic had a limited impact on the Red Arrows, as the spokesperson explained: “We actually managed a small number of displays last year during the somewhat relaxed summer. The last display we did before going on a hiatus again was in Guernsey on 10 September.
“Thankfully, due to the nature of the training that the team undertake, they were able to continue throughout the winter, training in the usual manner without much of an effect from Covid. Minor details in operation were adjusted to comply with current government legislation to keep all personnel safe.”