A mayor has said he is “distraught” that the Red Arrows have pulled out of a display after being grounded in North America by bad weather.
The world-famous aerobatic team had been on a tour of the US and flew above New York harbour to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain, but announced their journey back had been delayed “due to a prolonged period of poor weather in the north-eastern regions of Canada”.
The planes remain stranded in North America, and in a statement on Saturday the RAF said the Atlantic crossing is expected to take place late next week, meaning the team had to pull out of three UK events.
They had been due to perform at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow on August 14, 15 and 16, make a flypast at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 15 and mark the start of Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week on August 16.
The mayor of the Dorset seaside town, Philip Evans, said: “Having brought the Red Arrows to Lyme for the first time in 1974 and subsequently again in 2016/17, I was distraught to learn that the RAF’s crack aerobatic team had withdrawn from their scheduled appearance on Sunday August 16 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Lyme Lifeboat.
“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.”
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, chief of the RAF Aerobatic Team, said: “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.”
Jenny Williams of Eastbourne Borough Council said the town had been looking forward to welcoming the Red Arrows back to Airbourne.
“We understand that the safety of the team must always come first,” she said. “I wish them all a safe journey home.
“In response to this news our wonderful Airbourne events team has been working around the clock, and so I’m delighted to be able to announce some additional displays.
“Joining the line-up from Friday to Sunday is the iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, the last remaining airworthy example in Europe, which has featured in films and on TV.”
The Red Arrows are set to return to their schedule later in August and are still due to display at Cromer Carnival on the Norfolk coast on August 19.