The Red Arrows will miss Airbourne – the Eastbourne International Airshow – next summer because the Royal Air Force display team already has commitments abroad.
The annual air show is due to celebrate 30 years of drawing the crowds, with its widely admired two-mile flying display line.
But the main aerobatic attraction will be missing from Airbourne, which is scheduled from Thursday 15 August to Sunday 18 August.
Earlier, Eastbourne Borough Council said: “We have been advised that the Red Arrows will not be performing at Eastbourne International Airshow due to overseas commitments from the end of July.
“While the absence of the Red Arrows at the 2024 air show is a loss, it opens exciting opportunities to introduce fresh, never seen before aerial displays to Eastbourne.
“In 2019, when the Red Arrows were away for their international tour, the debut of the Breitling Jets Team in Eastbourne created an unforgettable experience for air show enthusiasts.
“Our events team is once again engaging with multiple teams to bring thrilling new displays to Eastbourne.
“More updates will be provided in the new year as we prepare to unveil our exciting line-up.”
The Red Arrows missed the first day’s display at Airbourne this year, blaming technical problems, and the air show was cancelled for two years running during the coronavirus pandemic.
Two days ago (Wednesday 6 December) Folkestone and Hythe District Council, in Kent, said: “The Folkestone Air Display will not be going ahead in 2024 due to the Red Arrows being unavailable to thrill UK crowds during August.
“The RAF display team is fully booked internationally at the height of next summer. As a result, organiser Folkestone and Hythe District Council has decided not to risk funding a potentially less popular event than in previous years.”
Council leader Jim Martin said: “We know this will be disappointing as the air display is greatly enjoyed by residents, visitors and our local businesses.
“But the Red Arrows are the star attraction and without them we felt that the air display would not have the same impact and bring in fewer visitors to enjoy what our district has to offer.
“We have a tough financial year ahead so will be using money planned for the air display in other ways to provide support for events in our district benefiting our businesses and the local economy.”
This is very sad news as the last two years I had to miss it as I had to head home early and this year I was going to stay in Eastbourne a bit longer to see them. I might still stay to see the other aircraft and the new aircraft on the scheduled flying displays near the time.