Red Arrows to feature in English Riviera Airshow

The Torbay airshow has announced the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead its line up this year.

An RAF Typhoon will also feature among the aerial displays taking to the skies above Paignton in the free event on 31 May and 1 June.

Torbay Council said the English Riviera Airshow had a "significant impact" on "the local economy and community" with it expected to attract thousands of visitors to the area.

Councillor Jackie Thomas said: "Each year of the airshow we aim to make it bigger and better than the year before."

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which was cleared to fly again on Friday after the planes dating back to World War Two were grounded following a fatal crash, is expected to include the Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.

Thomas, the cabinet member for tourism, culture and events and corporate services, added: "We are absolutely thrilled that we have secured three of the best RAF display teams for both the Saturday and Sunday of the event."

The event is organised by Torbay Council with support from local businesses.

Carolyn Custerson, chief executive officer of English Riviera BID Company, which sponsors the airshow, said: "The event keeps growing and attracting tens of thousands of people to the area every year.

"What makes the English Riviera such a special place to host this event, is the natural amphitheatre, surrounded by dozens of viewing points."

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