Airshow fans in Eastbourne will not see the Red Arrows this year after poor weather delayed the team’s return from North America.
The RAF Aerobatic Team had been due to appear at Airbourne following a tour of the United States, but remains delayed in north-eastern Canada.
The Red Arrows’ Hawk jets have a limited range and cannot be refuelled in the air, meaning their Atlantic crossing must be completed in several stages. The journey also requires suitable weather conditions and support aircraft to be in place.
The RAF said safety would determine when the team could continue its journey home. Its planned appearances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week have also been cancelled.
Airbourne will still go ahead along Eastbourne seafront from Thursday 13 until Sunday 16 August, with four days of flying and ground-based entertainment.
Organisers have added the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B to the programme from Friday until Sunday. The Conair Turbo Firecat will also make its Airbourne debut on Saturday and Sunday with a special water display.
Other highlights include the RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, wingwalkers, Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team and the Red Devils parachutists.
Visitors can also expect appearances from the P-51 Mustang Marinell, Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts, the Starlings Aerobatic Team and the Spirit of Kent Spitfire.
The free event’s main site on the Western Lawns will open from 10.30am until 5pm each day, with military exhibitions, simulators, children’s attractions, food outlets and trade stands.
Flying is expected to begin around lunchtime, although exact timings remain subject to weather, aircraft serviceability and RAF operational commitments.
The four-day event will conclude with a firework display from Wish Tower beach at approximately 9pm on Sunday.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
South could reach 36C as firefighters battle heathland blaze near Ringwood
West Sussex residents invited to shape plans for a greener, more resilient county
Elderly Portsmouth woman mistakenly fed dog food by home carer
Barns Green villagers celebrate as 68-home development is rejected
Teenager found guilty of murdering Joshua Ingram at Seaford station
Police say 25 arrests were made during Brighton and Hove Pride
New Highway Rangers launched to spruce up West Sussex streets
Four Hampshire police officers investigated after Portsmouth man dies
Free seaside gym proposed for East Saltdean Undercliff
Young driver dies following single-vehicle crash near Thakeham
On Air