Red Arrows could return to Ryde for Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day

The RAF's iconic Reds Arrows could return to Ryde for Armed Forces Day, helping to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Last year marked a historic first as the Red Arrows soared over Ryde sands, performing breath-taking manoeuvres that left thousands of spectators in awe. The possibility of their return this June has stirred excitement across the Island once again.

Ian Dore, event organiser, said: "As you may have seen, there is a currently a space in the Red Arrows display season calendar, and we have the opportunity to fill it as it's reserved for us.

"We had hoped to go firm with this at the beginning of the year, but circumstances out of our control prevented that.

"Once the MOD comes through with their support, it will enable us to provide the necessary safety elements for a sky-high, seat-of-your-pants salute to the Island's Armed Forces community.

"We are one of only three Armed Forces Days to be offered the Reds, so it should be pursued at full throttle as it’s a considerable privilege."

Currently, the Red Arrows are engaged in their annual assessment in Croatia. Their first scheduled display is a flypast in London on 5 May, with a return to the Capital in June for His Majesty the King's birthday flypast. If all goes well, they could be dazzling the skies over Ryde on Sunday, 29 June.

Ian added: "We’ve done all the groundwork, and the air planning is in place. However, until the MOD commits further, I am not 100 per cent sure what we are looking at. Working off the known numbers as they stand, if everyone who attended last year's event chipped in £2, we’d be there overnight.

"I’m pleased to say that two major Island businesses have already stepped up to support this element of the event. Ultimately, it will be down to public generosity to get it fully airborne. If some more Armed Forces Covenant signatories do the same, the challenge lessens."

He added: "Times are tough, but given the significance of this year, it's appropriate to rally together, helping to fund a spectacular display that honours the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community.

"It’s also easy to forget that many youngsters and families, through no fault of their own, lack the resources to visit such a dynamic air display on the mainland. We strive to combine excitement and adventure with history and high-octane action for everyone to enjoy.

"The Red Arrows are more than just a display team; they are a symbol of national pride. If the Island's community can help crowd-fund their appearance at Armed Forces Day, it will demonstrate that our support is not just in words but in action. We surely must give it our best shot and try?"

Next Wednesday afternoon, the official Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day website will provide details on any proposed fundraisers.

Businesses, individuals, and corporate bodies have exclusive opportunities to support and facilitate this element of the event.

For more information, please contact Ian Dore at ian.dore@iow.gov.uk