The Red Arrows have cancelled their appearance at the Eastbourne International Airshow this weekend, disappointing hundreds of spectators who were ready to watch the display. The team confirmed last week that they had to pull out of the event, which started yesterday, due to a 'prolonged period of forecasted poor weather' in Canada.
Reason for Cancellation
The pilots had completed their recent tour of the US and were due to fly from Canada to Greenland and Iceland before returning home. However, their journey was cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions. As a result, the team had to call off performances this week, including the Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
Despite the Red Arrows' absence, the events are all scheduled to go ahead as planned without the planes. Organisers have confirmed that the shows will proceed, ensuring that attendees still have a full programme of activities to enjoy.
Next Scheduled Displays
The Red Arrows are expected to leave Canada soon and return to the UK by the end of this week to refuel before continuing their worldwide tour. If things go to plan, they are scheduled to make an appearance at Cromer Festival for an air show on August 19, before flying to Linkoping, Sweden, for the Swedish Air Force 100th Anniversary Show.
After that, the team's next UK shows will take place at the end of August with the Clacton Air Show on August 27 and 28, and then at the Sidmouth Regatta and Air Show on August 29. Organisers of the Clacton Air Show and Cromer Festival have both issued statements, saying the Red Arrows are still expected to perform at this year's events.
Full Red Arrows Flight Schedule for 2026
From September, the Red Arrows will head to Scotland, Guernsey, and Jersey, before visiting Czechia and France and then returning home. Even if you can't make the Clacton Air Show or the Sidmouth Regatta, there are still several opportunities to see them.
August 2026:
- August 16 – Lyme Regis, RNLI Lifeboat Week
- August 19 – Cromer carnival and air display, Norfolk
- August 22 – Swedish Air Force 100-Year Anniversary Show 2026, Linkoping, Sweden
- August 23 – Swedish Air Force 100-Year Anniversary Show 2026, Linkoping, Sweden
- August 27 – Clacton Air Show
- August 28 – Clacton Air Show
- August 29 – Sidmouth Regatta and Air Show
September 2026:
- September 4 – International Ayr Show Festival of Flight, Ayr, Scotland
- September 5 – International Ayr Show Festival of Flight, Ayr, Scotland
- September 9 – Guernsey air display
- September 10 – Jersey international air display
- September 12 – IWM Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, Cambridge
- September 13 – tbc
- September 19 – NATO days in Ostrava, Czechia
- September 20 – NATO days in Ostrava, Czechia
- September 29 – Le Touquet airshow, France
October 2026:
- October 4 – IWM Duxford flying finale
Official Response
Wing Commander Sasha Nash said last week: '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.'
In a statement, the team said scheduled engineering on the Hawks had been rearranged to make best use of time, so it took place in Canada instead of the UK. The move would mean the return to the planned 2026 programme would be 'as expedient and efficient as possible'.
