Folkestone Air Display cancelled for 2024

The Red Arrows are fully booked internationally next summer and are not able to go to Folkestone

A popular air show will not be going ahead in 2024 due to the unavailability of the Red Arrows, a council has said.

The organisers of the Folkestone Air Display have been told the RAF display team is fully booked internationally at the height of next summer.

As a result Folkestone & Hythe District Council has decided "not to risk funding a potentially less popular event" in August than in previous years.

Council leader Jim Martin said "we know this will be disappointing" as the air display was "greatly enjoyed" by residents, visitors and local businesses.

The Folkestone Air Display attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually and is one of the most popular tourist events in east Kent.

Mr Martin added: "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 benefitting our businesses and the local economy.”

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