A flypast by the Red Arrows due to take place over Wiltshire this week has been cancelled.
The RAF team confirmed yesterday evening that the aerial display over Longleat near Warminster planned for Friday, September 12 can no longer go ahead due to a change in 'operational plans'.
The legendary Red Arrows were due to kick off Longleat’s annual Icons of the Sky event with a celebratory flypast at 2.15pm.
The flypast was also planned to coincide with Longleat’s 60th anniversary of the Drive-Through Safari, which first opened in 1966 as the first of its kind outside Africa.
Longleat expressed its disappointment but said visitors could still expect a full, spectacular weekend of aviation displays and were pleased to confirm several exciting additions to the programme.
The RAF Tutor TMK1 will now be displaying every day of the weekend, and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers will be opening the show on Friday with their high‑energy flying circus performance.
Head of operations at Longleat Scott Ashman said: “While we’re naturally disappointed, we fully understand that operational changes take priority and all events involving prestigious aircraft such as those seen at Icons of the Sky recognise the need to accommodate this.
“The RAF Red Arrows informed us of the changes in circumstances last night and we hope they will be able to conduct a fly past on another occasion.
“We are also hopeful the weather will be kind, and we will be confirming whether flights are green to go on our social media and website at around 6.45am each morning.”
He added that across the weekend, visitors can also enjoy many other high‑profile aircraft and hot air balloons.
The collection includes some rather unusual hot air balloons, including several making their UK debut.
Among them will be Yara, a bird-shaped balloon whose pilot, Babar Siddiqui from Oswestry, is taking her on a world tour.
Longleat is the only place in the UK where Yara will be seen in 2026.
A giant suitcase-shaped balloon from Send My Bag will also appear as it attempts to set a world record for visiting the most countries in 12 months.
A rare Chateau Balleroy balloon and a 120ft-tall scarecrow balloon also make their UK debuts.
There will even be a 100ft-tall birthday cake balloon to mark the safari's 60th anniversary.
Weather permitting, there will also be two hot air balloon ascents each day, with gates open from 6.30am.
A RAF spokesperson refused to comment on why the Red Arrow will not be carrying out the flypast.
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