Red Arrows Edinburgh Tattoo flypast scrapped after team 'grounded' in Canada

The RAF's aerobatics team was set to return to the UK this week after a tour of North America, however, the weather forecast for north eastern Canada has meant the planes, which are unable to re-fuel mid flight, have had to remain grounded.

The Red Arrows were due to perform the Tattoo flypast on August 15 during the 6.15pm performance, as well as at other air shows in the UK, including Eastbourne International Airshow.

The team, which was in the US as part of a month of displays to mark 250 years since the War of Independence, had been due to make stops in Canada, Greenland and Iceland before returning to the UK.

Crossing the North Atlantic with the single-engined Hawk plane requires the right weather conditions to ensure safety.

“Regrettably, this revised timeline means the Red Arrows will not be in a position to complete performances at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week,” a spokesperson for the Red Arrows said.

Wing Commander Sasha Nash, the officer commanding the RAF aerobatic team, said: “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.”

Featuring more than 800 performers from British Armed Forces as well as international military bands and regiments, this year’s Tattoo follows its 75th anniversary last year.

Earlier this year, the Tattoo was forced to defend its decision to showcase a major US military band to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the wake of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran.

The United States Army Field Band is performing the “best of Americana” at this year’s Tattoo, to mark what the head of the event described as a “vital and important” relationship between the US and the UK. Stop the War Scotland branded the decision “out of step with public opinion” and warned the Tattoo should not hold a “celebration” of the US military in the current geopolitical climate.

A spokesperson from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “We fully understand the situation the RAF and particularly the Red Arrows display team are in, safety remains a priority. We work closely with the RAF to allow flyovers to happen at the Tattoo and will always take their lead on what aircraft they have available. We still expect a flyover to take place and await confirmation on the aircraft from the RAF.”