Home Page Skip Navigation
  • Conference Bristol - Conference Bristol Microsite
  • Harbourside - Harbourside
  • Venues West - Venues West

Home > Latest News > 2008 > 4 > 4 >

Red Arrows join Bristol Fiesta’s thirtieth anniversary party

 

Red ArrowsBritain's world famous aerobatic display team - The Red Arrows have confirmed that they will be appearing at the Discovery Channel Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday August 10th.

Not only will the skies above the city's Ashton Court estate play host to over 120 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes during three days of mass ascents, the Red Arrows will provide a thrilling display of their spectacular, high speed skills.

2008 is the 44th display season in which the Red Arrows have demonstrated the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force to millions of people in both the UK and worldwide. Since the Team's creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4000 displays in 53 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise.

Fiesta event director Susan Tanner is delighted that the team have accepted her invitation to visit Bristol after months of negotiations and site visits - "Virtually every event in the world would love to have the Red Arrows appearing and I am delighted that they have chosen the Fiesta as it celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. From the calm elegance of the balloons to the breath taking speeds and skills of jet aircraft - it goes to show that the Fiesta has something for everyone".

Led by Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones, the 1965 team flew just 40 displays using Foland Gnat training aircraft. In 1966 the number of aircraft in the display was increased to nine and since then the classic Diamond Nine formation has become the team's trademark. In 1979, the Red Arrows converted to the BAE System's Hawk following its introduction as the Royal Air Force's advanced fast -jet training aircraft.

The Discovery Channel Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of Europe's largest outdoor events and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.