Red Arrows For Whitby Regatta

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 13:18

By Matthew Pells

The Red Arrows will be performing over the skies of Whitby this summer.

The RAF Red Arrows will be performing at Whitby Regatta on Sunday August 13th 2023.

The Red Arrows’ 59th season features a range of events and three brand new pilots, among them York-born Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling who will be Red 4 this year.

Ollie studied physical geography at Hull University and joined the RAF in 2007, flying the Tornado GR4 during several overseas tours in support of coalition operations, including in Afghanistan, as well as multinational exercises worldwide.

He said:

“Having been interested in aviation since a very early age I spent my childhood going to museums and airshows and met the Red Arrows on occasion, which only fuelled my interest in the RAF.

“Obviously, the flying of the display is going to be amazing but I think being able to give something back will be the greatest reward of all.”

For 2023, the team will be flying major flypasts with nine aircraft while aerobatic displays will be carried out using an eight-jet formation.

The Officer Commanding said:

“The decision to fly an eight-ship is a significant step after a challenging period.

“In the meantime, our entire team of over 140 dedicated personnel is working hard, together, to plan, prepare and perform a new dynamic display routine that will be seen and enjoyed by millions of people.

“I look forward to giving you more updates on this activity, as we intensify our pre-season training and can’t wait to see you at brilliant events in 2023.”

Wing Commander Adam Collins, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said:

“I know many people, including countless families, are already eager to plan which of these events they’ll be going to and we can’t wait to entertain and inspire those watching.

“The 2023 season is one of the busiest in recent years and each show is a great opportunity for the Red Arrows to perform a new display that represents the speed, agility and innovation of the RAF.”

Squadron Leader Tom Bould, Team Leader and Red 1, choreographs the show and coordinates the training programme.

He said:

“It will be great to bring the latest display to dozens of locations this summer, many of which attract hundreds of thousands of people – which we’re always thrilled and humbled to see.

“Knowing there is this outstanding interest is a massive motivation for everyone in our new team and demonstrates the unrivalled, fantastic platform provided by airshows and similar events to bring communities together, support local economies and – above all else – be a source of inspiration through aviation."

The display is Whitby will be on Sunday August 13th as part of the Whitby Regatta weekend. timings are yet to be confirmed.

The Regatta is also due to see flights from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with a Lancaster flying display on both Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August. Again times will be confirmed closer to the event.

There is more information about the regatta weekend at https://whitbyregatta.co.uk/