A PLANNED Red Arrows flyover past the Somerset border has been cancelled, with a statement issued to the public explaining why.
The RAF Red Arrows will no longer be taking part in Longleat's Icons of the Sky festival this weekend after organisers were informed that the planned flypast had been cancelled.
The world-famous aerobatic display team had been due to open the three-day event on Friday (September 11) with a celebratory flypast in front of Longleat House at 2.15pm as part of the Wiltshire estate's 60th anniversary celebrations.
The Somerset County Gazette previously reported that the Red Arrows would take to the skies near the Somerset border for the one-off display, which Longleat said it was "thrilled" to have secured.
However, organisers have now confirmed the flypast "can no longer go ahead due to a change in operational plans".
Scott Ashman, head of operations at Longleat, 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."
Longleat had announced the Red Arrows' participation in August, noting that the display team began flying just a year before the estate's famous lions were introduced to the Wiltshire countryside.
A spokesperson previously said: "The RAF Red Arrows began displaying only a year before our lions were introduced to the Wiltshire countryside, so it really is bringing two national treasures together for a sensational celebration."
Despite the cancellation, organisers say visitors can still look forward to a packed programme of aerial displays and hot air balloon spectacles throughout the weekend.
The RAF Tutor TMK1 will now perform on each day of the festival, while the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers will open Friday's show with their high-energy flying circus display.
Running across the weekend, Icons of the Sky will feature mass balloon launches, night-glow displays, aerobatic performances, warbirds, pyrotechnics and a fireworks finale, weather permitting.
Several hot air balloons are also expected to make their UK debuts at the event, including the bird-shaped Yara balloon, the rare Chateau Balleroy balloon and a giant 120ft scarecrow balloon.
Entry to the festival is included with a Longleat day ticket.
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