THE Red Arrows will be flying at this year’s Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

Organisers have confirmed the famous RAF aerobatic team will return to the town to perform two flypasts on Friday, August 26.

But restrictions on flying over crowds mean the display will not include thrills such as loop the loop and other aerobatics which the town has enjoyed in the past. However, this year’s regatta air show will also include a visit from the Typhoon on regatta Saturday and the final air display programme has still to be finalised.

Some regatta air highlights were announced this week following a symposium held to discuss safety at air shows across the country which was attended by Dartmouth flight director Jason Aylett and his deputy Basil Williams.

It follows a review of regulations by the Civil Aviation Authority after last year’s accident at Shoreham air show where 11 people died.

All air display organisers have to submit an enhanced risk assessment and temporary restrictions on certain aircraft and displays will remain in place until the accident investigation has been completed.

Regatta chairman Ed Botterill said: ‘Our air display safety record and risk assessment procedure is recognised as being one of the best in the industry, however we understand and wholly support the on-going review of air display regulations and appreciate the reasons for restricted displays at Dartmouth this year.’

Flight director Jason Aylett said: ‘The safety and security of visitors and participants has always been the priority for the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta committee.

‘Since the inception of air displays in Dartmouth, the regatta committee has developed exemplary risk assessments which have been used as a benchmark for similar event committees in this area.

‘Our unique geography means that our air displays are executed within the spectacular backdrop of the river valley, this makes our displays some of the most spectacular and yet challenging for the pilots.

‘We knew that until the accident investigation had been completed, our displays this year were at risk, however this week we received very good news for 2016.’

Mr Botterill said the regatta faced a difficult year, but thanks to some excellent work by Jason Aylett and Basil Williams over the last few days the committee was able to confirm the visit of the Typhoon and the Red Arrows would also be returning to the town, ensuring its regatta display record of many years would remain unbroken.

‘This is enabling the regatta committee to begin to firm up our plans for this year,’ he said.

We are working hard to address the financial issues from last year and I am confident that we can deliver a first rate regatta.’

Mr Botterill said the committee was working very hard to ensure that it continued to provide a full and balanced programme of sporting, entertainment and community based activities in 2016.