Red Arrows pull of Rhyl Airshow due to poor weather conditions

Update: Red Arrows pull out of Rhyl Airshow

In an update at 2pm the Red Arrows said they have had to pull out of a display at the Rhyl Airshow – a post on their Facebook states:

“Unfortunately, due to the atrocious weather in many parts of the UK, we’ve been forced to cancel today’s displays at Wings and Wheels and Rhyl together with the Birmingham flypast. The conditions created several knock-on logistical and operational issues which meant an earlier return to base‬.”

Unfortunately Rhyl Air Show organisers have confirmed the Red Arrows are not attending due to weather. A reduced programme will display from 16:10 comprising: Autogyro, Bulldog, Yak-15 & Extra. Hope those of you attending enjoy the afternoon.

— North Wales Police (@NWPolice) August 26, 2018

A statement from the organisers says:

“The Red Arrows have looked at every possible option to try and display at Rhyl today. The problem is where to land safely after the display. As safety is the first priority for the Red Arrows they have, very reluctantly, cancelled their display at #Rhyl”

Previous report: The Organisers of Rhyl Airshow have been forced to delay the start of today’s schedule due to the weather.

A band of heavy rain has been affecting North Wales during the morning though it is slowly moving from west to east.

Weather forecasts for the area show it will remain cloudy into the afternoon, however brighter spells will develop.

Organisers have said the first two items on Sunday’s schedule, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane, have been “put off.”

The Red Arrows have been forced to cancel one display today at the Wings & Wheels event in Dunsfold Surrey due to being “weathered in at Brize Norton.”

Rhyl organisers had expected the Red Arrows to go ahead with their scheduled display over Rhyl at 5.30pm however they have now pulled out.

A statement from the organisers says:

“Present and Forecast Weather Conditions are forcing us to put off the first two items on today’s air display program; The BBMF Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.

It is unlikely that the Weather will be good enough for the Red Devils Parachute Display. We remain hopeful that the weather will clear sufficiently by 3.30 to 4 pm for us to be able to offer a restricted programme that would include the Red Arrows at 5.30pm.”

If you are going to Rhyl park and ride services will be in operation during the air show and services from Prestatyn and St Asaph will operate into Rhyl to reduce traffic congestion during the event.

Rhyl Air Show update: We remain hopeful that the weather will clear sufficiently by 3.30 – 4pm for us to be able to offer a restricted programme that would include the Red Arrows at 5.30pm. Weather Conditions are forcing us to put off the BBMF Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.

— DenbighshireCC (@DenbighshireCC) August 26, 2018

Police are reminding visitors to make plans to avoid getting caught up in the traffic, North Wales Police will be working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and the other emergency services to ensure a safe event.

Officers will be patrolling the streets and additional safety measure will be in place for reassurance.

Traffic plans have been drawn up by the council and event organisers and people are encouraged to allow plenty of time for their journey and to follow the signs relating to the park and ride services which will be operating. Supt Nick Evans said:

“This is always a great event for Rhyl and we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend. It is important that those attending the event follow the traffic management signage which will be in place. A park and ride facility will be in operation which will assist those attending to avoid the traffic congestion.” “Please ensure that your vehicles are locked and secure and that all valuables are removed.”

Police have warned people not to fly drones in the area of the air show as it will be subject to a Restricted Airspace Temporary Order, “any breaches of which will be prosecuted.”

Park and ride services will operate from Ffrith Beach, Prestayn and Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph at a cost of £5 to park all day with a shuttle bus operating at regular intervals.

Rhyl car parks at the Sky Tower, Morley Road, West Kinmel Street, the Pavilion Theatre and Quay Street will be in operation but the town’s underground car park is currently closed for a major refurbishment.

This year’s Rhyl Air Show is supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The Red Arrows will close Rhyl Air Show on Sunday, with the Bristol Blenheim closing proceedings on Saturday with full line-up details and information about park and ride services available at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhylairshow