THE Red Arrows will be displaying at the 2017 Swanage Carnival for the first time in four years, organisers have confirmed.

Swanage Carnival chairman Becky Mack says she is “delighted” the carnival committee’s request to have the Royal Air Force aerobatics team perform over Swanage Bay has been accepted.

Becky explained: “In recent years carnival week has fallen during the Red Arrows leave or training week, meaning it has not been possible to display during carnival.

“Therefore it is fantastic news that this year carnival week does not clash with their schedule and the Red Arrows will once again be flying over Swanage Bay.”

Now the carnival committee will focus on planning the logistics of the air display, which include meeting tougher Civil Aviation Authority requirements following the 2015 Shoreham air disaster.

Behind the scenes carnival volunteers have also been working hard to seek sponsorship and come up with new fundraising ideas, a committee spokesman said.

Full details of the Red Arrows’ flight times, which are yet to be confirmed, will be included in the carnival programme which is set for general release in June.

Becky said: “Having last flown a display over Swanage in 2013 it will be amazing to hear the roar of the engines again across the bay. The Red Arrows are always a huge attraction, generating a following from far and wide and we hope that their attendance will be a welcome boost to the town.”

Last year’s Swanage Regatta and Carnival raised £23,000 for charity and attracted bumper crowds to the Victorian seaside town.

Organisers said more than 40,000 people lined the seafront and surrounding roads for the carnival parade alone. Since 2005 the carnival has raised more than £250,000 for local charities and organisations.

Email secretary@swanagecarnival.com if you are interested in sponsoring a carnival or regatta event for 2017.