The hugely popular Folkestone Air Show, which once routinely featured the Red Arrows, is not expected to return to the town, KentOnline can reveal.
The aerial extravaganza will not be held in 2025, due to the district council’s belief that the hefty cost could be better spent on promoting the area year-round.
It did not go ahead last year either, and this approach is suspected to continue.
A spokesperson for Folkestone and Hythe District Council – which organised the free-to-attend show – said: “The funding needed for an event like the Folkestone Air Display is significant.
“It was decided this money could be better put to use by promoting the whole district as a tourist destination year-round rather than spending it on a single event.”
The authority has confirmed this will be the strategy for the foreseeable future.
Usually held in August, the event brought in huge crowds to The Leas and the Harbour Arm.
The 2023 show was the biggest one in the town since 2014, when a private firm ran the display before running into major financial difficulties.
In 2024, council leader Jim Martin said the Red Arrows not being available and the cost of running the single-day event were the reasons for the cancellation.
Reaction on social media was largely negative, with Keren Watson saying: “Stupid, there are other planes and display teams – air show isn’t all about the Red Arrows.”
Stephen West added: “Oh no, what a disaster for the town.”
Thankfully, the Red Arrows made an appearance at Armed Forces Day that June instead.
