The Red Arrows generated huge interest across Derbyshire this weekend as they arrived at East Midlands Airport and performed at the Midlands Air Festival, Ragley Hall.
Thousands of people tracked the famous RAF display team’s movements, with many heading outside to catch a glimpse of the distinctive red jets as they passed through the area.
If you missed them, don’t worry. There are still plenty of opportunities to see the Red Arrows during the remainder of the 2026 display season.
Why Are There Only Seven Aircraft This Year?
The Royal Air Force recently announced that the Red Arrows will display with seven Hawk T1 aircraft during the 2026 season, rather than their traditional nine-aircraft formation.
The change is intended to help manage the remaining life of the Hawk T1 fleet, which is due to be retired by 2030.
The RAF has confirmed that nine-aircraft formations may still be used for major state occasions and significant flypasts.
Remaining UK Displays and Flypasts
June
• 4 June – Isle of Man TT Races
• 6 June – Gassed on Track, Silverstone
• 13 June – King’s Official Birthday Flypast
• 14 June – RAF Cosford Air Show
August
• 14, 15 and 16 August – Airbourne, Eastbourne
• 15 August – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Flypast
• 16 August – Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
• 19 August – Cromer Carnival
• 27 and 28 August – Clacton Airshow
• 28 August – Sidmouth Regatta and Airshow
• 29 and 30 August – Southport Airshow
September
• 4 and 5 September – International Ayr Show
• 9 September – Guernsey Air Display
• 10 September – Jersey International Air Display
• 12 September – Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow
• 19 and 20 September – NATO Days, Czech Republic
• 27 September – Le Touquet Airshow, France
October
• 3 October – Duxford Flying Finale
Heading Across the Atlantic
The Red Arrows are also undertaking a major North American tour this summer, with displays planned in New York, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The overseas tour forms part of the team’s role in promoting the UK and supporting defence engagement activities abroad.
A Summer Favourite
Whether viewed from a garden, an airfield or a major airshow, the Red Arrows remain one of the country’s most popular aerial display teams.
Their appearance over Derbyshire this weekend once again showed just how much interest they continue to generate.
Did you spot the Red Arrows this weekend? Let us know where you saw them in the comments.