Battle of Britain flypast cancelled but still lots to enjoy at IW Armed Forces Day

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is confirmed to be cancelled at this weekend’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day, but there is still lots to look forward to!

Scroll down to see the attractions and running order

This year’s IW Armed Forces Day, on Ryde Esplanade from the Pavilion to Eastern Gardens this Sunday (June 30), will boast various attractions, ranging from the Red Arrows in the air to Fort Cumberland Guard on the beach.

The Memorial Flight was set to take centre stage, but the vintage planes were grounded last month following the death of Mark Long, who was flying a Spitfire when it crashed in a field in Lincolnshire.

Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby

Two Spitfires were due to put on a spectacular 'chase display' over Ryde this weekend, but that has now been cancelled while the cause of the crash is investigated.

No displays or flypasts will be carried out this weekend, including at events in Plymouth, Scarborough, Cleethorpes, Shuttleworth, Folkestone and, of course, here on the Island.

The Red Arrows are still scheduled to thunder overhead at 11.30am and, later at 4.30pm, the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team will take to the skies.

A member of the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team in action at last year's event (Image: Pamela Parker)

Ian Dore, IW Forces Day organiser, said: "This announcement will obviously resonate disappointment, but safety remains the number one priority.

"I would personally like to thank the teams at BBMF and the RAF for showing incredible resilience at what is still a very difficult time for all concerned.

"Our thoughts remain with the Squadron Leader Mark Long and his family.

"We could have bought in military aircraft with no restriction, but despite further requests, there are none available. It is a shame but as I say, safety is the priority."

On the ground, there are still various attractions, static engagement stands and forces supporting charity peppered throughout the site.

Stan Baker, a county representative of the Royal British Legion Bikers, outside Ryde Pavilion at last year's event (Image: Pamela Parker)

Plus, the Main Stage, found in Eastern Gardens, will provide a full programme of music across the day.

Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day attractions and running order

• 10.30am: Event opens

• 10.45am – 11.15am: IW Highland Pipes and Drums (Eastern Gardens)

• 11.30am – 11.55am: Red Arrows display

• 11.55am – 12.30pm: Marching parade and opening ceremony (Eastern Gardens)

• 12.30pm – 1pm: Live music from Jack Nicholson (Main Stage)

• 1pm – 1.30pm: Vectis Corps of Drums (Eastern Gardens)

• 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Fort Cumberland Guard display (DZ on the Beach)

• 2.30pm – 3.30pm: Live Music from The Vintage Trio (Eastern Gardens)

• 3.30pm – 3.45pm: Vectis Guards mortar display (DZ on the Beach)

• 4pm – 4.30pm: Royal Navy Parachute Display Team drop (DZ on the Beach)

• 4.30pm – 4.45pm: Closing ceremony (Eastern Gardens)

• 4.45pm – 5pm: Background music and close (Eastern Gardens)

Also included throughout Sunday, dotted across the site, will be various military engagement opportunities, interactive lessons from John Cattle’s Skate Club, Kids Colouring and Red Arrows Competition, plus much more.