The Red Arrows will perform a dazzling 30 minute acrobatic display off the Kent coast this summer – and it will be free to see.

Thousands are expected to descend on Folkestone, as some of the world’s most famous pilots take to the skies on August 20.

Best viewed from The Leas, the Folkestone Air Display will begin at 1.25pm with The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a fly-pass by a wartime Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire planes.

The RAF’s aerobatic display team have been performing since 1965, often in their trademark ‘Diamond Nine’ shape.

Based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, the Arrows have flown almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries, by the beginning of 2023 – the team’s 59th season.

And they are due to show off their aerobatics between 2.20pm and 2.50pm followed by Bi-plane thrills provided by both the Stampe display team and the jet-powered Pitts special.

A RAF Typhoon jet will finish off the event with an exhibition of speed and agility at 5pm.

The Typhoon appearance is being sponsored by Folkestone veterinary practice, Abbeywell Vets.

All timings are approximate currently and will be confirmed nearer the time of the event, organised by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

Residents and visitors are asked to consider using public transport on the day, but there will be temporary car parks available too. Further information will be shared as the event approaches.

Folkestone Festivals is organising food and music along The Leas on both the Saturday and Sunday of the August weekend.

Meanwhile, there is a full list of this year’s Red Arrow pilots on the RAF website.

All have flown with frontline RAF squadrons and will return to their duties after, usually, a three-year stint with the Red Arrows.