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Red Arrows VE Day Flypast Route: A Spectacle in the Sky
The 80th anniversary of VE Day saw a spectacular display across the UK, culminating in a breathtaking Red Arrows flypast. This article details the route taken by the Red Arrows and other participating aircraft, along with information on the broader VE Day commemorations.
The VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
The UK marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) with a series of events centered around London. A moving military procession featuring over 1,300 personnel, including representatives from the UK Armed Forces, uniformed services, youth organizations, and even Ukrainian servicemen, marched from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace. A portion of Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech was read, and a centenarian veteran received the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace.
- The Procession Route: Parliament Square, Whitehall, Admiralty Arch, The Mall, Buckingham Palace.
- Key Participants: Household Division, King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, various military bands, and representatives from Commonwealth nations.
This impressive display of military might and international unity set the stage for the highly anticipated flypast.
The Red Arrows and the Flypast Route
The flypast, a key highlight of the VE Day commemorations, involved a diverse range of aircraft, culminating in a stunning display by the Red Arrows. The aerial spectacle began with a Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, followed by various modern RAF aircraft, including Typhoons and F-35s. The Red Arrows, with their distinctive red, white, and blue smoke trails, provided a vibrant finale.
The exact timings were subject to change, but the general route included:
- North Sea off the coast of Norfolk: The flypast began here.
- East Anglia and Essex: The aircraft flew inland, passing over these regions.
- Central London: A flypast over The Mall and Buckingham Palace.
- Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire: The aircraft dispersed over these areas after the London flyover.
- Bournemouth Airport: The final destination for some of the aircraft.
While precise timings varied by location, the flypast over central London was expected around 1:45 PM BST. Many people lined The Mall to witness the event, and those unable to attend could watch it live on television broadcasts.
Beyond London: VE Day Celebrations Across the UK
Celebrations weren't confined to London. Numerous communities across the UK organized street parties, picnics, and other events to commemorate VE Day. The government website provided a map of events across the country, encouraging participation and national unity.
How to Catch Future Red Arrows Displays
If you missed the VE Day flypast, don't worry! The Red Arrows perform numerous displays throughout the year at various airshows and events across the UK and sometimes internationally. Check their official website or airshow calendars for details on upcoming performances.
Conclusion
The VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, highlighted by the Red Arrows flypast, provided a powerful and moving tribute to those who fought and sacrificed during World War II. The event underscored not only the historical significance of VE Day but also the enduring spirit of unity and remembrance within the UK and its allies.
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