One of Britain’s most famous aerial displays will provide a fitting salute to one of Wiltshire’s best-known attractions when the RAF Red Arrows fly over Longleat as part of the estate’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
The world-famous aerobatic team will perform a special fly-past during the opening day of Longleat’s Icons of the Sky event on Friday, 11 September, marking six decades since the estate opened the first drive-through safari park outside Africa.
Although the exact timing will not be confirmed until the day before, visitors can expect the unmistakable sight of the Red Arrows’ Hawk jets streaking across the skies, trailing their trademark red, white and blue smoke.
Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said the fly-past would be a memorable addition to what is already one of the estate’s biggest annual events.
“We are thrilled the RAF Red Arrows have agreed to perform this special fly-past commemorating our 60th anniversary of opening the first drive-through safari outside of Africa.
“The RAF Red Arrows began displaying just a year before lions were first seen in the bluebells of the Wiltshire countryside at Longleat, so it really is bringing two national treasures together.
“The team has conducted fly-pasts at many historic occasions, from the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London to the Coronation of His Majesty The King in 2023, so to have them at Longleat is a terrific honour.”
Running from 11 to 13 September, Icons of the Sky combines spectacular aerial displays with colourful hot air balloons and a variety of historic and modern aircraft flying above the estate. The entertainment forms part of the standard admission ticket, offering visitors a full day’s programme from dawn until dusk.
With the Red Arrows now confirmed, organisers are expecting demand for tickets to increase even further.
Scott added: “Tickets are already selling fast and with the RAF Red Arrows now confirmed, we are sure it will be another fabulous way to celebrate our special birthday.”
Visitors should note that Longleat House will be closed during the event, while the rest of the estate hosts the aviation celebrations marking another milestone in the history of one of Wiltshire’s most iconic attractions.
