THE Red Arrows’ flypast was meant to be the highlight of the last day of Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

On Sunday, thousands were expecting to see the aircraft soar above Southampton docks as a tribute to Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.

The jets had been due to reach Southampton at 4.35pm – just minutes after taking off from Exeter on their way to Buckingham Palace.

But after the morning displays at the English Riviera Airshow in Torbay had to be called off, it wasn’t long until RAF pilots had to announce the rest of the day’s schedule was also cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

In Southampton, the last-minute announcement was met with disappointment as hundreds of people had already gathered at Mayflower Park to catch a glimpse of the flypast as part of the Big Platinum Festival.

However, those who had been looking forward to Sunday’s event won’t have to wait long before another flypast is due. 

The Red Arrows are set to return to Hampshire later this month as the Isle of Wight Festival kicks off.

The planes will fly above Newport on the second day of the festival - Friday June 17.

Timings and the exact routes are yet to be confirmed.

It is the second time the RAF aerobatics display team will delight festival-goers.

Last year, the aircraft flew above the New Forest, including Lymington and New Milton, before heading to the Isle of Wight.

Last week, the Red Arrows took to the skies above Buckingham Palace on the first day of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. 

The spectacular display, which also featured Apache helicopters and Typhoons was enjoyed by millions.

Isle of Wight festival line-up

This year’s Isle of Wight festival will run from Thursday June 16 to Sunday June 19.

The line-up includes the likes of Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi and Peter Tong.

Friday Main Stage:

Lewis Capaldi

Madness

Nile Rodgers & Chic

Sigrid

The Vaccines

Saturday Main Stage

Kasabian

Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics

Blossoms

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott

Jessie Ware

The Proclaimers

The Fratellis

Sunday Main Stage

Muse

Rudimental

Tom Grennan

UB40 ft Ali Campbell

Freya Ridings

Mavis Staples

Del Amitri

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