Red Arrows to fly over Lincoln Olympic party

The Red Arrows will be conducting a fly past over the Olympic torch party in Lincoln later this month, it has been confirmed.

The iconic red planes from RAF Scampton will fly over Yarborough Sports Ground on June 27 as the torch lights the cauldron.

This is the only fly past the Red Arrows will do before their display as part of the Olympic opening ceremony in London.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the City Council, said: “It is a huge honour for us that the Red Arrows have agreed to play a part in this once in a lifetime event.

“The fly past will help bring our evening celebration to a dramatic conclusion as the torch cauldron is lit.

“We have always had very strong links with the team and I’m looking forward to them being welcomed home by 10,000 people at the evening celebration, not to mention those people lining the route.”

Squadron Leader Jim Turner, Officer Commanding and Red 1 said: “The Red Arrows are honoured to have been invited to take part in the London 2012 Olympic Games celebrations and to represent the Royal Air Force within our home county at the Lincoln Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration.

“My whole squadron, pilots and ground support staff alike, share the pride and privilege of being part of such an auspicious occasion.”

Tickets for the Olympic party have sold out, with 10,000 people expected to attend the event.

The torch will come through the city centre on June 27 to the sports ground, then stay overnight at Lincoln Cathedral.

After a breakfast event with children from local schools, the torch will then leave the city towards Saxilby and Nottingham.

The party at Yarbrough will feature a number of talented acts from In Production Music, commissioned by Lincoln Drill Hall and supported by the City of Lincoln Council.

Guests can also expect to see a dance and gymnastic show at the beginning and end of the celebration by One World, who recently performed a preview on Lincoln’s High Street.

Source: City of Lincoln Council