We are very lucky to have this, say sky-watching islanders

THE RED Arrows were, again, a crowd pleaser at this year’s Guernsey Air Display.

Left to right: Charlie, 7, Oscar, 10, and Mike Dowding at the 2020 Air Display. (28674994)

Eight-year-old Flynn Perkins was lucky enough to be taken out of school to watch the event from Castle Cornet.

Mum Diane said he was ‘mad about planes’. ‘I am. We didn’t know if the air display would be on so when it was we couldn’t miss out,’ he said.

They both agreed islanders were lucky to be able to enjoy the event without social distancing, and on such a beautiful day.

Flynn Perkins, 8, enjoying the 2020 Air Display. (28676691)

Andre Costyashim and his wife Yulia were watching the skies from the Castle Emplacement.

‘We’ve come to every display for the last five years,’ Mr Costyashim said.

‘It’s a great event for Guernsey, especially this year after a lot of difficulties for many people.’

Picture By Peter Frankland. 10-09-20 Battle of Britain Air Display 2020. 80th anniversary. Hurricane. (28674617)

He said it was a pleasure to head to the east coast to enjoy the display.

Islanders were indeed lucky with the weather, with very few clouds in the sky and the sun making the water between Guernsey and Herm sparkle.

Mike Dowding was on the lawn at the Castle with seven-year-old Charlie and 10-year-old Oscar. He said Guernsey was very lucky to be able to enjoy an event like this, particularly as it is one of only very few taking place in the British Isles this year.

Picture By Peter Frankland. 10-09-20 Battle of Britain Air Display 2020. 80th anniversary. Red Arrows. (28674540)

Charlie said he was really enjoying it: ‘I like seeing the planes where the smoke comes out behind. I also like when they go really high up and look like they’re falling back down.’

All three were looking forward to the Red Arrows closing the show.

Red 10 Adam Collins said it was great to be back in the Channel Islands, as the team always enjoys performing here because of the friendly crowds and stunning back-drop.

Picture By Peter Frankland. 10-09-20 Battle of Britain Air Display 2020. 80th anniversary. Channel Islands Air Search. (28674634)

‘Our plans of where we would be coming from were changing right until the last minute,’ he said.

Everything has to be timed to the exact minute, and the nine Red Arrows took off from Exeter with 18 minutes to get to the start of their display, testing their smoke and formations on the way.

Picture By Peter Frankland. 10-09-20 Battle of Britain Air Display 2020. 80th anniversary. Red Arrows. (28674530)

‘As always this is a new show for 2020, there will be a few of the old favourite moves, but some new manoeuvres as well,’ Mr Collins said.

‘This is our first UK show, so it is a privilege to demonstrate our manoeuvres in front of a Guernsey crowd.’

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