Air display should go on despite unsettled weather

The early September heatwave is forecast to come to an end today, with much more unsettled weather predicted.

But flying display director Barry Neal said they were confident islanders would have a good time tomorrow.

There have already been some last-minute changes, with formation aerobatic display outfit Team Raven having to pull out for Covid reasons. The Starlings Aerobatic Team have stepped in instead.

An A400M Atlas transport aircraft was due to perform a flypast, but this was cancelled for operational reasons. So was a Wildcat helicopter.

Mr Neal said it was always a challenge dealing with military aircraft, but there was a silver lining.

‘We are delighted to announce a late addition to the display with a flypast by a P8 Poseidon from 120 Squadron,’ Mr Neal said.

‘The captain, Flt Lt Jamie Halls, is formerly 201 Squadron and he will be returning to 201 when it is reformed. Flt Lt Halls has visited Guernsey many times, so we look forward to welcoming them back.’

A Guernsey Met Office duty observer confirmed that the recent spell of good weather was now over, as low pressure arrives from the south-west.

This should bring more unsettled, showery weather.

‘Low cloud, mist and hill fog together with scattered showers, possibly heavy and thundery at times, will affect the islands over the next couple of days as winds fall in to the south-west,’ he said.

‘Temperatures will drop noticeably too with this cooler, damper airflow, likely reaching only the low 20s at best.’

On Thursday morning there is expected to be a mixture of cloud and sun, but there is also a risk of scattered showers, which could possibly be heavy at times.

‘Some mist or hill fog patches are also forecast and we’re looking at light to moderate south to south-west winds, with temperatures probably in the high teens,’ he said.

However, Mr Neal said that after many years involved with the air display he knew the best thing to do was wait until he opened his curtains on the morning of the event and then see what was happening and deal with it.

‘As we all know, the official timings for the display are subject to change due to weather and serviceability, but we will endeavour to keep the public updated with any changes on our social media pages and the air display website,’ he said.

The 2021 event is being held in memory of Michael Perrett, a long-time supporter of the Guernsey Battle of Britain Air Display and chairman of the Air Display Consortium for many years. He died in July.

Russell Clark, from the Guernsey Air Display Foundation, said: ‘Michael played a huge role in helping to raise funds and the profile of the display within the business community.’

Islanders are reminded to not use drones during the display. If one is detected in the Bailiwick, the display will be suspended.

• Today’s Meet the Pilots has been cancelled. Islanders normally have the chance to get up close to the aircraft and meet the pilots at Guernsey Airport but this year’s event has been cancelled due a poor weather forecast and a lack of aircraft availability.