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The Isles of Scilly will provide a spectacular backdrop to a display by the legendary Red Arrows when they take to the skies this August Bank Holiday Monday. It’s a rapid return to the islands for the aerobatic team following their performance on the same day a year ago.

Visitors and Scillonians alike will be in position on the islands’ numerous vantage points, when the scarlet Royal Air Force Hawk jets arrive at 3pm to begin their trademark exhibition of heart-in-the-mouth precision flying.

Holgate’s Green on St. Mary’s will provide the focus for the day’s events on the ground. From there, Squadron Leader Mike Ling MBE, Red 10, will broadcast a live commentary on the 25-minute display. Cornwall’s comedy legend Kernow King will be warming up spectators before the Red Arrows’ arrival and taking to the stage for an exclusive live show from 5.45pm. The crowd will also be treated to a programme of live music, a hog roast BBQ, an outside bar and food and craft stalls, from 12.30pm.

Across the water, Tresco Island will be hosting a ‘Great British Picnic’ on Bathinghouse Porth, which will be set out with picnic blankets and beach parasols.

The display is organised by the Islands’ Partnership and sponsored by Tresco Island as part of its wider commitment to the islands. David Jackson, Executive Director of the Islands' Partnership, said: “We’re thrilled to see the return of the Red Arrows to Scilly this Bank Holiday Monday, following the success of last year’s breathtaking performance. We’re looking forward to the same buzz of anticipation across the islands this time around. We’re also delighted to welcome back Kernow King, who will be topping off the weekend’s excitement.”

Tom Matthews from Tresco Island said: “After last year’s display we had so much wonderful feedback from visitors and local businesses that we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the return of the Red Arrows for 2017. Visitors loved the thrill of seeing this world famous aerobatic team over our beautiful islands, while local businesses credited the display with providing a very real economic boost in the last few days of the summer holidays. As part of our commitment to making a positive impact on the islands, we’re proud to join with the Islands’ Partnership to make the return of the Red Arrows possible. We look forward to celebrating with the rest of Scilly this weekend.”

As a curtain-raiser, Sunday afternoon and evening will see a fun, family sports and music festival at the Garrison Field on St. Mary’s, with local bands, a bar, BBQ and stalls, 5-a-side football, rugby 7s and a tennis tournament.

Hot on the heels of the Red Arrows’ appearance is the Taste of Scilly food festival, a month-long celebration running throughout September of the very best in food, drink and produce from across the five inhabited islands.