By Gillian Ellison

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 26 April 2012

SPECTACULAR air shows featuring acrobatics, wing walkers and historic flights will be taking to the skies during Whitehaven Diamond Jubilee Festival.

ON A WIN AND A PRAYER: The Breitling wingwalkers are coming to Whitehaven

The showcase – over 90 minutes – will take place on the Sunday afternoon of the festival finishing with the star attraction Red Arrows.

Before the main event takes to the air there will be an impressive build-up featuring a range of displays to wow the crowds.

The RV8tors display team combine high speed (up to 230mph) with tight formation aerobatics, promising an exciting and memorable show.

A high energy show is also on the cards from the Breitling Wingwalkers – who call themselves the world’s only aerobatic formation wingwalking team.

They are part of the UK-based AeroSuperBatics and perform a breathtaking sequence of acrobatic manoeuvres and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of the team’s Boeing Stearman biplanes.

The Extra 260 is a single acrobatic aircraft promising a fast display and then there will be a visit from the British fighter aircraft, the Hawker Sea Fury, promising an imposing and noisy return to our skies in the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

There is no mistaking the breathtaking sight of the headline act Red Arrows which is set to provide an awesome finale to the Sunday air show.

“We always get a good crowd for the air displays, especially the Red Arrows, everyone is completely fixated,” said festival organiser Gerard Richardson. “It is always a great atmosphere and there’s something quite reflective about the air shows in the middle of what is a really hectic festival.”

On sea during the three-day event (June 1-3), attractions include the tall ship Bessie Ellen as well as three Royal Navy Archer class patrol vessels.

“It is the first time we have had three navy boats, the vessels are quite striking. It’s nice to have the forces lads here and they enjoy mingling with the crowd,” said Gerard.

There will also be a display featuring the Royal Navy Sea King search and rescue helicopter together with the Workington lifeboat.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk