Red Arrows blame technical issues for cancelling carnival display

The Red Arrows have cancelled a display at a seaside carnival in Norfolk just hours before the team was due to take to the skies, blaming 'unforeseen technical issues'.

Crowds at Cromer Carnival, on the north coast of the county, had been expecting to watch the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team perform at 12:30pm on Wednesday but in the hours leading up to the event, the Red Arrows announced on social media that the show would not go ahead.

Local media reported that there were gasps in the audience when the announcement was made to the crowds at the carnival.

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A social media post by the Red Arrows on X, formerly Twitter, read: "Unfortunately, today's display by the Red Arrows at Cromer Carnival will not go ahead.

"This is due to unforeseen technical issues we are working to resolve but which will not be completed in time for the show.

"We regret not being able to perform but safety is our highest priority."

The annual carnival was expected to attract thousands of visitors, while a display by the Red Arrows has been a highlight of the event in the past.

A range of events and attractions have been on offer at the week-long carnival including a beer festival, displays including a stunt show, and a carnival parade on Wednesday evening.

It is not yet known what technical issues the Red Arrows were trying to resolve.