Red Arrows fly final practice sortie in UK before diamond season gets under way

The Red Arrows have been soaring over Lincoln Cathedral and RAF Waddington on their final practice flight in the UK before the air show season gets underway.

It was their last nine-ship training sortie before heading overseas to complete preparations for their 60th diamond anniversary season.

Winter training finishes in early April when the team move abroad to a location that has more predictable, settled weather to maximise flying hours and perfect the display – this is known as Exercise Springhawk.

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The iconic Red Arrows celebrate their 60th anniversary with a special season of aerial displays.

A new nine-aircraft show will mark the milestone, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows' display routine, which changes every year.

Posting on X, the Red Arrows said: "Great images above @RAFWaddington and #Lincoln."