Forecast bad weather forces RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to cancel Air Tattoo displays

This year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will be missing the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) display because of expected poor weather.

Enormous crowds are expected to flock to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, this weekend for one of the world's largest military air shows, but bad weather is forcing changes.

BBMF posted on Twitter: "We are very disappointed to confirm that our displays at air tattoo on Friday and Saturday will not be going ahead due to the weather."

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The RAF BBMF, which aims to promote the modern-day Air Force and to inspire future generations, added: "We hope everyone attending still enjoys what promises to be a great show, and our PR team will still be there in the RAF experience zone!"

The tweet was accompanied by a cloud, rain and lightning emoji.

The BBMF's usual flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft (primarily for training), with aircraft flown by regular RAF aircrew.

Still expected to be performing at the three-day event, from 14 to 16 July, are the iconic RAF display team, the Red Arrows.

RIAT's latest update addressing the weather concerns said: "We're working with our Met Office colleagues and are monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend. Whilst we plan to deliver a full display programme, safety is paramount.

"Therefore it may be necessary to modify the flying display schedule as the conditions may not allow all aircraft to perform. For more information, please see the FAQ at: https://www.airtattoo.com/."