VISITORS to Prom Xtra 2026 could be treated to a spectacular sight in the skies above Colwyn Bay - if plans to secure a Red Arrows flypast take off.
Members of the Bay of Colwyn Town Council discussed the possibility of inviting the world-famous Royal Air Force (RAF) aerobatic display team to perform over the seafront event during their General Purpose and Planning Committee meeting, held via Zoom last month.
The idea - to consider a flypast at a future event and submit an application to the RAF Air Events Team - was sparked by an email from Cllr Chris Brockley, of Llandrillo yn Rhos ward.
In his message, Cllr Brockley wrote: "I've been contacted several times regarding requesting a Red Arrows flypast. Looking at the application form they ask for events, crowds and media coverage as factors when it comes to deciding routes.
"I've asked the resident(s) what event they have in mind to which they said they haven't actually got one in mind they just really want to see the Red Arrows in Colwyn Bay (and who doesn't). They've even done some research themselves and believe that you don't need an event and can just request them, although I think the chances of this happening will be next to nil, however we might be in the flight path of another event en-route.
"Do we have any events that we can use to bolster a flypast event?"
According to the minutes of the meeting, the committee agreed that the council will liaise with Conwy County Borough Council to explore submitting an official application for a Red Arrows flypast as part of Prom Xtra 2026.
The minutes noted: "Members reported that they had looked into this in the past, at the request of residents, and they did seem to perform their display at larger events than are held in the Bay of Colwyn area.
"It was suggested that we could join up with a neighbouring town and have a joint request, or possibly be included in a fly-past, if they happened to be in the vicinity.
"Members were aware of the planning/major costs involved in this kind of event and any request would have to have evidence of the event popularity.
RELATED NEWS
- Red Arrows perform flyover at St David's College in Llandudno
- Colwyn Bay could see Red Arrows flypast as councillors consider idea
"Resolved to liaise with Conwy CBC regarding the possibility of submitting an application in connection with the Prom Xtra Event in 2026."
In August, fans of the world-famous RAF display team caught thrilling glimpses of the Red Arrows during brief flyovers across North Wales.
The jets performed at Blackpool Air Show on Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10, flying over parts of North Wales en route — including the vicinity of Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, and Rhyl.
Rhyl Air Show, which usually draws thousands from across the region, did not take place this year due to “a lack of funds.” Denbighshire County Council, which owns Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), confirmed the news in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Journal.
The popular seaside event, typically held over the August bank holiday weekend, has not taken place since 2023.
To request a Red Arrows flypast, an application must be submitted to the RAF Air Events Team by November 30.
Share