Red Arrows jet lands in Broadgate
PASSERS-BY on Broadgate were treated to an unusual scene on Wednesday morning as preparations for Coventry ‘s RAF 100 event began.
An iconic Red Arrows jet arrived in the city centre ready to be assembled and put on show for the weekend.
A huge crane was used to position the impressive plane next to the Lady Godiva statue where it will remain for the rest of the week.
The RAF 100 event , which celebrates the centenary of the RAF, is one of many taking place across the country and aims to commemorate the force and inspire the next generation.
Coventry’s event will be the largest RAF 100 event outside of London.
The former Red Arrows BAE Systems Hawk, now in place on Broadgate , will be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Getting the jet in place was a complicated process and involved a team of skilled engineers.
It was previously on show outside Exeter Airport but is now on tour around the country.
The Red Arrows aircraft, Hawk T Mk1 XX237, was operational until 2011. Visitors will have the chance to sit in the aircraft cockpit and members of the Royal Air Force will be on hand to answer any questions.
Sir Peter, chairman and chief executive of the Rigby Group and who is also an Honorary Group Captain of the 601 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, helped to bring the event to Coventry, along with the city’s Lord Mayor Cllr John Blundell.
Sir Peter Rigby, chairman and chief executive of the Rigby Group, and one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, said: “RAF100 is the celebration of 100 years of the first independent air force in the world which is being celebrated by the Royal Air Force across the United Kingdom.
“Coventry and Warwickshire has a long association with the RAF and the RAF100 celebrations are a perfect opportunity to remember and celebrate everyone connected with the service as well as look to the future to inspire the next generation of servicemen and women.”
The Lord Mayor said: “I am proud that Coventry is one of a handful of cities outside of London that is marking the RAF’s 100th anniversary with a weekend of events to commemorate and celebrate its contribution to our country and our city.
“Coventry has strong links with the organisation, not least the former RAF officer Sir Frank Whittle who was born in Earlsdon and went on to help create the jet engine.
“The weekend will also be personal to me as my father served in the RAF and I hope as many people as possible join in with the weekend of events to mark this special occasion.”
The event, sponsored by Rigby Group, is on all weekend from July 6 to 8 in the city centre.