Time flies when you’re having fun!
AWE-INSPIRING DISPLAYS WORTHY OF THE LATEST TOP GUN MOVIE
AN awe-inspiring display by an RAF Typhoon capped a second day of exciting flypasts at Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day.
The jet, piloted by Ft Lt Adam O’Hare, took just six minutes to fly from RAF Coningsby to the coast. Once over the resort it gave crowds display worthy of the latest Top Gun movie.
It was worth the wait after another eagerly anticipated highlight – a display by Royal Navy helicopters – had to be cancelled due to technical problems. However, flypasts by historic aircraft including a Second World War P51 Mustang, in the colours of the US Air Force, more than made up for the disappointment.
Large crowds flocked to the resort yesterday after the huge success of the Cleethorpes Carnival on Friday evening and Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
The Grimsby and District Pipe Band entertained visitors, before two planes of the Starlings aerobatic team put on a thrilling display of close-formation flying.
On the ground, meanwhile, young people were offered a chance to see what a career in the Forces looks like. Sergeant Mat Hardy, of 3rd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, said: “It’s great to meet the public and engage with youth groups so they can see the capability of Army Reservists.”
Businesses enjoyed another good day of trade after enjoying one of the busiest days in their history on Saturday. urday Kaylee Deekens Deekens, the general manager of The Counting House, said Armed Forces Day had served up one of the busiest and best days since the Sea View Street venue opened five years ago. She said: “It was a really good event and it has helped, as it was well needed.”
Assistant manager Grant Braniff added: “It has helped bring the community back together since the Covid pandemic and it is great to see people supporting their local businesses again.”