Red Arrows announce County Show display

The world-famous Red Arrows will be flying the skies of the county this summer as part of one of the Kent County Show.

The RAF aerobatic team will perform above the Kent Showground in Detling on its first day, Friday, July 10.

The hugely popular display team have clocked up more than 4,600 displays around the world.

Show manager Lucy Hegarty said: “We have been hoping to have this world-class attraction at the show for a number of years, but due to many factors we have not had the opportunity.

“This year we are delighted to announce that the team will be flying their distinctive Hawk jets over the show. The exhilarating display of precision flying and agility will be a huge draw for the thousands of visitors, particularly the school children who usually attend on the first day.”

The carefully choreographed displays are changed each year and usually last around 20 minutes, although full details of the performance have not yet been released.

Also on the bill for the show, which will run from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12, are the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Activity Ride, who will perform on all three days.

The fast-moving display fea- tures officers and horses in skillful sync, with all riders, horses and ground staff carefully selected because of their commitment and riding ability.

Visitors will be able to see the horses at rest as they are being stabled at the show – at The Heavy Horse Village, part of the equine section.

Kent County Agricultural Soci e t y c hai r man Kevin Attwood said: “This year the entertainment and displays are outstanding. Both The Red Arrows and the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Activity Ride are nationally and internationally recognised for their endeavours. We are delighted to have secured both for the show in July. Another one of the big attractions and returning for 2015 will be the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, Spitfire display, which is always a crowd pleaser.”

Also returning will be popular Titan the Robot, the Pole Climbing Championships, which were staged for the first time last year, the Sheep Show, rural crafts, live music and interactive displays.

There will also be free donkey rides and a circus workshop for young visitors on all three days. Tickets are already on sale online for the show.

A family ticket costs £41 in advance or £48 on the gate. The family ticket is for two adults and two children between five and 15.

Under-fives go free, and parking is also free.

Adult tickets are £18.50 in advance and £22 on the gate, concessions are £13 when bought online and £15 on the gate.

The show will be open from 8am until 6pm.

For details visit www.kentshowground.co.uk