Falmouth’s seafront will be closed to traffic on Saturday afternoon as thousands are expected to flock to the area to see the first of this year’s two displays by the Red Arrows.
The air display team will be making their first appearance in their 50th anniversary year over Falmouth Bay at 3.30pm thanks to Pendennis Shipyard who have booked them to celebrate the end of the Pendennis Cup.
Saturday marks the final day of racing and ahead of the arrival of the Red Arrows, the 11 yachts competing in the regatta will anchor off Gyllyngvase Beach where Red Ten will be stationed giving his commentary of the action in the sky which will be broadcast on Radio Cornwall.
To ensure the safety of all those who will descend on the seafront to watch the display, Pendennis Point, Cliff Road and all the roads back to Melvill Road will be closed to traffic from noon until 5pm. There will be access for residents and, of course, emergency vehicles.
St John Ambulance volunteers will be on hand should help be needed and the RNLI lifeguards will be on duty on the beach. Any emergencies, or lost children, should be reported to the lifeguard hut.
Town manager Richard Gates said: “We made the decision to close the roads and are encouraging people to come into town for the whole day, spend their money and support the area. We don’t want a huge influx of people all coming in at the same time.
“The trains will be running, with back up buses, and the park and float and park and ride will be open and we are not closing any car parks. Gyllyngvase Beach car park will be open, but once it is full we will be closing it.
“The Pendennis Cup is a spectacular regatta and the Red Arrows will provide a dramatic finish to an exciting week of racing.”
The regatta serves to highlight one of Cornwall’s most successful businesses and provides an opportunity for Falmouth to showcase the very best of Cornish hospitality to the visiting crews and the visiting public.”
The Red Arrows will hopefully make their second appearance in the town on August 13 as part of Falmouth Week.
Last year’s summer display was cancelled at the last minute because bad weather prevented the team reaching Falmouth.
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