A three year funding package has been secured by the Falmouth Town Town which ensures the Red Arrows will be back flying over the town again.

Falmouth Town Council and the Falmouth BID have spearheaded an innovative partner agreement with several key Falmouth organisations to enable the world-class aerobatic display that has attracted thousands of people to the town over the past seven years, to continue.

A new three-year arrangement will see Falmouth Town Council, the Falmouth BID, Falmouth University, Pendennis Shipyard, Greenbank Hotel, Fal River Cornwall and Harbour Lights Café collectively funding the display. Such a partner-led approach ensures the financial outlay is spread between partners rather than being the responsibility of any one, single organisation.

The Red Arrows' 20 minute display over Falmouth harbour attracts thousands of visitors to the town and helps bring even more positive profile and spotlight on the town. The display has been the highlight of Falmouth Week for seven years, with the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners strongly supporting it as key sponsor. That involvement will continue in the form of extensive safety, logistical and operational engagement.

Richard Gates, Falmouth town manager, said: “This is brilliant news for the town. It is a privilege to host the Red Arrows display as part of Falmouth Week but of course they require a significant investment locally in terms of safety planning, volunteer activity and financial input each year.

"Exciting events or much-needed town services can only be secured if we work proactively as a team and this new three-year agreement is a superb example of that approach in action. Having a range of organisations actively engaged in the process is a stand-out example for Cornwall and one that Falmouth Town Council is committed to support.”

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID manager, added: “The Falmouth BID is delighted to be working alongside Falmouth Town Council in securing this agreement. Such a team approach epitomises how Falmouth has operated in recent years, namely utilising lean resources effectively to engage with the town, its business, residential and visitor communities.

"Everyone so keenly wants the Red Arrows to continue being one of the highlights of Falmouth’s enviable events calendar and it is by working together that we can achieve that aim. I would like to thank our new town partners for their commitment and the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners for their continued support. I look forward very much to seeing the wonderful Red Arrows in 2017.”

Falmouth Week will take place between August 4 and 13 next year with the Red Arrows display earmarked for Wednesday, August 9, subject to CAA approvals.

Pendennis Shipyard's managing director, Mike Carr, said: "Pendennis Shipyard has a long term affiliation with the Red Arrows, having worked with them on numerous occasions, including the Monaco Yacht Show and their spectacular display over Gyllyngvase beach during the Pendennis Cup in 2014. We are delighted to be able to support the Falmouth Town Team and the local tourist industry by being part of the sponsorship team that will enable the tradition of the Falmouth Week Red Arrows display to continue over the next three years.”

Professor Anne Carlisle, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Falmouth University, added: “Falmouth University is delighted to support a high quality community event that both raises the profile of our wonderful town and brings thousands of visitors who provide an economic boost to local businesses.”

Ben Young, general manager of the Greenbank Hotel, said: “The Greenbank has long been a grateful beneficiary of the fantastic work carried out by all those who work to promote our wonderful town. With the opportunity to be able to give something back we were only too delighted to do our bit and help to preserve the presence of the Red Arrows as one of the highlights of Falmouth Week.”

Tim Light, managing director of Fal River Cornwall, added: “The Red Arrows are to Falmouth as ferries are to the magnificent Fal River, desired, required and always appreciated by local business and residents. Fal River Cornwall (the operator of the Falmouth Park and Ride, Visitor Information Centre, St Mawes Ferry and Enterprise Boats) is delighted to be part of securing the future of one of the town’s major annual events.”

Pete Fraser, owner of Harbour Lights, said: “When we heard that future Red Arrows displays during Falmouth Week were under threat, we had to step forward. Despite being by far the busiest day of the year at Harbour Lights, it is also my team’s favourite day of the year, we all love the buzz. So keen to keep some red in the skies above Falmouth.”