Excitement builds as the RAF Red Arrows aerial display team prepares to soar through skies above Salisbury and the New Forest today, May 5, 2025. This special flight forms part of the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, offering residents and visitors a rare opportunity to witness Britain’s premier aerobatic display squadron in action.
Spectacular Red Arrows flight path across southern England today
The elite RAF Red Arrows squadron will grace the skies over Salisbury and New Forest areas today following their participation in London’s VE Day commemorations. After completing the major flypast over The Mall and Buckingham Palace scheduled for 1:45pm, the iconic red jets will transit through Wiltshire and Hampshire on their return journey to Bournemouth Airport.
Local aviation enthusiasts can expect to spot the distinctive formation near Stockbridge at approximately 2:01pm before they touch down at Bournemouth Airport around 2:06pm. This creates a perfect viewing window for residents in Salisbury, Ringwood, and surrounding New Forest communities between these times.
The aircraft will fly over several notable locations including:
- A36 corridor through Salisbury
- Landford Poacher area
- Lockerley district
- Hamptworth region
- Roger Penny Way
This flight path offers multiple vantage points for photographers and aviation enthusiasts hoping to capture the Red Arrows in their signature formation. Weather conditions today appear favorable for optimal visibility, with forecasts predicting clear skies during the afternoon display window.
VE Day celebrations featuring historic aircraft display
Today’s Red Arrows appearance forms just one component of the broader VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations taking place across the United Kingdom. The London centerpiece will feature an impressive aerial parade comprising 23 different aircraft, creating a living museum of aviation history in the skies above the capital.
Among the notable participants joining the Red Arrows display team over London will be the iconic Lancaster Bomber, representing the aircraft that played such a crucial role during World War II. Modern military might will also feature prominently with Typhoon fighters demonstrating the evolution of British air power since 1945.
The full slate of participating aircraft includes:
| Aircraft Type | Era Represented | Number in Formation |
|---|---|---|
| Red Arrows (Hawk T1) | Modern | 9 |
| Lancaster Bomber | WWII | 1 |
| Typhoon | Modern | Multiple |
| Other Historic Aircraft | Various | Multiple |
The symbolic importance of today’s aerial display cannot be overstated, connecting modern Britain with the pivotal moment of victory in Europe eight decades ago. For many elderly veterans who remember the original VE Day celebrations, these commemorations hold particular emotional significance.
Best viewing locations for catching the Red Arrows today
For those hoping to witness the Red Arrows flying over Salisbury and the New Forest, several prime locations offer excellent vantage points. Given the anticipated flight path between London and Bournemouth, specific areas should provide optimal viewing opportunities within the expected timeframe of 2:01-2:06pm.
Elevated positions throughout the Salisbury Plain and New Forest will naturally provide the best visibility. Open spaces with unobstructed views of the sky are recommended for anyone hoping to photograph or simply enjoy the spectacle. The A36 corridor through Salisbury has been specifically mentioned in the flight plan, suggesting nearby high ground could prove advantageous.
Recommended viewing locations include:
- High points around Stockbridge (expected flyover at 2:01pm)
- Open areas near the A36 corridor through Salisbury
- Elevated positions near Landford and Hamptworth
- Roger Penny Way through the New Forest
- Areas surrounding Ringwood with clear eastern visibility
Photography enthusiasts should position themselves with the sun at their backs if possible to capture the vibrant red aircraft against a blue sky background. The Red Arrows’ trademark colored smoke trails create particularly dramatic images when viewed from positions allowing for their full formation to be visible.
The Red Arrows: Britain’s aerial ambassadors
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, known worldwide as the Red Arrows, has represented the speed, agility, and precision of the RAF for more than 55 years. Their distinctive Hawk jets with their vibrant red livery have become instantly recognizable symbols of British aviation excellence both domestically and internationally.
Formed in 1964, the team has performed over 4,900 displays in 57 countries, serving as airborne ambassadors for the United Kingdom. The current squadron continues to uphold the highest standards of their predecessors, with each pilot selected from the elite ranks of experienced RAF fighter pilots.
Today’s appearance over Salisbury and the New Forest represents a rare opportunity to witness the team’s precision flying outside of their regular air show calendar. Their typical nine-aircraft formation allows for spectacular maneuvers including their famous “Diamond Nine” formation and dramatic smoke trail patterns.
Local residents are encouraged to look skyward between 2:01pm and 2:06pm today to catch a glimpse of these aerial artists as they transit from London to Bournemouth. Those fortunate enough to witness the Red Arrows display over Salisbury and New Forest are welcome to share their photographs and experiences of this special VE Day aerial tribute.
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