THE leader of the UK’s iconic aircraft display team has flown to Barry ahead of his squadron’s fly-by as part of the Barry Wartime Weekend.

Squadron leader Mike Ling, ‘Red Ten’, of the RAF Red Arrows display team recently landed in Barry for a site visit.

Red Ten and his team landed their ‘Squirrel’ helicopter at the Hood Road field, before travelling to Barry Island for a meeting with John Buxton, of the Barry Tourist Railway.

Event co-organiser Ade Pitman said Mr Buxton and the team at Barry Tourist Railway had worked wonders in securing a display at Barry Island.

Ade said: “I have never seen this iconic display team perform at Barry, and don`t know anyone who has.

“Having the display take place over the Island is a real feather in Barry`s cap, and we hope the event will draw thousands of visitors to the town, thereby extending the summer tourist season by a week.”

Weather permitting, the display will take place from 1pm on Saturday, August 30. Centre point of the display will be John’s Cafe, a supporter of the wartime museum on the Island, and Wartime Weekend sponsor.

Ade said: “The geography of Barry will make it possible to have a great view of the display from most parts of the town, but naturally we are hoping that many visitors choose to get as close to the action as possible, and watch the display from Barry Island.”

He added: “As a community group, Barry at War strive to provide affordable, educational entertainment for all the family, and this year’s Barry Wartime Weekend event looks likely to do just this; while once more placing Barry on the must visit list.”

The Barry Tourist Railway will operate a continuous shuttle train park and ride from the Hood Road site, opposite the Barry Premier Inn.

Tickets cost £5 for a car of up to four people, and £10 for more than four people.

Visitors taking the park and ride train will be helping to support the free community event.

Barry Island Railway Station will come alive to the sounds of the 40s performed by former Barry Butlin’s Redcoat, Sandy Sparkle supported by Ricky Hunter and Arthur Cook.

The entertainers will also provide the entertainment at Barry at War’s 1940s evening of nostalgia, ‘Back to 44’ at the Barry Island Community Centre on the evening of Saturday, August 30.

Tickets cost £4 for a concession ticket, and £6 advance ticket.

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For details, visit www.wartimeweekend.co.uk or the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre at Barry Island Railway Station any Wednesday afternoon, from 2pm to 4pm. Admission is free.