ONE man’s lifetime ambition of bringing the Red Arrows to Barry Island is being realised this summer when the famed stunt team will put on a show at the Barry at War weekend.

John Buxton, the man who has brought life back to Barry’s Tourist Railway, has been a fan of the Red Arrows since he was a small child and so when planning this year’s Barry at War event he decided to try and bring the RAF display team to Barry and make the weekend the best one yet.

Putting a strong case forward in his application – and also receiving letters of support from MP Alun Cairns, AM Jane Hutt and Councillor Lis Burnett – John couldn’t believe his luck when the submission was successful.

“I was so excited,” he said.

“We kept the event fairly low-key until we were recently advised that all operational issues had been addressed. Now we are promoting the display but frankly the fact that the Red Arrows are coming is the greatest promotion you could ever wish for.

“This is the biggest event I’ve ever been involved with. As sponsor of the Red Arrows display, this is a substantial investment on my part, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for Barry for a long time.

“I’m very thankful for the backing given by Alun, Jane, Lis and the Vale of Glamorgan Council in this regard and I’m also grateful to Ade Pitman and the Barry Town Council, without whom the event would not have been possible.

“Barry is a great place and we’re so pleased that we have secured the Red Arrows for our Barry at War event.”

The Red Arrow display will be centered on Whitmore Bay, Barry Island starting at 12.30pm on Saturday, August 30.

On Sunday, August 31 there will be a Battle of Britain Memorial Dakota fly-past at a time still to be announced.

For more information contact John Buxton at Barry Tourist Railway on 01446 748816 or email john.buxton@cambriantransport.com