Visit South Devon quashes rumours about Red Arrows ban at this year’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta

Visitors to Dartmouth Royal Regatta beginning in glorious South Devon on 26 August will see the Red Arrows mounting a spectacular display scheduled for 27 August, contrary to recent rumours and reports in the local and national press suggesting that the display had been banned this year. At a recent Dartmouth Regatta Committee meeting there were concerns over the effect of the vibrations of the craft on the buildings, sparking rumours that the display was banned due to health and safety concerns over damaged buildings from a fire in the town back in May 2010. However, the arrival of scaffolding has secured the buildings effectively. Sarah Streeter from Visit South Devon said: “The Dartmouth Regatta is one of the biggest South Devon events of the year drawing in over 50,000 people including a huge amount of tourists. The Red Arrows are an integral part of the celebrations and a huge draw for tourists – we certainly don’t want people thinking they aren’t coming this year” Jim Bent, Chairman of the Regatta committee, said “We are extremely disappointed that these rumours have got into the press. The airshow is the highlight of the Regatta and if the buildings were in any danger we would have to review the whole programme – not just the Red Arrows” The first Recorded Regatta in Dartmouth was in 1822. There were three sailing races, one six-oared gig race, and a military band played out at the Dartmouth Castle and 120 attended a ball. In 1834 the Regatta, which used to be run by leading gentlemen of the neighbourhood, changed its format when the inhabitants of the town called a meeting and elected a Committee of their own. In 1856 the event became a Royal Regatta when an unscheduled visit by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the Prince of Wales came into Dartmouth because of bad weather in a flotilla of nine boats, the day before the scheduled Regatta. For full details of all the activities taking place at this year’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta, visit: www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk . About Visit South Devon Visit South Devon is the area tourism partnership responsible for promoting South Devon to national and regional audiences. The main aim of the company is to increase the number of visitors to South Devon for the benefit of the local tourism economy. Visit South Devon works with Visit Devon the Destination Management Organization for Devon. www.visitdevon.co.uk Visit South Devon is a Community Interest Company existing solely for the benefit of the local tourism community. It is a public-private company limited by guarantee and not for profit – ensuring all revenue is put back into marketing initiatives for the area. The company operates a membership scheme for local tourism businesses who want to gain national exposure. Visit South Devon is funded through membership and South Hams and Teignbridge District Councils but aims to be fully self financing within 5 years.

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