The Red Arrows will fly over Pride in London for the first time at this year’s parade in a show of support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and LGBT Armed Forces personnel.
Nine jets from the world-renowned Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team will perform a red, white and blue flypast for thousands at the event on Saturday, 25 June. It will be the first time that the Red Arrows have flown over a Pride parade.
The Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force and represent the United Kingdom and its Armed Forces, both at home and overseas. The flypast marks a busy day for the team who will also display at the national Armed Forces Day event in Cleethorpes, north-east Lincolnshire.
Much work has been undertaken in recent years to improve diversity and inclusion across defence. This year the Royal Navy was named one of UK’s top 10 LGBT-friendly employers, according to Stonewall. The British Army also retained its place in Stonewall’s top 50 list.
Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt said:
This flypast by the RAF Red Arrows is important as it embodies the huge progress made by the military in recent years to ensure our Armed Forces reflect society. All three Services are now among the most inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees and will support Pride in London.
Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, will be flying at the front of the nine-aircraft formation over the Pride event.
He said:
The Red Arrows are honoured to feature as a part of this year’s Pride in London.
The flypast will illustrate the team’s role representing both the United Kingdom and also the dedicated, skilled and talented people drawn from all backgrounds serving across our Armed Forces.
Hopefully all those attending Pride in London will be inspired by the flypast and enjoy the occasion.
Rob Anderson, Operations Director, Pride in London, said:
Pride in London is delighted to accept the offer of a flypast by the Red Arrows. As the UK's largest LGBT event, we are very excited to be the first Pride festival to be treated to a flypast, and look forward to them being part of the celebrations.
Our Armed Forces have a great history of engagement in Pride and the crowds of spectators really enjoy seeing them. As the Red Arrows fly overhead, it is fitting that this year they'll be led by the Royal Air Force.
More than 200 defence personnel are expected to march in this year’s Pride in London parade.
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