Red Arrows set to top bill at carnival's 'most exciting' airshow yet

A WET and wild start to Dawlish Carnival has not deterred thousands of visitors who are continuing to enjoy a host of festivities on offer this week.

Some events at the weekend were postponed due to poor weather. But the carnival, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is now on schedule and the programme is packed with activities between 10am and 9pm every day this week.

Carnival committee chairman Brian Heath said that despite the weather, it had been a great start to carnival week. He said: "It's a nice crowd and everyone is enjoying themselves."

Crowds will be looking to the sky on Thursday at the annual air show, the highlight of the week.

"We're looking onwards and upwards towards the big day on Thursday," said Mr Heath. "There are going to be some big treats for people to look at."

They will include flight displays from international guests, the Royal Jordanian Falcons and members of the United States Air Force, as well as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, an RAF Typhoon, a Sea King Helicopter and a KC135 tanker 'fly past'.

An aerobatics display by the Red Arrows is the focal point of the air show, described by Mr Heath as on a "truly international scale".

The air show is from 12.30pm until 5.15pm, but static displays at Dawlish Warren run throughout the day and mean visitors can meet pilots and see aircraft.

Mr Heath said: "It's going to be a very, very exciting air show — possibly the most exciting we've ever had."

Other activities, stalls and entertainment run through the week including a sandcastle competition and pram race today, a display by the fire service and children's fancy dress on Wednesday, and a pet show and raft race on Friday.

The opening and crowning of the carnival royalty was on Sunday, after being postponed on Saturday.

Jennifer Raiment, 13, is the 2008 Queen, assisted by princess Lauren Anthony, 13, and attendant Ailish Field, 10.

Organisers expect a turn out of 25,000 people for the carnival procession through the town centre on Thursday evening, and are advising people to find a viewing point early.