East Anglia's largest one-day agricultural show has become the latest big event to be informed that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not be attending as planned.
Aylsham Show 2016. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)
A Hurricane and a Spitfire were due to take part in the flypast at the Aylsham Show on Bank Holiday Monday.
But a Royal Air Force spokesman said that it would not now be taking place due to engine-related safety fears over the historic aircraft.
A fault with one of the Merlin engines in a Hurricane aircraft was highlighted during an inspection, and flying of Merlin engine powered aircraft has been paused. Several air shows and events have already missed out on the attraction.
An Aylsham Show spokesman said: 'Unfortunately, we were told that the flight will not be able to attend as feared a few days ago.
'However the show is very much open for business and there will be plenty of excitement and adrenalin on hand, including the aerial tricks of the Jason Smyth quad bike stunt show and the pinpoint accuracy of the Red Devils parachutists.
'We will also look at finding a replacement of some sort for the Memorial Flight and will be making contact with suitable organisations over the next couple of days.
'And, of course, the full range of traditional Aylsham Show entertainment will also be available, including animal lines, heavy horses, children's fancy dress, sheepdogs, stalls and fantastic food among a very long list.'
The Aylsham Show is in its 71th year and provides a celebration of rural life which attracts up to 20,000 people. It is held at the National Trust's Blickling Park.
Meanwhile, show organisers have moved to ease traffic congestion on the day, following criticism last year for the slowness of its parking operation.
A show spokesman said: 'The way traffic gets onto and then parks at the site has been redesigned and altered this year to ease queues on the approach to the annual agricultural event.
'We feel we have created a system which will ease entrance during the busy morning period.'
There's a 12 page Aylsham Show guide in Thursday's Eastern Daily Press.
For more information on the show visit www.theaylshamshow.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here