By Kate Laven
Last night's Skandia Cowes Week extravaganza lived up to expectations with a spectacular display by the RAF Red Arrows followed by the famous Friday night Fireworks display.
The RAF aerobatic team provided a sensational prelude to the traditional fireworks, arriving over Cowes at precisely 7.30. Over 40,000 spectators lined the shore and headed out on the water to watch these amazing men in their flying machines demonstrate, with precision, some of the most heart-stopping aerobatic manoeuvres ever seen.
The nine-strong team flying at up to 500 miles per hour skimmed over Cowes just above mast height for 20 minutes before returning to their base in Bournemouth.
As crowds continued to stream into Cowes, the fireworks barge was positioned just off the Royal Yacht Squadron in readiness for the 9pm big blast. As always the 25 minute firework display was spectacular with one of the best finales ever seen.
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The Red Arrows spectacle
Photo: onEdition