ROCK star Bruce Dickinson is set for an appearance at this year’s Weymouth Carnival.

But fans wishing to see the Iron Maiden singer will have to keep their eyes on the skies as he appears with a ‘heavy metal’ aerobatic display team at the event in August.

Accomplished pilot Mr Dickinson, whose group’s hits includes Aces High, has signed up as a pilot with the Great War Display Team, enthusiasts who fly a collection of replica First World War aircraft.

Mr Dickinson got involved after purchasing a Fokker Dr1 triplane, the same model used by the famous German fighter pilot known as ‘the Red Baron’.

The team have appeared at the carnival before but this year all nine aircraft will be on show, recreating a wartime ‘dogfight’ in a fitting tribute to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Mr Dickinson will be at Weymouth Carnival – although his plane will be there.

One date he will be keeping is at the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth in Hertfordshire on July 5 where he will fly his Fokker with the team before preparing for Iron Maiden’s headline performance on stage, the final date of the band’s world tour.

The Great War Display Team have been together for more than 25 years, made up of various pilots and planes, and perform throughout the UK and Europe. They currently have five different types of aircraft including a Sopwith triplane and a Junkers CL1.

Mr Dickinson’s plane was built by team member, the late John Day. He died in a flying accident last April while practising with the team.

Mr Dickinson said he intended to display the aircraft to commemorate the Great War but also as a tribute to Mr Day.

Weymouth Carnival chairman Elysia Munday said: “It will be a fitting tribute to the First World War to have the Great War Display Team perform at Weymouth Carnival in this important anniversary year.

“I’m also thrilled we could be having the singer from Iron Maiden flying one of the planes.”

Big day will also feature Red Arrows

WEYMOUTH Carnival is on Wednesday, August 20 and will feature the famous Red Arrows as well as the Great War Display Team.

On the ground there will be all the usual favourites, including the fun zone, beach stage, food village, stalls, competition and the grand procession, plus some new additions including a beach bungee jump.

It can only go ahead with support from the community and residents and businesses are being urged to do their bit by backing the sponsorship drive, buying raffle tickets and programmes, and supporting the parade.

To lend support search for Weymouth Carnival on Facebook or see weymouthcarnival.co.uk To support the procession email weymouthprocession2014@outlook.com and to buy a golden ticket and be in with a chance of buying a sponsorship package call Ryan Hope on 07795 246080.