The Red Arrows won't be performing at Lyme Regis Carnival in 2019

The display has taken place in the town for more than 40 years, with events only cancelled for bad weather, except for last year when the date coincided with an engineering day.

The RAF’s Red Arrows team informed organisers that they would not be able to make it to the town next year due to the team spending several weeks in the United States.

The Red Arrows was first brought to the town by Philip Evans in the early 1970s, and became the main attraction of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

A fundraising campaign was launched in 2016 to ensure the display came to Lyme Regis when the RAF Red Arrows could not appear free of charge.

Mr Evans said: “It is very disappointing, however, Lyme Regis has had the Red Arrows visit every year for over 40 years and we can’t expect to have them every year.

“During August and September, they are going to be in the United States and will not appear at any local events at that time.

“There is a suggestion that the Red Arrows will not just appear at venues they have always been, but instead their presence spread around for everyone to see. So having had them for 40 years, there is a possibility they won’t appear in Lyme for some time.

“This is of course disappointing as it is the biggest day of the year for Lyme Regis which gives a boost to the local economy.

“The town council are working on the I Love Lyme day to make sure there is another bumper day in Lyme in 2019.”

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, chairman of the town council’s tourism, community and publicity committee, said: “It is sad that the Red Arrows won’t be able to come to Lyme Regis in 2019 due to their tour of America during the months that we would usually have them here.

“However, we have been so lucky in the past to be able to have them so many times, and we wish them well for their tour.

“Both Philip Evans and Lyme Regis Town Council have worked hard to bring them to our beautiful town, and we look forward to having them again as soon as possible.”