ONE of the biggest highlights of this year’s Dawlish Celebrates Carnival will be a flypast by the historic Spitfire aircraft.

The committee says it is ‘thrilled’ to announce it has been successful in bidding for an appearance of the iconic Spitfire in the skies above the town.

The flypast will be Friday August 18 and is planned for 1.39pm, weather permitting. 

A spokesperson said: ‘We are thrilled to announce that we have been successful in bidding for a Spitfire flypast as a special carnival event.’

Flown by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Spitfire is among the historic aircraft maintained by the RAF.

Based in RAF Coningsby, a Typhoon base in Lincolnshire, the Flight aims to keep the aircraft of Britain’s national heritage in airworthy condition to commemorate those who gave their lives to the service of the country. 

The annual week of Dawlish Celebrates Carnival events will take place from 12 to 18 August.

Highlights include the official opening on Sunday August 13, the 50th anniversary Pram Race on Tuesday August 15, the Duck Race on Thursday August 17, and the community parade on Friday August 18.