Red Funnel ferries are delighted to present a spectacular four plane aerial display at North Sails Cowes Week this August, celebrating 200 years of the iconic sailing event in 2026.
Taking to the skies at 7:10pm on Thursday 6 August, the impressive aerial display line up will feature a ‘Yak-52’ and a ‘Pitts Special’ renowned for their aerobatics and formation flying. They will be joined by a ‘Fairey Swordfish’ adding a touch of naval heritage, alongside a more modern ‘Firebird,’ set to deliver an adrenaline-charged solo performance.
As part of their ongoing commitment to the Island community, Red Funnel is proud to deliver this bicentenary aerial display for everyone to enjoy. The best place to catch the action will be Cowes Parade and Cowes Green. The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth will perform from 6pm – 7pm on the parade ahead of the display.
The Bicentenary Aerial Display, presented by Red Funnel, comes as a thrilling prelude to the much-anticipated Friday night fireworks (7 August). Together these exciting displays create a buzzing festival atmosphere for spectators, while reinforcing Cowes Week’s status as a world class regatta.
This partnership between the two historic maritime organisations is particularly fitting in 2026, as Cowes Week Chair Bob Trimble explained: “Both Cowes Week and Red Funnel celebrate significant milestones this summer and are connected by the Solent, the regatta celebrating 200 years of racing since 1826 and Red Funnel marking 165 years of connecting the Isle of Wight and mainland since 1961. We’re delighted that our longstanding Official Travel Partner Red Funnel will present the popular aerial display for the bicentenary year, offering an exciting addition to the spectator programme.”
Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins continued: “Cowes Week has been at the heart of life on the Isle of Wight for 200 years, bringing together our community, visitors and sailors from around the world to celebrate a shared maritime heritage. As a longstanding supporter of the event, we’re proud to be working with the Cowes Week team to help mark this significant milestone. We hope the Bicentenary Aerial Display, alongside the traditional fireworks, gives everyone the chance to come together and be part of what promises to be a very special year for Cowes Week.”
As Official Travel Partner of North Sails Cowes Week , for those visiting from the mainland, Red Funnel is offering a special event rate to help visitors get across the Solent. Day Returns to West Cowes will start from £14 for adults and £7 for kids. To book visit redfunnel.co.uk/cowesweek.
Alongside sponsoring the Bicentenary aerial display, Red Funnel are also offering the chance to watch the North Sails Cowes Week fireworks from the best seat on the Solent aboard its Fireworks Cruises. Spectators can set sail at sunset on Friday 7 August, embarking on a 3-hour excursion, complete with live entertainment and front row views of the glittering display from the water. Find out more at redfunnel.co.uk/fireworkcruise.
