POOLE Regatta has announced that a 'historic' flyby by two spitfires will delight crowds this summer.

The International Paint Poole Regatta 2024 says the planes from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly over the event on May 26. 

While the exact timing and routes are yet to be confirmed, the organisers of the event say there will be plenty of opportunity to see the plans with several vantage points across Poole.

A spokesperson for Poole Regatta said: "The organising committee for the International Paint Poole Regatta 2024 are thrilled to announce that there will be a flypast of the regatta by two Spitfires from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast on Sunday 26th May 2024. 

"The exact timing and the route that these famous British fighters will take as they grace the skies overhead will be confirmed closer to the time as it is, understandably, weather dependent. 

"With plenty of vantage points around Poole Harbour, there will be ample opportunity for members of the public, both on and off the water to listen for the roar and enjoy the nostalgia that seeing these symbols of hope, courage and engineering excellence brings."

Regattas have been held in and around Poole Harbour since 1849, with Poole Regatta brought back to the area in 2000.

Held biannually since, it is organised by seven yacht clubs located in Poole Harbour alongside the Poole Yacht Racing Association.

The spokesperson said: "The ethos of Poole Regatta is to provide outstanding racing for serious amateur sailors, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The regatta has become equally renowned for its onshore social events where crews can relax after hard days of racing with other like-minded individuals.

"With racing across five courses both inside the harbour and outside in Poole Bay, there are opportunities for all sailing classes to compete."

Set to take place from May 25-27, racing includes the GBR IRC National Championship with the regatta hosting a myriad of shoreside events also. 

Visit www.pooleregatta.co.uk for more information on the regatta and how to enter.