“We’re sure this won’t be our last appearance.”

Those are the words of a Red Arrows pilot who flew over the skies of Southampton.

After years of waiting the world famous squadron finally got that chance to fly across the waterfront city.

Thwarted on three previous occasions by low cloud, hopes were high that the sky would turn red, white and blue with their aerobatic displays.

The sun shone as the jets made their way to Southampton Boat Show on the opening Saturday of the 10-day festival.

Crowds were wowed as they careered across the sky performing various manoeuvres for more than 20 minutes over the harbour.

For some the highlight was when two planes created a heart in the sky before a third shot a bolt through the middle.

They also performed a cascade of colours, darting out in different directions with colours trailing behind them.

On several occasions the aircraft flew towards each other across the harbour and passing only a matter of metres from each other.

Flt Lt Stew Campbell from the Red Arrows said: “We thoroughly enjoyed performing our first ever display at the Southampton Boat Show today and hope we entertained visitors with our aerobatic manoeuvres.

“Flying over Europe’s largest purpose built marina really brought home the scale and size of the event.”

For great-grandmother Gwen Appleton the event will be something she will be knocking off her "bucket list" after waiting seven times to see them.

"That was amazing she said. How they must trust each other. That was well worth waiting seven times for," the 73-year old from Bitterne said.

"The hairs on the back of my neck stood up."

Sandra Brown from Hythe, had also wanted to see to seem over the marina in her home town when they attempted to fly earlier in the summer but was lucky this time.

She said: "Weren't they brilliant. I heard one young man say it makes you proud to be British, and he's right, it does.

"My daughter and her husband were here earlier but they've gone. They've missed the best part of the day. It was well worth hanging around for."

Jason Digby is a sailing instructor who has been exhibiting at the show.

He said: “I said to some of my clients, it is as exciting to as I it’s ever been. I never tire of seeing them.”

Their performance came after Gadget Show presenter, Suzi Perry and Britain’s Got Talent Winners, Collabro appeared at the show which sees more than 120 boats make their debut.

Other celebrities have also been seen at the event including Hampshire comedian Jim Davidson.

Murray Ellis, managing director of British Marine Boat Shows said, “After 47 years in Southampton, we’re always looking to excite our visitors with innovative and exciting experiences.

"This year we’ve not only brought the Red Arrows to Southampton, but we’ve also constructed a purpose built Aquarium, showcased another spectacular Tall Ship – The Earl of Pembroke – and created the Adventure River Canoe Ride for the younger generation.

"All of these attractions, combined with the hundreds of boats on the marina, and the opportunities to get out on the water for free, really turn the show into a festival of boating for everyone.”

The Southampton Boat Show runs until Sunday (September 20) with tickets available from www.southamptonboatshow.com.