WEYMOUTH’S 2012 Carnival could be without the world-famous famous Red Arrows if no-fly zone issues are not resolved in the next week.

Event organisers interested in booking the world-famous RAF aerobatic display team next year need to have their applications in by September 30.

It gives the ‘Reds’ time to study the applications and sort out their calendar.

But next year’s carnival plans are in disarray because a temporary airspace restriction in being put in place over South Dorset next summer to safeguard the Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth and Portland.

Carnival organisers have been told this ban may be lifted so the carnival’s air show can go ahead but the date of the extravaganza will have to be moved from its traditional third Wednesday in August.

The organising committee have yet to hear the result of talks so have not sent off the Red Arrows application.

Paul Parker, who will be in charge of aerial events at next year’s Weymouth Carnival and Air Show, said the committee was ‘in limbo’ as it waits for a decision.

He said: “We’re confident it will go ahead but we’re waiting on a decision.

“We need to get our Red Arrows application in by the end of the month. The team only accepts one submission so we need to know the date before we can get our form in.

“They also co-ordinate other military aircraft displays which we would like to apply for too.”

Mr Parker added: “We have a committee meeting next Tuesday and I’d like to update members with some good news.”

The carnival has traditionally been held on the third Wednesday of August for more than 20 years and organisers are aware that many people plan their holidays around it.

It will have to be put forward by a day or even a week, depending on the outcome of talks, to avoid clashing with airspace restrictions.

The Red Arrows are a carnival favourite and for many the event isn’t the same without them. The team appeared at the carnival this year just days before the tragic crash at Bournemouth which claimed the life of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging.

A spokesman for the Red Arrows’ events team said: “We ask that applications are in by the end of September because we start planning our calendar in October.

“It’s not a deadline as such because we will consider later bids but obviously bids not in before this date have less chance of being considered.

“We’re aware 2012 is a busy year, what with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Olympics, and not everyone is sure of what they’re doing.

“If the application from Weymouth came a week or two after September 30 I think it will be fine although it would be preferable if it was with us by the end of next week.”

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority – the body in charge of implanting airspace restrictions – said talks were ongoing regarding Weymouth Carnival but indicated discussions were positive.

He said: “We’re working out the details. The carnival organisers should be in a position to make an announcement soon.”

Carnival and Air Show Secretary John Kelly said that the authorities which control the airspace and permissions to fly may give exemptions for “display acts” to fly in the prohibited zone between August 16-24 inclusive.

“The carnival committee is now considering the implications of moving the event to one of these dates.”

Mr Kelly added: “While we remain fully supportive of the Olympics, this is obviously a frustrating development.”