Airscene News – Airshow and Aviation Museum news.

Shuttleworth Air Show Season Takes Off This May

Shuttleworth Season premiere — *Photo: Mach 3 Studio*

First air show, Season Premiere, on 10 May sets tone for exciting season ahead

Old Warden, 15 April 2026 – The excitement is building at Shuttleworth, with its first air show of the summer, Season Premiere, taking place on 10 May 2026.

Season Premiere sets the tone for an unforgettable start to Shuttleworth’s air show season, delivering a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages. The air display will showcase an impressive line?up of visiting aircraft, with several making their first-ever appearance at Shuttleworth. This includes the XtremeAir XA41, specifically designed for energetic aerobatic displays, as well as one of the most famous transport aircraft in aviation history, the Douglas C-47 Dakota. Also joining Shuttleworth will be the Royal Air Force’s Falcons Parachute Display team. Alongside these visitors, Shuttleworth’s own world?class Collection, including the world’s oldest airworthy aircraft (the Blériot Type XI) and iconic Supermarine Spitfire and Westland Lysander, will fly.

The excitement continues beyond the airfield, with a packed programme of ground attractions. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a complimentary fun fair, explore a variety of stalls, enjoy delicious street food, and dive into hands-on STEM activities in the Discovery Zones. A vintage bus service will transport visitors to Shuttleworth House, once home to Collection founder Richard Shuttleworth and now a celebrated venue for events and weddings. Elsewhere, the Clayton and Shuttleworth Heritage Team will demonstrate historic machinery in action. Visitors can also explore Swiss Garden, a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style, offering a tranquil contrast to the excitement of the show.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The first show of the season, our Season Premiere always has a unique buzz about it as staff, volunteers and visitors alike enjoy seeing a wonderful array of aircraft back in the skies above Old Warden. The excitement surrounding the start of the season is well deserved – we have an exceptional season ahead, featuring more European visiting displays than ever before and some very special anniversaries to celebrate.”

The Season Premiere Air Show is the first of seven spectacular shows taking place at Shuttleworth this year:

• Wings & Wheels Air Show – 31 May

• Festival of Flight Air Show – 27-28 June

• Summer Air Show – 25 July

• Flying Proms Air Show – 15 August

• Military Air Show – 29 August

• Race Day Air Show – 4 October

To find out more about the air show season and book your tickets, click here.

All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.

RAF Museum Midlands joint top of Which’s best UK museums list

The RAF Museum Midlands is proud to announce it has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status in the prestigious ‘Best Museums and Galleries in the UK’ category.

In a survey of over 2,000 members conducted by the independent consumer champion Which?, the RAF Museum Midlands achieved an outstanding score of 93%, making it the joint top-rated Museum in the UK.

Which? members praised the Museum across several key areas including exhibitions living up to expectations and excellent value for money. Museum staff were also recognised in the survey, achieving top marks from Which? members, as did the facilities on offer, and the uncrowded environments across vast hangars and outdoor areas. The quality of information available to visitors and the Museum’s café were also highly commended.

This latest accolade reinforces the RAF Museum Midlands’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions, offering an engaging, educational and memorable day out for all.

Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at the RAF Museum said:

‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider and be rated joint top of Which’s best UK museums list. Which? only endorses the best products and services that genuinely stand out for quality, making this recognition a true reflection of visitor satisfaction and excellence. We scored consistently highly across all areas, and this recognition is a testament of the team’s dedication to delivering an enjoyable and accessible day out for everyone.’

Which? Recommended Providers are companies that are both rated highly by Which? members and have products that meet the high standards of Which? researchers. As a completely independent organisation, the granting of Which? Recommended Provider status truly reflects what they think – not what someone else wants them to say.

Which? The best museums and galleries in the UK article 2026 stated:

‘Ask an RAF veteran (we did) and they’ll tell you Cosford is the best aircraft museum in the nation, nay the world. You can marvel at the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant V-bombers that dangle from the ceiling of this Midlands hangar, and stand in awe of the supersonic BAC TSR-2 prototype. Kids get a kick out of the Virtual Reality Zone, where they can do loop-the-loops in the pilot seat of an iconic Spitfire, while unwittingly honing their World War history.’

The Museum’s sister site, the RAF Museum London, also performed exceptionally well – with the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.

Explore the full Which? findings here – ‘The best museums and galleries in the UK’. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.

‘Fighter Meet’ Builds Momentum

This week brings exciting news as we reveal the first Royal Air Force participants confirmed for RIAT26! ?

As part of this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, we’re pleased to welcome back the RAF Typhoon Display Team with their award-winning display. They’ll be joined by the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.

We’re also pleased to confirm participation from the Swedish Air Force as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Their Saab Gripens will feature in both the flying display and static line-up, with the JAS-39C taking to the skies and the JAS-39D available to view on the ground.

Completing this week’s announcement, a trio of civilian aircraft will join the static display, including a Cessna 152 from Halton Aero Club, a Cessna T-41A Mescalero from AKS Aviation, and a Slingsby Nipper from Aerial Vocations. With discussions ongoing, there’s plenty more to come as the RIAT26 participation list continues to grow.

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Book your RIAT26 tickets now

Tickets for RIAT26 are selling fast, and enclosures are already filling up – Flight Deck Saturday is now completely sold out.

Secure your place by choosing from a range of ticket options to suit your day. For an unforgettable experience, upgrade to one of our hospitality enclosures and enjoy premium viewing, added comfort, and exclusive perks. Availability is limited, so booking now is highly recommended.

Take advantage of our early bird offers: Viewing Village Grandstand Friday and Flight Deck Friday tickets are currently available at 10% off – but hurry, this discount ends at midnight on Sunday 12th April, when prices will go to 5% off.

General Admission tickets are still available though, giving you full access to everything RIAT has to offer – from breathtaking flying displays to an impressive static aircraft line-up. Demand is soaring, so don’t miss out – book your tickets today.

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WW2 Bolingbroke project for South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum (SYAM) can today announce the arrival of a long-term restoration project from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford – Fairchild/Bristol Bolingbroke Mk. IVT ‘9893’. While a composite airframe, the project features parts from 9893 and structural elements known to date back to 1942.

The Bolingbroke was a maritime patrol & training aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. The type saw extensive use through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, a created between the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and trained nearly half of the Pilots, Navigators, Bomb Aimers, Air Gunners, Wireless Operators and Flight engineers that served with the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and the Air Forces of Canada, Australia and New Zealand during the War.

Built by the Fairchild Aircraft Company as a Bolingbroke Mk. IVT in 1942, 9893 would join the No. 4 Training Command of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta and serve primarily with the No. 8 Bombing and Gunnery School. A relatively short service life would follow, with 9893 being heavily damaged on 19th December 1942 during a ferry flight from RCAF Station Lethbridge. Pilot Flying Officer J D Heacock would experience a port engine failure shortly after take off, and carried out a forced landing approximately 12 miles southwest of the airfield. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a telephone pole and sustained serious damage. Stored in reserve following the accident, 9893 would not be repaired during the war and was subsequently sold off in 1946 following the end of the Second World War and the end of the BCATP.

Bolingbroke serial number 9893 was acquired by IWM Duxford in the 1980s with the long-term intention of full restoration, and has now been formally transferred to SYAM to continue that work and joined the museum’s collection in Doncaster on Thursday 2 April. The restored rear fuselage has been placed on display inside the museum’s main hangar alongside the cockpit section which has seen substantial work completed, while the remaining components remain in storage awaiting further restoration activity. 9893 will be a long term restoration project for the museum, with the aircraft to be exhibited in the distinctive Trainer Yellow scheme used by most aircraft of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) once work is completed.

On acquiring the Bolingbroke project, South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum trustee Sam Scrimshaw said “The opportunity to acquire a genuine Second World War era aircraft isn’t one that is available often, and the addition of the Bolingbroke to our collection will allow us to share with our visitors stories of local WW2 airmen that they may not have known otherwise.

“One such story we shall be sharing is that of Flying Officer Ernest Lewis Ellis, a Sheffield man who completed his flying training in Canada through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, including flying over 40 different Bolingbroke aircraft. After gaining his wings, Ellis flew locally from RAF Hemswell and RAF Lindholme, before joining 166 Squadron at RAF Kirmington, now Humberside Airport on Lancaster Bombers. Sadly Ernest and his crew would fail to return from their 22nd mission, a bombing raid to Pforzheim on 23rd February 1945. The museum holds Ernest’s Logbook and a number of personal letters between himself, family and friends within our collection.

“We would also like to thank IWM Duxford for the opportunity to take on 9893 and giving us the opportunity to share Ernest’s story with our visitors, the role of ‘The Plan’ in supporting the war effort and the bravery shown by the men of RAF Bomber Command throughout the Second World War.”

www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

German air power lands at RIAT26

This week, we’re bringing you a huge German Armed Forces line-up for RIAT26, including three incredible flying displays!

The Panavia Tornado returns to the flying display – a rare and unforgettable sight. Joining it, the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EF2000 will also take to the skies as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.

On the ground, don’t miss the Airbus A321-251NX making its RIAT debut, alongside returning favourites including the A400M, CH-53G, and Sea Lynx.

Plus, the NH90 will feature in both flying and static displays!

A big thank you to our German partners.
Stay tuned for more RIAT26 updates coming soon.

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Great views, great value

Don’t miss your chance to secure premium viewing at the best price.
Sunday tickets for the Flight Deck and Cotswold Club are currently available at an exclusive 5% discount rate, but this won’t last for long. At midnight on Monday 6th April, prices will rise to full price.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your RIAT experience, now is the time to act. Lock in your place today and enjoy unbeatable views, comfort, and hospitality before the price increase.

Prefer to keep it classic? General Admission tickets are still available, offering incredible access to all the action, from thrilling flying displays to extensive static aircraft exhibits. With demand building, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot and be part of an unforgettable day.

Book now to avoid disappointment.

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RAF Museum Midlands Awarded £1 Million Biffa Award Grant for Major New Exhibition

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands has been awarded a £1 million grant from the Biffa Award to support the development of a major new exhibition exploring the story of the RAF from 1980 to today.

The funding, awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund, will contribute to the delivery of ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’ exhibition, a central element of the Museum’s wider Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.

The innovative new permanent exhibition will share the critical role of the RAF over the past 40 years, inviting visitors to discover the RAF’s role today and how it is adapting to the future including its responsibilities for space and cyber defence. Through compelling storytelling, immersive aircraft and object displays, and digital interactives, visitors will gain insight into the people, technology and operations that define today’s RAF.

Biffa Award, is a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across England and Northern Ireland as part of the Government’s Landfill Communities Fund. The RAF Museum’s Biffa Award grant will support essential elements of the exhibition’s design and build, including display cases, lighting, setworks, mannequins, interactives, mount making, and specialist infrastructure.

Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said:

‘We are enormously grateful to the Biffa Award for this transformative £1 million grant. This funding will enable us to create a bold and immersive exhibition that explores the RAF’s story from 1980 to today, a period of rapid technological change, global operations and evolving challenges. As part of our Inspiring Everyone development programme, this exhibition will help us connect with new audiences, reflect contemporary service life, and inspire visitors to think about the RAF’s future. The support of the Biffa Award is instrumental in helping us realise this vision at our Midlands site.’

Rachel Maidment, Grants Manager at Biffa Award, said:

‘We are delighted to support the RAF Museum Midlands with this significant grant through the Landfill Communities Fund. This new exhibition will shine a light on the vital work of the RAF over the last four decades, helping visitors of all ages connect with the people, technology and stories that continue to shape our national defence. At Biffa Award, we are committed to funding projects that inspire, educate and strengthen communities, and we are proud to help bring this important exhibition to life.’

The new exhibition forms part of sitewide transformation of the RAF Museum Midlands, made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment. The redevelopment will also deliver a state-of-the-art Learning Centre, Collections Hub, expanded green spaces, along with a community engagement programme, ensuring the Museum remains nationally relevant and accessible for decades to come. The new spaces will be available for visitors to enjoy from summer 2027.

www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

Twin Lightning Strikes at Newark Air Museum

Progress has been made with the carried over restoration work on Lightning T5 XS417 at Newark Air Museum (NAM).

The recent spell of warmer weather has allowed the museum’s volunteers to apply the 56 Squadron ’Firebird’ makings to the tailfin of XS417. This work brings the successful completion of this particular project much closer to a conclusion.

In other news, the on-loan cockpit of Lightning F6 cockpit from XR757, left the museum site on Thursday 26^th March, 2026 for a new home in North East Lincolnshire.

This cockpit arrived at NAM in summer 2015, when it had to vacate its previous display location at the former RAF Scampton airfield. Its new display location is much closer to the owner’s home in Lincolnshire. During its time at NAM there were limited opportunities for museum visitors to view inside the cockpit.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

More aircraft revealed for RIAT26

We’re?officially one week closer to RIAT26!?This week’s Take Off Thursday brings another addition to the flying display as the Slovak Air Force brings their UH-60M Black Hawk to RIAT for the very first time!?

We also confirm the participation of the Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme. They will bring a pair of F-35A Lightning II?aircraft?for static display?– only their second appearance at RIAT?– alongside their NH90 NFH.??

The Royal Jordanian Air Force will send their C-130H Hercules for static display, accompanied by a Jordanian cultural display?located?at the eastern end of the showground.?

Finally, the French Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will bring their Piper J-3C Cub to the static display.

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Book your place at RIAT26

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the world’s greatest airshow! Secure your RIAT26 tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of incredible flying displays, iconic aircraft, and an unbeatable atmosphere.

For a truly elevated experience, upgrade to one of our premium enclosures. The Cotswold Club offers a relaxed garden-party setting with great views, while the Flight Deck puts you right at the heart of the action with a prime viewing position.

See our website for all options available. Make it a day to remember – lock in your tickets today!

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The RAF Red Arrows Return To The Midlands For Another Spectacular Season

The news that many have been waiting for has just been released and it confirms that the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows will be taking centre stage at the acclaimed Midlands Air Festival at the end of May.

2026 will be a historic year for the team, as for the first time in its long history, the RAF’s premier display team will have a female commanding officer. Wing Commander Sasha Nash recently replaced Wing Commander Adam Collins who has just completed a successful three year tour with the team. Wing Commander Nash is now responsible for the 150 strong unit based at RAF Waddington and will coordinate every aspect of the team, including displays, safety, engineering and detailed planning. Their appearance at the Midlands Air Festival will be the very first opportunity to see the team’s new season display at an inland UK air display.

The Red Arrows, who are the largest military aerobatic team in the UK, will join a stellar lineup of display aircraft from all over the UK and Europe, to include the rare cold war MiG 17F jet fighter from Poland, the Grumman Turbo Firecat from France performing its very first fire bombing demonstration in the UK dropping over 3,000 litres of water in 4 seconds and Team Raven who are largest civilian display team in the UK.

The Battle of Britain Memorial flight will be displaying with a Spitfire and Hurricane and unusually, a Douglas DC 3 Dakota as the Lancaster is in deep maintenance at the moment. There will also be the first display after a long restoration of the world’s only Westland Whirlwind historic search and rescue helicopter in company with a giant Sea King helicopter.

The RAF mass parachute team, the Falcons will also drop on all 3 days. Many more exciting aircraft make up the daily flying display.

Adding to the excitement is a major hot air balloon festival too, with over 150 giant multi coloured balloons including many special shape ‘character’ balloons, most standing over 100ft tall including Smiley Scarecrow; Fly Alien; Busby the Kings Guardsman; Orient Express and Iggy the Friendly Dragon.

The Festival kicks off on the evening of Friday 29th May with the signature ‘Nightfire’ show, with pyrotechnic air displays, balloon ascents, Fireglow and a massive firework finale.

The Midlands Air Festival takes place in the beautiful estate grounds of the historic Ragley Hall at Alcester from 29th to the 31st May. More information can be obtained at www.midlandsairfestival.com

Dustbusters take to the rafters for daring aircraft clean

A specialist team of Dustbusters with a head for heights are carrying out the annual suspended aircraft spring clean at the RAF Museum Midlands.

Suspended from the ceiling, up to 100ft in the air, eight aircraft including a Vulcan bomber, will all be given a light dusting this week as part of the annual clean and inspection. Other aircraft being spruced up include a Canberra, Meteor, Sabre, Hunter, Lightning, Dakota and Javelin, all displayed within the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition.

Strapped into harnesses and with nerves of steel, the specialist cleaning team climb the rafters of the building and abseil down to access the aircraft. No cleaning solutions are used on the aircraft, just a good dusting using large soft fibre mops. In addition to cleaning the aircraft, the team are also conducting safety inspections of the suspension cables supporting the aircraft in their flying display positions.

As part of this year’s spring clean, some of the Museum’s older aircraft in other display hangars have also been given a light dusting, including a Second World War Wellington bomber. Additionally, other harder to reach aircraft including the Lincoln, TSR2, JU88, Bristol M.1c, and Hart, have all been dusted down to keep them looking their best.

Tom Hopkins, Curator at RAF Museum Midlands said:

‘Each aircraft in our collection has its own story and maintaining them properly is essential to ensuring those stories can continue to be shared with future generations. The suspended displays are some of the most striking in the Museum, but they also require a very specialised approach to care. It’s fantastic to work with a team that can safely access these aircraft and carry out such work with precision, helping us keep them in excellent condition for everyone who visits.’

During the clean the Museum will remain open to visitors who can see the high-flying team from Totally Wild Access, industrial rope access specialists, in action.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Visit rafmuseum.org/midlands to plan your visit.