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Shuttleworth Festival of Flight 2026 |
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| ‘Shuttleworth Festival of Flight 2026 – A New Benchmark for the UK Air Show Season.’ |
| The last Saturday and Sunday in June saw The Shuttleworth Collection’s Festival of Flight return to Old Warden, and what a spectacular Weekend it proved to be. From the moment the gates opened until the final engine fell silent, visitors were treated to an air show that perfectly balanced world-class aviation, family entertainment and the unique charm that only Shuttleworth can deliver. With an inspired split flying programme allowing visitors time to enjoy the extensive ground attractions between display sessions, the event never felt rushed and offered outstanding value throughout the day. Returning for its third year, the Festival of Flight can be summed by one word; quality. Rather than relying on sheer numbers, Shuttleworth assembled a carefully curated line-up that showcased the cream of the European Warbird scene right now. |
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| The flying display itself was nothing short of exceptional. Shuttleworth's magnificent Collection aircraft were complemented by one of the strongest visiting line-ups seen at a UK air show in recent years. Historic aviation was celebrated in style, with beautifully flown displays from the world-famous Bristol Blenheim, the unique Avro Anson Mk.I, elegant pre-war racers, vintage biplanes and stunning Warbirds, all demonstrating the skill and precision for which Shuttleworth is renowned. |
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Making its UK air show debut was the magnificent Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4 "Red 12", an appearance that instantly became one of the most significant warbird moments seen in Britain for many years. Restored to an exceptional standard, the aircraft represents something increasingly rare in today's warbird world—a genuine Messerschmitt-built Bf 109 E-4. More remarkably still, Red 12 is the only airworthy true Messerschmitt Bf 109 anywhere in Europe, making its appearance at Old Warden an event of genuine historical significance. Expertly handled by veteran display pilot Charlie Brown, the Emil looked entirely at home in the Bedfordshire skies. Brown's display perfectly reflected Shuttleworth's philosophy; rather than an aggressive sequence of high-energy manoeuvres, the routine highlighted the fighter's elegant lines, impressive climb performance and distinctive handling characteristics. The unmistakable note of the inverted Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine echoed around the airfield, transporting spectators back to the skies of 1940. |
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| The warbird segment as a whole was extremely memorable, with the unmistakable sight and sound of the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Sally B" evocatively rumbling overhead provided one of those spine-tingling moments that only live aviation can create. The Collection’s own magnificent Spitfire, expertly flown by Paul Stone, displayed with grace and authority, while the Hawker Hurricane XII provided a stirring reminder of Britain's finest hour. The beautifully presented P-51 Mustang "Tall in the Saddle" and the German-operated P-51 Mustang "Frances Dell", flown by Bernie Diehl, added speed and elegance, while the imposing P-47 Thunderbolt "Nellie B", piloted by the legendary Stu Goldspink, showcased the sheer power of one of the Second World War's great fighters. Together they created one of the finest piston-engine warbird line-ups seen in the UK this year. |
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Beyond the flying programme, Shuttleworth excelled in creating a true aviation festival. The decision to split the flying display into two sessions again proved popular with a fantastical display of the Flying Bulls at Sunset on the Saturday of the weekend’s line up. The split flying format also gave visitors ample opportunity to explore everything the site had to offer without feeling they were missing aircraft overhead. The extensive free ground attractions ensured there was always something happening. Families enjoyed the funfair, Discovery Zones packed with STEM activities, archery, axe throwing, circus skills workshops, heritage demonstrations from Clayton & Shuttleworth, vintage bus rides, the interactive Bofors anti-aircraft gun, Shuttleworth House, the beautiful Swiss Garden and numerous hands-on activities spread across the airfield. Rather than simply filling time between flying displays, these attractions became an integral part of the overall experience and reinforced Festival of Flight as one of the UK's finest family aviation events |
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| One of the defining features of Shuttleworth has always been the quality of its flying, and Festival of Flight 2026 only strengthened that reputation. Every pilot demonstrated outstanding professionalism, displaying rare and irreplaceable aircraft with precision, confidence and an obvious passion for preserving aviation history. Whether flying graceful classic racers or high-performance warbirds, each display reflected the highest standards of display flying. |
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Enormous credit must go to all the pilots, organisers, volunteers, engineers and everyone behind the scenes whose planning resulted in such a seamless event. The carefully selected line-up, the imaginative scheduling, the excellent facilities and the relaxed atmosphere combined to produce an air show that appealed equally to dedicated aviation enthusiasts and families enjoying their first visit. Festival of Flight 2026 was far more than simply another air show. It was a celebration of aviation heritage presented with professionalism, imagination and genuine passion. The unforgettable UK debut of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4 "Red 12" will rightly dominate the headlines, but it was the quality of the entire event that made it so special. Shuttleworth has once again raised the bar, delivering not only one of the finest displays of the year but arguably one of the best air shows currently staged anywhere in Europe. |
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Review by Jonathan Wintle. |