Airscene News – Airshow and Aviation Museum news.

POV: Shuttleworth Only Do Air Shows… Think Again!

Shuttleworth is highly regarded for its spectacular annual season of air shows, but if you were under the impression that air shows were where the events stopped, you’d be missing out. Today Shuttleworth have announced their 2026 ‘Events & More’ season – basically, any and all events outside of their air shows – and boy are there some exciting things going on at the Biggleswade based estate.

2026 will see 20 (yes, you heard right, 20!) non-air show events taking place across the year – and that’s before you even consider their annual Shuttleworth in Lights winter trail and festive offering. Of those 20, there will be six brand new events specifically focused on letting the general public into Shuttleworth House on a more regular basis. The Jacobean style mansion house is primarily an award-winning wedding and private hire space.

So, what are the new events? On 9 January, the inaugural Comedy Night at Shuttleworth House will take place with more to be announced throughout the year. Also kicking off a new series will be the String Quartet: Spring Sessions on 24 April. Whether is live comedy or live classical music, these events promise world-class entertainment in an opulent yet intimate setting. Continuing the theme of glamour and decadence, visitors are invited to take inspiration from Bond and dress up for a Casino Royale night at Shuttleworth House on 28 March. You can walk the red carpet, enjoy something “shaken, not stirred” from the bar and use fun-money to place your bets! For 2026, Shuttleworth is also introducing new themed tribute music nights. At their ABBA night (11 April) and Blues Brothers night (28 August) you can enjoy all your favourite hits performed live by fantastic tribute artists before dancing the night away with an after party. Then, for the very first time, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 air show season with a Season Premiere Pre-Show Party on 9 May.

2026 will see the welcome return of some audience favourites too. For the last weekend of the February half term (21 & 22 February) Shuttleworth throws open it’s engineering hangar doors for Engineering Open Workshop. Last year’s event saw record attendance and you can expect a fantastic introduction to how the Shuttleworth team restore and maintain their remarkably unique Collection of aircraft, vehicles and wider exhibits – complete with interactive activities for the whole family. As spring makes a welcome return, 4 & 5 April will see the Easter Bunny flying into a classic Shuttleworth event. Packed with family entertainment, an egg hunt and so much more, if you’re looking to change things up this Easter, look no further. Then, following the huge success of the past two years, Shuttleworth’s Summer Fete Open Weekend returns on 4 & 5 July. For just £7.50 per adult with kids going free, you can enjoy a massive array of activity across the entire Shuttleworth site. From live music to a craft and gift market, fun fair, demonstrations from the Shuttleworth Fire Service, a showcase of models plus full access to the Collection hangars and nine-acre Swiss Garden there’s plenty to explore across the weekend. All this for just £7.50!

But that’s not all, you’ve then got the ever-popular Murder Mystery events to enjoy, a world record attempt, the 150th anniversary of Shuttleworth House itself, Wedding Shows and some brilliant third-party events to boot.

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said, “We’re so excited to be dramatically expanding our wider events offering for 2026, particularly with our exciting new events at Shuttleworth House. We can’t wait to welcome even more to experience what we do so well at Shuttleworth next year.”

www.shuttleworth.org

Cooler weather, hot merch

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, now is the ideal time to update your wardrobe with warm, practical layers.

The official RIAT merchandise collection offers a range of comfortable, high-quality products designed to keep you warm while you reminisce over another unforgettable year of RIAT.

Whether you’re layering up, cuddling up to a RIAT teddy bear, or keeping your pets warm – there’s something for everyone.

Explore all Merch HERE

Enclosure ticket price update – don’t miss out on the best savings!

Current Discount: 15%

New Discount (from midnight Sunday 12th October): 10%

This applies to Sunday Tickets:

• Aviation Club

• First Class Lounge

• Viewing Village Grandstand

Book before midnight on Sunday 12th October to secure the best price!

Book Tickets HERE

Elevate RIAT26: Secure your enclosure package today!

Whether you’re after a front-row seat to aircraft take-offs, a family-friendly space packed with activities, or an all-inclusive fine dining experience complete with a private garden, our wide range of enclosures and hospitality options have everything you need to elevate your RIAT26 experience.

Please note: Flight Deck on Saturday 10% off discount is ending Sunday at midnight! From Monday, it will be 5% off. Buy now for the best price.

Book your Enclosure Tickets HERE

Elevate your experience with Altitude!

Altitude is located at the heart of the showground, adjacent to the static aircraft line and with great views of all the action in the air.

It’s a great base to explore the whole RIAT experience from and return to throughout the day where you can enjoy the unique ambience.

With a markedly different feel to any other enclosure, it has upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. Enjoy a curated selection of wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks, along with complimentary food served throughout the day.

When the flying ends, the energy continues – Altitude guests are treated to an exclusive live DJ set inside the enclosure, rounding off the experience in style.

Please note: Altitude on Saturday is currently at 10% off until midnight Monday 22nd September, where prices will go up to 5% off. So, secure your tickets now to get the best deal!

Buy Altitude Tickets HERE

Don’t miss out – First Class Lounge is selling fast

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the flying display in comfort and style? Join us at the First Class Lounge, featuring a private marquee and garden offering unbeatable views in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.

You’ll get on-base parking plus complimentary food and drinks served throughout the day – First Class Lounge is the perfect way to experience RIAT in comfort and style.

It’s one of our most popular enclosures, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Buy First Class Lounge Tickets HERE

Over 95 Vintage Vehicles to Compete at Shuttleworth’s Race Day

Shuttleworth’s Air Show season concludes on Sunday 5 October with their Race Day Air Show, a classic blend of vintage aircraft and vehicles that share a common theme: speed.

In an event unlike any other, the Aerodrome near Biggleswade will transform into a vintage sprint track as veteran vehicles from Shuttleworth’s own Collection join a host of visitors to fly along the grass airfield, and down ‘hangar straight’, competing for the Spirit of Shuttleworth Trophy. Following this high-speed demonstration, visitors will then be treated to a thrilling air display which will include a mock air race as well as racing aircraft like the de Havilland DH.88 Comet – winner of the infamous England to Australia air race of 1934 – and the Miles Hawk Speed Six – a Kings Cup air race competitor between 1934 36. The day’s display will also feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.

The event takes inspiration from the founder of the Shuttleworth Collection, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. A keen racing spirit with a passion for fast cars and aircraft, Richard competed in countless hill climbs, speed trials and went on to win the inaugural Donington Grand Prix in 1935. After his near fatal crash in the South African Grand Prix in 1936, he gave up motor racing to focus on aviation. This dual passion has led to Race Day’s fantastic combination of icons of speed both on the ground and in the air.

As well as a fantastically close view of both the sprint and the air display, visitors to Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show can enjoy a range of interactive Discovery Zones aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. The Armed Forces Rally Team will bring a more modern element of racing to the event as well as a BriSCA F2 stock car and a NASCAR from the oval racing scene. Also joining us are the 1066 Car Club with over 30 classic vintage vehicles. The staple attractions of all Shuttleworth air shows will be on offer too: children’s rides, heritage steam exhibits plus the chance to explore Shuttleworth House and the much-loved Swiss Garden. Believe it or not, all of this is included in the price of your ticket.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Race Day is a great opportunity for us to look to our past and honour our founder Richard Shuttleworth whilst also looking to the future of racing by inspiring our younger visitors. This action-packed day is always a fun end to the air show season.”

Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show takes place on Sunday 5 October. Tickets start from £34.00 and children go free. You can book yours via www.shuttleworth.org

Royal International Air Tattoo launches new Park and Ride service

Following years of soaring popularity, the Royal International Air Tattoo has announced it will be launching a new Park and Ride service for next year’s show.

The free service, which is capable of taking up to 7,000 cars off of the rural road network surrounding RAF Fairford, will see visitors head to South Cerney airfield, adjacent toDuke of Gloucester Barracks, before making their way to the aviation showcase via a fleet of 100 buses. The Green Route to the showground, previously utilised by people coming from the West, is being re-purposed as a dedicated route for this new service which will help ease congestion in the area.

In addition to the shuttle service being free of charge, visitors opting to use it will be able to gain direct access to the showground as both ticket and bag checks will be conducted at the new facility.

Speaking about the new service, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager said:

“The introduction of this new Park and Ride service is a fantastic development for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“By utilising the dedicated route previously known as the Green Route, we’re able to significantly reduce congestion and provide a much quicker, more streamlined journey into the showground. This not only improves the experience for our visitors, but also brings real benefits to our local communities by easing pressure on rural roads.

“We’re proud to be making this positive change and look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s show.”

In recent years, crowds at the show have continued to swell, with 2024 reporting an attendance of 168,000 people, whilst earlier this summer the world-renowned event saw over 175,000 people descend on RAF Fairford.

This year, visitors were also treated to over 200 aircraft from nations all over the world, including Egypt, who were attending for the first time. Tickets for RIAT26 are already on sale and selling at a record pace for the third year in a row.

Gavin added; “Ticket sales for RIAT 2026 are moving at a record-breaking pace, reflecting the incredible demand to be part of next year’s show. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming a record crowd to RAF Fairford for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”

www.airtattoo.com

Tickets are flying!

RIAT is more than just an airshow. You can experience sights and sounds that will leave your heart racing, as well as view many aircraft on our static displays, see inspirational speakers on our Inspire Stage, meet pilots and their aircrews from all over the world, and explore the world of STEM in our Techno Zone… plus much, much more!

General Admission prices for Saturday and Sunday are frozen at 2025 rates, so take advantage of the best prices available for all three days of the show.

Thinking of elevating your experience?

10% off the Aviation Club enclosure ends tonight at midnight, so be quick to secure your place in one of our most popular enclosures. This enclosure is centrally located and offers easy access to the heart of the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying displays.

10% off the Cotswold Club enclosure ends Monday at midnight too. It’s RIAT’s summer garden party – dine alfresco and relax with a drink in this very civilised setting close to the Take Off Zone.

Book Tickets HERE

More about the South Cerney Park & Ride

RIAT continues to grow in popularity, welcoming more attendees each year. To support this growth and improve your experience, we have introduced a brand-new Park & Ride facility at South Cerney.

This new FREE facility is a great option, as we will conduct security and ticket checks at our Park & Ride facility before you arrive at the showground. This will help you get to the action faster! You’ll also find toilets and refreshments available on-site, along with our friendly Air Tattoo Crew members who are there to assist you with any questions you may have. It’s conveniently located just outside Cirencester, and we have a dedicated fleet of 100 buses to get you into the showground. You can book this now along with your RIAT tickets.

NEW Airshows coming to Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth selfie — *photo by Phil Chaplin*

Following a record breaking season this year, Shuttleworth is excited to announce its new air shows for 2026. There are seven uniquely themed shows for spectators to enjoy including the welcome return of their two-day spectacular, Festival of Flight.

Shuttleworth’s 2025 season – with just over a month left to go – has already broken sales records at the Biggleswade-based aerodrome. Currently, the venue looks set to welcome over 30,000 visitors to air shows alone from May – October. With these fantastic sales propelling them into their 2026 Air Show season announcement, there are some notable new elements in their latest offering.

So, what themes can visitors look forward to next year? The first show of the year will be their Season Premiere on Sunday 10 May – this showcases the history and heritage of Shuttleworth and their own Collection assets, as well as welcoming visiting display aircraft.

Saturday 30 May sees the first of the venue’s unique split flying formats – where they run both an afternoon and evening flying display on the same day. Their new Wings & Wheels theme highlights aircraft, vehicles, heritage machinery and more. A new arena area will include a racing simulator, ‘show and shine’ section, and an activity space that will see some special performances take place, all based around a central Shuttleworth Marquee that will feature a range of core Shuttleworth vehicles.

On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June Shuttleworth’s much-celebrated Festival of Flight will return. Widely considered to be one of the best displays in the country, the event will expand to feature the most amount of ground attractions and visiting aircraft at any Shuttleworth show. Across the weekend all of the serviceable Collection aircraft will take to the skies too. For 2026, there is a new Camping Bundle ticket – the very best way to experience the Festival weekend.

The Summer Air Show takes place on 25 July – here you can spend a glorious summer day at Shuttleworth as more incredible visiting aircraft displays take place, combined with displays from numerous Collection aircraft.

Flying Proms will return on Saturday 15 August with all of the pomp and circumstance visitors know and love plus fantastic formations themed to iconic music from the silver screen. New for 2026, there is now a Grand Marquee option available. By booking a table, you’ll get entry to the show, a flag, a programme and the best view of the night – as well as an exclusive bar only for Grand Marquee ticket holders.

On Saturday 29 August, another Shuttleworth staple returns in the shape of the Military show. Here you can walk amongst an ever-growing Military Camp area comprised of vehicles, re-enactments, machinery and more before you take in a thrilling display of military aircraft types from across the years.

Rounding off the season on 4 October, is another traditional Sunday show, Race Day. For this show, Shuttleworth takes inspiration from their Collection founder, Richard Shuttleworth – a true racing spirit. Highlights include the Shuttleworth Sprint and invited guest vehicles.

Air shows at Shuttleworth feature a brilliant array of free ground attractions from interactive Discovery Zones to fun fairs and simulators, vintage bus rides, tours and activities at Shuttleworth House, stunt shows and more. You can also explore the site’s stunning nine-acre Regency Garden or enjoy a bite to eat from the Runway Café or their carefully selected external caterers.

As with all Shuttleworth shows, you can enjoy an unparalleled flightline view, promising a wonderfully intimate feel as you watch world-class displays. Visitors can also rely on no additional charge for parking and children under 18 attending air shows for free (excluding Flying Proms). Groups of 15 or more can make the most of added discounts too. For just £15 per person, on select shows you can step onto the airfield itself to get right up close to incredible aircraft with a flightline tour – these are very popular so you’ll need to book them fast before they sell out. If you want to really make the most of your trip, you can also book accommodation at Shuttleworth. They’ve got 15 en-suite rooms adjacent to the Victorian mansion house on site, as well as a popular camping site with pitches at just £25 per night.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “After months of planning, we’re delighted to be sharing our new dates and themes for 2026. We’ve got all of the Shuttleworth staples our visitors have come to love, along with a new theme plus some exciting new developments to existing events. 2026 looks set to be another spectacular season so be sure to make the most of our early bird discount and look forward to your summer with us next year.”

Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2026. Tickets go on general sale from 5 September, or you can sign up to get 48 hours priority booking from 3 September by visiting www.shuttleworth.org/airshows.

Grab your tickets at RIAT25 rates while you can

Act fast, Super Early Bird and Early Bird pricing won’t last long

Don’t forget that quantities are limited for our best general admission prices. Friday and Sunday are currently at Super Early Bird price and Saturday is at Early Bird price. We have frozen these prices at RIAT25 rates, so secure your spot now!

RIAT26 will return to RAF Fairford on 17-19 July and plans are already underway to make it the best show ever! We know we say this every year, but I’m sure you’ll agree we have succeeded every time

Book Tickets HERE

Make your day even more unforgettable

Why not upgrade to one of our enclosures to make your day even more special? Have you tried the Cotswold Club before? This enclosure is always one of the first to sell out.

Dine alfresco in a relaxed setting, right next to the runway and a stone’s throw from the Take Off Zone. With a delicious lunch, unlimited tea and coffee and an afternoon treat, we can see why it’s so popular

Get your enclosure tickets HERE

Autumn Season Takes Flight at Army Flying Museum

Army Flying Museum Remembrance — *photo by John Rose Photography*

Despite being in the midst of the busy summer holidays with lots of fun activities keeping families entertained, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is already gearing up for a packed Autumn Season, with a wide array of events programmed to entice visitors new and old into the stunning surroundings of the Hayward Hall.

The new programme of events will commence with a daytime talk to commemorate Operation Market Garden will be delivered by former Curator of the Museum – Derek Armitage – on Wednesday 13 September, with a further daytime talk ‘Wings Over the Guns’ by Museum Tour Guide, Mike O’Donoghue on Thursday 16 October. The Autumn will also see three new evening lectures planned which particularly appeal to military enthusiasts, with two very special talks to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

On 27 September, the wonderful Romsey Male Voice Choir return to the Museum. The 60 strong choir perform with passion, tenderness, laughter and fun and likes to give its audiences something just a bit different! The choir will be accompanied by special guests Romsey Songbird.

Another fabulous treat for music lovers lies in store when Salisbury Big Band take centre stage at the Museum on 4 October for another great toe-tapping celebration of swing, jazz and big band classics.

For October half term, the Museum will be staging some fantastic creepy creature craft activities and Halloween themed trails for children along with the popular model making and painting sessions. As a special treat, there will be a special Meccano day the Museum on Wednesday 29 October.

On Tuesday 11 November, the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir will perform in the Hayward Hall with a stunning Concert of Remembrance. The concert has sold out in previous years, so customers are advised to book early for this very special event.

Two fabulous fairs are lined up for the weekend of the 22/23 November. On 22^nd, an array of local gift, craft and food providers will kick start the Christmas shopping period with the Museum’s annual Christmas Fair. Over thirty stall holders will be available to browse alongside the Museum’s popular gift shop and there will also be festive trails and craft activities on offer for children to enjoy. Sunday 23^rd November sees the staging of the Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Fair and Model Show when every nook and cranny of the Museum will be packed full of exhibitors and stall holders for enthusiasts to browse.

December sees the return of the very special family event ‘Santa’s Flying Visit’. On Saturday 6 December, children will have the opportunity to meet and have a professional photo taken with Santa in the historic Scout helicopter, along with festive craft activities, trails and refreshments to keep families entertained.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said “We are thrilled to present another busy Autumn season of events here at the Museum and hope to attract lots more new visitors through our doors, not only to enjoy the events, but also to see more of the work we do as a charity in telling the story of British Army aviation.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.armyflying.com