The countdown to the return of the world’s greatest airshow has begun.
From 16–18 July 2027, RAF Fairford will once again come alive with incredible aircraft, spectacular flying displays and all the excitement that makes RIAT an unforgettable day out.
Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast, planning a day out with friends or bringing the whole family along, there’s something for everyone to discover. With RIAT27 tickets on sale, now is the time to start planning your visit.
A day at RIAT is packed with things to see, do and explore – and the Family Enclosure gives you a dedicated space to make the most of it all together.
Designed with families in mind, it offers your own exclusive area within the showground, giving you somewhere to base yourselves throughout the day while still being part of all the RIAT action.
Open on Saturday and Sunday, it’s the perfect option for families looking to make their airshow experience even more enjoyable. Take a break, recharge and then head back out to explore the incredible aircraft, entertainment and experiences waiting across the showground.
With so much happening throughout the day, the Family Enclosure could be the perfect addition to your RIAT27 adventure.
This October half-term, join Royal Navy Museums: Naval Aviation for a Fairey Adventure and discover the weird, wonderful and sometimes surprising story of one of Britain’s most innovative aircraft companies.
Founded in 1915 by the remarkable aviation pioneer Richard Fairey, the Fairey Aviation Company spent 45 years pushing the boundaries of what aircraft could do. From wooden biplanes and seaplanes to the Swordfish, Barracuda and the Fairey Delta 2 – the first British aircraft to fly faster than twice the speed of sound – Fairey’s story is one of bold ideas, ingenious engineering and people who weren’t afraid to try something different.
Using fascinating new material from the Fairey Aviation archive, recently acquired by the Museum, discover some of the people, ideas and inventions behind these extraordinary aircraft and explore how Fairey Aviation helped shape the future of flight.
During half-term, visitors will be able to listen to Blabbermouth Storytelling as they bring the people, aircraft and adventures of Fairey Aviation to life in a fun, family-friendly storytelling session.
Then get hands-on and put your own ideas to the test. With Brick Ideas, visitors of all ages can take inspiration from the Fairey aircraft in the Museum’s collection and build their own flying machines. Will you recreate a Swordfish or Barracuda, or invent something completely new?
All activities take place from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October, 10am–4pm.
Join Blabbermouth Storytelling for a fun, family-friendly journey through the weird and wonderful world of Fairey Aviation. Discover the people, aircraft, ideas and adventures behind more than 50 years of aviation innovation – from wooden biplanes to supersonic flight.
Build your own Fairey aircraft
Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October
10am–4pm daily, Hall 4 under Concorde Get creative with Brick Ideas and take inspiration from the amazing Fairey aircraft in our collection. Can you build a Swordfish, Barracuda or your own weird and wonderful flying machine?
Thruxton UK: Gravity Industries will be joining the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival, bringing its world-famous human Jet Suit to Thruxton Aerodrome on 12th & 13th September.
Created by British inventor and Gravity Industries Founder Richard Browning, the Jet Suit represents a remarkable new chapter in personal flight, using pioneering technology to augment human capability and make controlled, body-flown jet-powered flight possible.
The display will form part of the events Saturday dusk ‘Evening Extravaganza’, adding a dramatic demonstration of future flight as the show transitions from daytime flying into an programme of illuminated displays, drones, lighting and entertainment.
Gravity Industries will also appear during the daytime Sunday show, giving visitors another opportunity to see this extraordinary technology up close as part of the wider celebration of ‘The Age of Flight’.
Richard Browning, Founder and Chief Test Pilot of Gravity Industries, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival. It’s fantastic to support an event celebrating Britain’s extraordinary aviation heritage, especially so close to home. Despite an incredibly busy international schedule, we aim to support opportunities like this to share the technology with a local audience where we can, and we’re looking forward to inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Jonathan Moore, Event Organiser for Hampshire Air Festival, said: “Gravity Industries is exactly the kind of addition we hoped to bring to Hampshire Air Festival in our first year. The Jet Suit is bold, innovative and inspiring, while also fitting perfectly with our Age of Flight theme. To have a locally based company demonstrating such groundbreaking technology at Thruxton is a real privilege, and we know it will be one of those moments visitors will talk about long after the weekend.”
From early pioneers and historic aircraft to the latest advances in human flight, Hampshire Air Festival has been created to tell the story of aviation across the generations. Gravity Industries brings that story right up to the present day, showing what can happen when imagination, engineering and determination come together.
Tickets are still available for Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with Saturday including a full daytime flying display and dusk Evening Extravaganza, and Sunday offering a packed daytime programme of flying, static aircraft and ground attractions. Tickets: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk
The countdown is on. From 16–18 July 2027, the world’s greatest airshow returns to RAF Fairford for an unforgettable weekend of incredible aircraft, spectacular flying displays and so much more.
Whether you’re planning a day out with friends, a weekend with fellow aviation fans or your first ever visit to RIAT, there’s plenty to look forward to.
RIAT27 will also feature a Tiger Gathering at RAF Fairford, with a spectacular celebration of the NATO Tiger Association and its famous tiger-painted aircraft. Your adventure starts with a ticket.
Fancy experiencing RIAT with a little more altitude?
Located in the heart of the showground, the Altitude enclosure is the place to soak up the action while enjoying an exclusive space to relax, socialise and make the most of your day.
Take in the flying displays from the elevated viewing platform, retreat to the shaded tent, settle into the covered seating or grab a drink at the all-inclusive bar – complete with cocktails. Complimentary food, private toilets and a free cloakroom are all part of the experience too.
And when the aircraft aren’t keeping you entertained, Altitude brings the atmosphere with live music. Sound like your kind of RIAT?
Fairford, Gloucestershire, 28 August 2026: Helen Webb, founder of Helen Webb Aviation and former Head of Marketing for the Royal International Air Tattoo, has launched Airshow Heroes, a new community initiative designed to give people going through cancer treatment and their loved ones special VIP days out at UK airshows.
Airshow Heroes is now urgently looking for its first family to attend the Hampshire Air Festival at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September 2026. The initiative is seeking nominations for a person currently undergoing cancer treatment who lives within manageable travelling distance of Thruxton, including Andover, Salisbury, Tidworth, Basingstoke, Swindon and the surrounding areas.
Created by Helen following her own recent diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer and the start of an 18-month treatment plan, Airshow Heroes will fund tickets, the VIP experience, goody bags, photography and memory-making extras for families local to each airshow.
The aim is simple: to offer a few hours of escape, excitement and shared joy at a time when families may need it most.
Helen Webb said: “I have been part of the airshow community for nearly 20 years and I know first-hand how uplifting aviation can be. Since my diagnosis, I understand even more deeply how important it is to create moments of joy, distraction and togetherness for both the person in treatment and the family and friends supporting them. Airshow Heroes is about using the magic of airshows to make difficult days feel a little lighter.”
Families do not need to include children to be considered. Airshow Heroes welcomes nominations for adults, couples, parents, carers, friends and family groups where someone is currently receiving cancer treatment and would benefit from a special day together.
With the airshow season drawing to a close, Helen hopes to find a family in time for the Hampshire Air Festival rather than waiting until next year. Anyone who knows a suitable family is encouraged to share the appeal and ask them to contact Helen Webb Aviation directly.
Supporters can also help by donating to or sharing the Airshow Heroes Crowdfunder campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/airshow-heroes. Funds raised will be used to cover tickets and the additional touches that turn a day out into a lasting memory.
Helen added: “If you believe in the magic of aviation to create a moment of happiness for someone who needs it, please support or share Airshow Heroes. And if you know a family near Thruxton who are going through cancer treatment, please help us find them.”
Call for nominations
Airshow Heroes is seeking a family local to Thruxton Aerodrome, within around a 30-mile drive where possible, with a loved one currently undergoing cancer treatment.
To nominate a family or ask for more information, contact Helen Webb Aviation via email at fly@helenwebbaviation.com
Old Warden, 27 August 2026 – The Shuttleworth Trust is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle with its insurers that will allow the detailed assessment and repair of the DH.88 Comet Racer, G-ACSS, to begin.
The Shuttleworth Trust is committed to maintaining the long-term future of this unique and historic aircraft in flying condition. While insurance funding will cover the essential works necessary to return the Comet to the air, there are additional steps Shuttleworth wants to take to preserve the long-term operability of this very special aircraft. The Shuttleworth Trust is also mindful of the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Mildenhall to Australia air race of 1934 – an event won by G-ACSS.
Shuttleworth is therefore launching a dedicated fundraising appeal to support acceleration of the repair works, together with an additional programme of related restoration and preservation work. This will include the overhaul to zero-time standard of the aircraft’s engines, propellers, and accessories, together with the inspection, refurbishment and preservation of components that have not been damaged. Where new parts are required, Shuttleworth will seek wherever possible to manufacture additional spares at the same time, helping to safeguard the future operation of the aircraft for decades to come.
Funds raised will also help meet costs not covered by insurance, including the policy excess and other essential expenses associated with restoring the aircraft to the highest possible standard.
Shuttleworth’s aim is to raise £250,000 over the next 18 months to ensure that G-ACSS not only flies again but emerges from this restoration with a more extensive spares holding to support its long-term operation for future generations to experience and enjoy.
With the public’s support, Shuttleworth will not only return this iconic aircraft to full flying condition, but will also ensure that it is ready in good time for the 100th Anniversary of the race in which it made history in 1934.
A new community-led display at the RAF Museum Midlands explores the human cost of war and conflict. It brings together the personal experiences of civilians who endured the Second World War Blitz in West Bromwich and the wider Black Country, alongside the journeys of people displaced from Ukraine to the Midlands, following the 2014 and 2022 Russian invasions.
Told through photographs, archive material, personal testimonies and objects, the display connects these two periods of history through the experiences of Joyce Langford, who lived through the Blitz in the Black Country, and Daria Pyrozhenko, from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, who relocated to the UK in 2023.
Together, Joyce and Daria’s stories show how war can reshape civilian lives, often bringing injury and loss, destroying homes and livelihoods, and disrupting the fabric of communities. Their experience also highlights the endurance, resourcefulness and determination of ordinary people striving to protect their families, identity and community while under attack.
Joyce Langford recalled:
‘The sirens went off and Mum used to run with me in her arms, and the old lady next door and go into the air raid shelter. You had one air raid shelter between two or three houses.’
Co-created with community organisations and volunteers, the display explores themes of destruction, communication and community spirit. Discover how the destruction caused by bombing affected homes and infrastructure in the Black Country, and the impact of attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. Compare how vital communication during times of crisis has evolved over time, from wartime letters and Air Raid Precautions messengers to today’s messaging apps and digital networks. See the powerful impact of community spirit, discovering how civilians have volunteered in essential roles, organising emergency shelter and food, and helping to restore power, clear damaged buildings, while supporting one another.
Daria Pyrozhenko describes the continuing reality of life in Kharkiv:
‘Nowadays, the city is under constant attack, and destruction has become part of the everyday landscape. Yet the people who remain still deeply cherish the beauty and history of their remarkable town, finding small moments of peace and creating their own moments of happiness in daily life.’
Grace Ries, Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation at RAF Museum said:
‘What makes the Displaced Display particularly special is that it has been developed together with the communities whose experiences it explores. This is a community-led, co-created display, bringing together local histories of the Blitz with the lived experiences of Ukrainians who have made their homes in the Midlands. By sharing personal stories and working alongside community partners, we have been able to create a display that feels both deeply rooted in the history of this region and relevant to the world around us today.’
The Displaced Display was officially opened on 24 August, Ukraine Independence Day, with Daria Pyrozhenko and relatives of Joyce Langford in attendance. It has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and co-created with contributions from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Shropshire Supports Refugees, Sandwell Archives, the Express & Star and a team of Museum volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours research.
Entry to the Museum and viewing the display is free of charge, open daily from 10.00am. For more information visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.
80th anniversary of US Air Force to be celebrated at Summer Air Show
Brand-new Season Finale Air Show for September 2027
Old Warden, 20 August 2026 – Shuttleworth, visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft, is excited to announce its 2027 air show season. The launch follows the success of the 2026 season which – with still two shows left to go – has seen the sell-out success of Summer Air Show and record-breaking attendance numbers for Festival of Flight. The 2027 air show season, which is now on sale, features seven air shows, with the new addition of Season Finale Air Show on Saturday 25 September 2027.
The season kicks off with Season Premiere Air Show on Sunday 9 May 2027, the first opportunity for visitors to experience all a Shuttleworth air show has to offer in 2027. Later, on Saturday 29 May 2027, Military Air Show returns, bringing together military aircraft, vehicles and history in a tribute to all those who have served their nations.
Flagship air show, Festival of Flight, returns
Shuttleworth’s flagship air show will return on 26 and 27 June 2027, following the success of the 2026 iteration of the event, described in Vintage Aviation News as “probably the best airshow anywhere in the world this year”.
The festival will feature a programme of flying displays showcasing aircraft from Shuttleworth’s internationally renowned Collection, alongside a range of visiting aircraft from across the UK and overseas. In addition to the flying displays, visitors will be able to explore a variety of ground attractions and family activities located throughout the Shuttleworth site. Interactive experiences and entertainment will be available for visitors of all ages, and on-site camping will once again be offered for those wishing to enjoy the full festival experience.
80th anniversary of US Air Force celebrated
Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show will return, but this time with an American theme to mark the 80th anniversary of the US Air Force. Visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of flying displays featuring classic American aircraft plus another thrilling gathering of aircraft (more news to come soon). The event will also offer a variety of themed attractions on the ground, including American-inspired food, a free fun fair and interactive STEM-focused Discovery Zone activities.
For its second iteration, Wings & Wheels Air Show will return on Saturday 14 August 2027, celebrating motoring and aviation in equal measure. Flying Proms Air Show, a staple in the Shuttleworth calendar, will be on Saturday 28 August 2027, with the National Symphony Orchestra performing live alongside beautifully choreographed aerobatic displays.
A brand-new air show for September
The 2027 air show season will end in spectacular style with a brand-new air show, Season Finale Air Show, featuring breathtaking flying displays from Shuttleworth’s own Collection alongside visiting aircraft. In the evening, visitors will be treated to a fireworks and pyrotechnics finale, providing a memorable end to a season of aviation excitement.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The 2026 air show season exceeded all our expectations, and we’re already looking ahead to an exciting 2027. Preparations are well underway, with Summer Air Show set to be a particular highlight. Following a sell-out event in 2026, the show will return with another major theme, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the US Air Force. We’re also thrilled to launch a brand-new event, Season Finale Air Show, in September 2027, bringing the season to a spectacular close.”
Haven’t got your RIAT27 tickets yet? Now is the perfect time to plan your visit, 16th-18th July 2027.
FRIAT – Friends of RIAT is now on sale, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your RIAT27 weekend with exclusive benefits and an enhanced experience, with access to park & view days as well as all three show days.
With over 65% of FRIAT packages already sold, they’re proving popular. Park & View Monday and Park & View Thursday have now sold out, so a FRIAT package is the only way to guarantee advance access to those days. Entry on the day may still be available, subject to availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
Don’t miss out – get your RIAT27 tickets and explore FRIAT today.
Old Warden, 4 August 2026 – Shuttleworth, visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft, is excited to share that its Military Air Show will return on 29 August 2026, following the sell-out success of its Summer Air Show on 25 July 2026. A staple in the Shuttleworth calendar, Military Air Show honours all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.
Visiting military icons, including a Chinook role demo
The Royal Air Force Chinook role demo team will join Shuttleworth for the air show, with its display highlighting the versatility of the Chinook, from carrying troops to evacuation and transportation. The Westland Lynx AH.7 has also been announced, an aircraft originally used by the British Army Air Corps for troop carrying and anti-tank roles, and one of only two Lynx AH.7s flying in civilian hands.
B-17 Preservation Ltd’s Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Sally B”, the only airworthy B-17 outside of North America, will return to Shuttleworth following its display at Festival of Flight. Meanwhile, North American P-15D Mustangs “Little Rebel” and “Moonbeam McSwine” will be making their Shuttleworth debuts. Also announced is Marcin Kubrak’s Douglas A-26 Invader, an aircraft with a military service spanning three decades.
The visiting aircraft will join Shuttleworth’s own Collection aircraft with military history spanning WWI and WWII, including the Sopwith Triplane, Gloster Gladiator, Westland Lysander, and Supermarine Spitfire Vc.
The event also features a Military Camp area, showcasing military vehicles, re-enactments, historic machinery and more. Meanwhile, the Clayton and Shuttleworth Heritage Team will showcase working historic machinery, and volunteers will guide visitors through how to work the Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun. For the kids, STEM-focused Discovery Zone activities as well as a free fun fair will be on offer.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented:“From legendary warbirds to modern military aircraft, Military Air Show highlights the rich history and ongoing development of military aviation. We’re looking forward to another exciting day of flying displays and showcasing some truly remarkable aircraft, both from our own Collection and visiting operators.”
To find out more about Military Air Show and book your tickets, click here.
