The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Blackburn Buccaneer S2B cockpit from XX899, which has been on loan at the museum since autumn 2018 will soon be leaving for a new home Oxfordshire. This will be in an undercover location that is close to where the cockpit owner lives.
XX899 arrived at our Gateway Aviation Site in October 2018, when it moved from its previous display location at the Midland Air Museum.
It is anticipated that the impending departure of XX899 will take place before the end of June, 2026.
The accompanying picture shows XX899 arriving at the museum in late October 2018.
Make a date in your diaries as Saturday 11 July is set to be a very special day at the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, as not one, but five Spitfires will make an appearance at the Museum’s annual fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings, the most Spitfires to be seen at the historic airfield in over 25 years and marking the important role Spitfires based at Middle Wallop played in the Second World War.
Not only will visitors have the opportunity to see a fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire but will also see a stunning display from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire PR Mk.XIX. In addition, not one but two Spitfires will fly into the event, one of which is the Spitfire Mk.912, without doubt one of the most historic Spitfires still flying today. If that wasn’t enough, visitors will have the chance to get up close to Spitfire Mk.IX LZ842 in the main body of the showground, the engineering project of Mark Bennett for over 15 years.
With 2026 marking the 90th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight, this is a fitting tribute at this very popular annual event which is the major fundraiser for the Museum. The event is even more crucial to the future of the Museum this year, following an unexpected three-week closure in February due to a power outage.
The Wheels element of the event is very strong again this year as car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view over 400 classic and supercars. Motorcycle enthusiasts will also not be disappointed, with over 100 bikes on display, along with a very special display from sponsors Andover Norton International. The Museum is also thrilled to be welcoming vintage vehicles from the AA Heritage Fleet this year, with a very special display.
The event is a great day out for the whole family with so much to see and do. Activities for children are in abundance with laser tag, circus skills, craft activities, little racers and a pit stop challenge all included in the ticket price. The Discovery Den at the event is also a great hub for young minds interested in all things Science, Technology and Engineering.
With Living History groups, a Speaker’s Tent, Shopping Village and of course and number of air displays, it is the perfect event to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.
Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are so excited to be celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight as part of the event and cannot thank the pilots enough for their contribution. It will be a joy to see these iconic and much loved aircraft landing at Middle Wallop once again.”
All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 12 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum. Ticket prices increase from Thursday 9th July, so be sure to book nice and early to get great discounts on tickets.
Hampshire, UK; The Hampshire Air Festival has announced the launch of its Founding 200 initiative, a new approach to engaging businesses and individuals in supporting the creation of Hampshire’s newest airshow.
Taking place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September 2026, Hampshire Air Festival is a new two-day aviation weekend created to celebrate ‘The Age of Flight’ through flying displays, static aircraft and a Saturday evening extravaganza of pyro aerobatics, drone displays and fireworks.
The Founding 200 has been developed to enable early supporters to play a direct role in bringing the inaugural event to life, at a time when launching a brand new airshow presents both opportunity and commercial challenge.
For £300 + VAT, businesses and individuals can become one of only 200 Founding Supporters, gaining recognition as part of the event’s foundation and visibility within the festival’s growing audience.
In addition, three Founding 200 members will be upgraded to Key Sponsor packages, each with a value of approximately £20,000, providing an enhanced level of visibility and engagement online and at the event with their name associated with the Flying Display, Evening Extravaganza or the Ground Attractions which includes a STEM area.
Also included in this upgrade are tickets to the business networking event, the weekend airshow and VIP hospitality amongst many other benefits.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in how events of this scale are funded and supported, opening access to a wider range of organisations and individuals who want to be part of building something new.
Alongside the festival itself, Hampshire Air Festival will also host an inaugural Business Networking Day on Friday 11 September at Thruxton Aerodrome. In partnership with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce this offers a unique opportunity for professionals to connect in a behind-the-scenes airshow environment.
Event Organiser Jonathan Moore commented: ‘Launching a new airshow requires both experience and belief. The Founding 200 allows businesses and individuals to be part of that journey from the outset, helping to create something that we intend to grow year on year.’
Hampshire Air Festival takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
Further information about the Founding 200 is HERE
Further information about the Business Networking Event is HERE
A new chapter in UK airshows: Headcorn International Airshow 2026 unveils 30-aircraft lineup
Three flying P-51 Mustangs, a P-47 Thunderbolt, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the F-86 Sabre and 25 other aircraft confirmed for the new Headcorn International Airshow, with the Mayor of Maidstone and four foreign embassies among those confirmed in attendance. Produced by the team behind Sunderland Airshow, the War & Peace Show and BBC Radio 2’s CarFest, with Flying Display Director Group Captain Alan Lockwood AFC (CFCC, IWM Duxford).
HEADCORN, KENT: The team behind some of Britain’s most well-known display events has unveiled the lineup for the Headcorn International Airshow 2026, a new two-day show on 27-28 June at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent.
Thirty aircraft from eighteen operators across the UK and Europe have been confirmed, including three flying P-51 Mustangs, a P-47 Thunderbolt, the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, fielding both Spitfire and Hurricane, an F-86 Sabre, three Spitfires, the Catalina, the Fairey Swordfish, the de Havilland Vampire and NEBO Air’s Electric Arrows, the world’s first all-electric display team.
“This is the show we’ve wanted to put on for years,” said Christopher Yates, Event Director and a director of AMP Productions, the company producing the show. “We’ve been involved in airshow direction across the UK for four decades. Sunderland, the War & Peace Show, Folkestone, Capel le Ferne, Manston, Bexhill, Leeds Castle, CarFest. What we’ve always wanted is the freedom to programme a show with no compromises. Three Mustangs and a Thunderbolt in one weekend, on grass runways, with the world’s first electric display team flying alongside the warbirds. That’s Headcorn International.”
A NEW CHAPTER FOR UK AIRSHOWS
UK display aviation has been in transition. Several long-established shows have ended in recent years; others have scaled back. Against that backdrop, Headcorn International Airshow has been built from the ground up to be ambitious in scale, broad in programming, and rooted in an airfield with deep aviation history.
The 2026 lineup deliberately spans three eras of British aviation in a single weekend: the propeller, the jet, and the electric.
The propeller era: three Mustangs, a Thunderbolt, three Spitfires, two Hurricanes, the Hispano Buchón, the Catalina, the Swordfish, the Harvards, two Fokkers and the BBMF.
The jet era: the F-86 Sabre and the de Havilland Vampire, representing the post-war shift to swept-wing and centrifugal jet design.
The electric era: NEBO Air’s Electric Arrows, the world’s first all-electric display team, performing alongside Merlin and radial-engined warbirds.
“Aviation has always been about pushing forwards,” Yates added. “The pilots flying in the 1940s were operating front-line technology. The aircraft we’re honouring this summer were modern then. We wanted to show what modern means now: electric flight, sustainable display aviation, the engineers and pilots making it happen, not as a footnote but as a deliberate part of the programme.”
THE HEADLINE LINEUP
Among the 30 aircraft and display teams confirmed:
Three flying P-51 Mustangs: ‘Marinell’ (D-Day veteran with four confirmed kills over occupied Europe), ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ (markings of triple ace Capt. William T. Whisner) and ‘Jersey Jerk’ (markings of Donald Strait, top ace of the 356th Fighter Group).
A P-47D Thunderbolt, one of very few flying examples in Europe, operated by Ultimate Warbird Flights.
Both aircraft of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc.
Spitfire N3200, a genuine Battle of Britain veteran from the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford.
Navy Wings’ Seafire SX336 and iconic Fairey Swordfish W5856.
Mistral Warbirds’ F-86 Sabre, flown in from Avignon.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s de Havilland Vampire FB.52, flown in from Rygge.
The Cobra Demo Team’s Bell AH-1S Cobra, flown in from Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic. One of very few flying AH-1 Cobras in European display aviation, a Vietnam-era gunship sharing the flightline with WWII warbirds.
Plane Sailing’s Catalina PBY-5A and the UK’s only flying Fokker D.VII, displayed alongside its Fokker Dr.I Triplane stablemate from Jasta Binks Aviation.
The Starlings Aerobatic Team in their Extra 300NGs, The Flying Comrades in formation Yaks, and The Last Dogfight: a Slepcev Storch and Piper Grasshopper reenactment of the closing days of WWII.
NEBO Air’s pair of Pipistrel Velis Electros: the Electric Arrows, the world’s first all-electric display team.
CIVIC AND DIPLOMATIC ATTENDANCE
The 2026 show has confirmed civic and diplomatic attendance reflecting both its local roots and its international programme. The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round, who is also the ward councillor for Headcorn, will attend in his civic capacity. Four foreign embassies have confirmed attendance, reflecting the international nature of the participating aircraft and operators (Norwegian, French, Czech, and the lineup’s broader transatlantic heritage).
ROOTED IN HISTORY: RAF LASHENDEN
Headcorn Aerodrome operated as RAF Lashenden Advanced Landing Ground in 1944, hosting USAAF P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt units in support of the Normandy invasion. The runways were grass. The hangars were tents. Eighty-two years on, those same aircraft types return to the same field, a context that gives the 2026 lineup particular weight for an audience that cares about provenance.
WHY 2026 STANDS OUT
Three flying P-51 Mustangs and a P-47 Thunderbolt confirmed in one weekend
Aircraft types operating from the field they flew from in 1944
The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, fielding both Spitfire and Hurricane
30 aircraft from 18 operators across the UK, France, the Czech Republic and Norway
The world’s first electric display team flying alongside wartime warbirds
Full ground show: classic cars, vendors, family activities across both days
Grass runways: the same operating surface used in 1944, an increasingly rare display environment in UK aviation
KEY FACTS
Event
Headcorn International Airshow 2026
Dates
Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June 2026
Venue
Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent (formerly RAF Lashenden Advanced Landing Ground, 1944)
Capacity
10,000 spectators per day
Aircraft confirmed
30 aircraft from 18+ operators across the UK and Europe
Producer
AMP Productions Limited
Tickets
From £30 (children under 5 free with paying adult). VIP hospitality available. No tickets sold on the gate.
On Friday 5th June, 2026 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum (NAM) completed the acquisition of their formerly leased site, from the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). This transaction was completed after discussions spanning several years, which resulted in a land swap / purchase agreement being reached between the two organisations earlier this year.
This landmark agreement came as the museum approached the final phase of its lease arrangement with the NNAS for the museum’s Northfield Site, which was originally granted back in the late 1970s. The museum trustees are pleased to have finalised the purchase, which helps to protect the long-term future of its collection of nearly one hundred aircraft and cockpit sections.
The site acquisition represents a major step forward for NAM; it has also helped to secure the air museum’s buildings; plus, its wider aviation collection of artefacts and objects. This transaction will allow future generations of visitors and aviation enthusiasts alike to share these rare and in some cases unique items. The air museum now owns just under 13 acres of land in north eastern Nottinghamshire.
A new phase in the air museum’s development starts now, as it looks to fully develop all of its land. This work will involve developing new access schemes, new car parking areas and further aircraft display areas. All of this work will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant authorities and external funding partners. In the coming weeks and months, the museum will be formally launching ‘Project 2039’, which will include formal submissions to Newark & Sherwood District Council and other local providers.
“This land swap / purchase agreement has involved a long running dialogue between the air museum and the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.” Commented NAM Secretary and museum trustee, Howard Heeley; he continued.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to museum President, Mich Stevenson OBE, who has been a vital conduit during these negotiations. We would also like to thank Simon Eccleston, CEO of the NNAS, and also the trustees of the NNAS for their support whilst working with us throughout this process.”
“The museum trustees would also like to record their heartfelt gratitude to two former museum members, who are sadly no longer with us. Firstly, to a former RAF Winthorpe National Service veteran, John Dove. It was a substantial legacy from his Estate that helped make this a viable project for us to even contemplate. Secondly, to former museum trustee and Vice-President, Mick Clarke. His vision, wise counsel and countless sets of plans made us realise what just might be possible.”
He concluded, “We now look forward to continuing with a mutually beneficial relationship with our now neighbours, the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society for many years to come!”
Old Warden, 5 June 2026 – Festival of Flight, Shuttleworth’s flagship air show, is back on 27 and 28 June 2026. The two-day spectacular features a stellar line up of breath-taking air displays from the very best UK and international display aircraft as well as all of Shuttleworth’s serviceable Collection aircraft. This year’s show also sees more free ground attractions than ever before.
Rare display aircraft, including a UK air show debut
Making its UK air show debut will be the only Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4 flying in Europe. The aircraft is an example of the front-line fighter flown by Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, sharing a strong military history with Britain’s Spitfire. This specific aircraft was recovered in 1993 from Russia, where it had crash landed in January 1942.
Many of the visiting aircraft at Festival of Flight are the only airworthy models of their kind in Europe and the world. This includes the world’s only airworthy Avro Anson Mk.I and the world’s only airworthy Bristol Blenheim, as well as Europe’s last remaining airworthy B-17G Flying Fortress.
Red Bull’s The Flying Bulls will also display five of its fleet, including the rare warbird Lockheed P-38L Lightning with its unconventional twin tail, and the eye-catching Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat. For fans of Royal Air Force aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon will join Shuttleworth for the Sunday of Festival of Flight.
Trailblazing female pilot Mélanie Astles, the first and only woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race and the first female pilot to win a Red Bull Air Race event (Challenger Class, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2017), will perform an aerobatic display in her Extra 330SC on both days. In addition to her breathtaking display in the sky, visitors will have the opportunity to hear Astles speak in inspiring Q&A sessions tailored for younger audiences.
More ground attractions than ever before, all included in the price of visitors’ tickets
Festival of Flight 2026 sees more free ground attractions than ever before, with fun fair rides, archery, axe throwing, circus skills workshops, and a land train amongst the scheduled entertainment. Shuttleworth’s own Fire Service will showcase their skills, with visitors having the chance to take part in hands-on demonstrations, and there will be live demonstrations from various heritage exhibits from Clayton & Shuttleworth – one of the early builders of portable steam engines and thrashing machines. Younger visitors will be able to enjoy an array of STEM-focused educational activities at Shuttleworth’s Discovery Zones spread across the site. Visitors can also enjoy vintage bus rides and explore Shuttleworth House and Swiss Garden, making the event a full day out for the whole family.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented:“Everyone at Shuttleworth is super excited for Festival of Flight. Each year we actively build on the feedback we receive and further develop our air shows, so our events just keep getting better and better, and Festival of Flight is a prime example of this. We have a variety of top-quality, world-renowned rare aircraft joining us, and our ground attraction offering continues to grow, making the event a summer staple for aviation enthusiasts as well as families looking for an action-packed day out.”
To find out more about Festival of Flight and book your tickets, click here.
The RAF Museum Midlands will showcase three NEW aircraft acquisitions at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 14 June. The British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will go on static display in the Museum’s enclosure on the airfield, alongside the iconic Chinook ‘Bravo November’, to complete an incredible line-up of RAF aircraft.
Visitors attending this year’s Air Show will be the first to see the Museum’s new Hawk, Reaper and Puma. Following their appearance at the Air Show all three aircraft will be stored before going on permanent display in the Museum’s forthcoming exhibition ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’. This new exhibition is part of a sitewide transformation, made possible with the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The new acquisitions were recently transported by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) by road to RAF Cosford, where they are currently being reassembled, ready for their first public appearance. Thanks go to the RAF Museum’s Technicians, Babcock (RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford), and MOD colleagues for their support with preparing the airframes for Air Show.
The Hawk was an advanced jet trainer that entered RAF service in 1976. In 1979, it was selected as the replacement for the Folland Gnat as the aircraft flown by the RAF Aerobatic Team, otherwise known as the Red Arrows. The Reaper entered service with the RAF in 2007 and was its first combat-capable remotely piloted aircraft system or ‘drone’. The Reaper’s ability to loiter over targets undetected has given it an invaluable role in intelligence gathering and precision strike operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The Reaper retired from global RAF operations in 2025 following 18 years’ service. The Puma is a French-designed, medium-lift helicopter, that was in service with the RAF from 1971 to 2025. Over an incredible 54 year history, the Puma has served on a staggering range of operations.
Tom Hopkins, RAF Museum Curator (Aircraft and Exhibits) said:
‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition of these remarkable aircraft and look forward to sharing them with aviation enthusiasts at this year’s Cosford Air Show. Each represents a significant chapter in RAF history, whether that’s the Hawk which continues to inspire audiences as part of the world-famous Red Arrows display team, or the Puma which has more than five decades of distinguished RAF service. The recently retired Reaper will become the first aircraft of its type to enter a UK museum collection, and while it will be some time before these aircraft go on permanent display at the Museum, we are excited to offer Cosford Air Show visitors this exclusive early preview.’
In addition to the aircraft line-up, there will be plenty more on offer for families visiting the Museum’s enclosure. Exclusively for the Cosford Air Show, aviation fans can get on board the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, for a small donation. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November earned its reputation during the 1982 liberation of the Falkland Islands. After the MS Atlantic Conveyor was struck by a missile and later sank, Bravo November was the sole Chinook to survive, going on to play a crucial role in the conflict.
Families can also enjoy access to a replica Spitfire cockpit, try on RAF uniforms and hats, test out their coding abilities with interactive robotics activities, and browse an extensive retail offer with many exclusive items. Elsewhere on the airfield, the Museum’s Harrier GR3 and Wessex will also be making an appearance.
Air Show ticket holders will also benefit from an exclusive Museum offer. Enjoy free parking on a return visit to the Museum and a two for one offer on 4D Theatre rides. Simply present your Air Show ticket when registering your vehicle on arrival at the Museum, and at the point of purchase to receive the two for one 4D Theatre offer.
With just over a week to go, the Cosford Air Show is close to selling out with just a few tickets remaining. To purchase tickets, go tocosfordairshow.co.uk.
It is with great disappointment that we are letting you know this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo will not be taking place.
We understand how much RIAT means to so many people; our visitors, volunteers, partners, and the wider community who return year after year. We know the memories, traditions, and anticipation that build around the event.
This has not been an easy decision. It follows extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
We want to thank you for your continued support and understanding. Everyone who has purchased a ticket will be offered the choice to roll over their tickets to RIAT27, receive a full refund, or donate the cost of their tickets to the RAF Charitable Trust, supporting our wider charitable work.
Gavin Gager, Chief?Executive Officer of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said:
“We know how much RIAT means to everyone, and recognise how disappointing this news will be. It is a disappointment we feel just as strongly.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, loyalty, and understanding. Looking ahead, we remain fully committed to returning in 2027, and to making sure RIAT comes back stronger than ever. We very much look forward to welcoming you all again.”
This week, we’re excited to confirm more additions to the line-up for RIAT26!
The Italian Air Force’s Reparto Sperimentale Volo will return to the flying display with an impressive trio of aircraft with their C-27 Spartan, F-2000A Typhoon and T-346A Master all taking to the skies this July!
On the ground, we’re also pleased to confirm an array of aircraft from the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Making its RIAT debut this year will be the Leonardo AW139 helicopter, alongside returning favourites including the C-17A Globemaster and Hawk jet trainer. Their Typhoon will also be joining this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, bringing together an exciting gathering of fast jets from across the globe.
With less than two months to go until RIAT26, anticipation is continuing to build for another unforgettable weekend of aviation action!
The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Phantom FGR2 cockpit from XV490, which has been on long-term loan at the museum since 2012 will soon be leaving for a new home in the Cotswolds. This will be with the Phantom Group at Kemble.
XV490 arrived at its Gateway Aviation Site in in north-eastern Nottinghamshire in 2011, when it vacated its previous display location at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker site. At that time it was anticipated it would move onto display at the former RAF Wattisham site in Suffolk, however that move never materialised.
The impending departure of XV490 will take place on 16th June, 2026. Before heading south, the cockpit will be displayed at the Lincolnshire County Show.
