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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.

Another debut confirmed for RIAT26

Danish Seahawk debut and iconic fighters join the line-up

It’s been another busy week of planning for this year’s RIAT, including four more aircraft confirmed for the static display line-up!

Leading the way is a UK debut from the Royal Danish Air Force, bringing their Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk. This marks the first time this variant of helicopter has appeared at RIAT, making it a real highlight.

Our ‘Fighter Meet’ line-up also grows with three iconic additions. The desert-camouflaged Spitfire ‘LZ842’ making its RIAT debut, Mustang ‘Marinell’ and a Hawker Hunter, planned to be ‘ZZ191’ in striking splinter camouflage. With discussions with international air arms still ongoing, there’s more aircraft announcements coming soon – stay tuned!

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Saturday and Sunday tickets are now at full price and are selling fast, but Friday still offers great early bird value – a perfect opportunity to enjoy the action for less.

Looking to elevate your visit? Explore our premium enclosure packages for a more exclusive RIAT experience. With many Saturday options already sold out, availability is limited, so don’t miss your chance.

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Belgian Air Force celebrates 80 years at RIAT26

Planning for RIAT26 this July is gaining momentum, and we’re thrilled to confirm that the Belgian Air Force will be bringing several aircraft to RIAT26 as they celebrate their 80th anniversary this year.

Making its RIAT flying display debut is the NHIndustries NH90 NFH, giving visitors the chance to see this modern maritime helicopter in action over RAF Fairford for the very first time, which will perform alongside Historic Helicopters’ Sea King to showcase past and present Belgian Search and Rescue.

On the static display, the Belgians will showcase a powerful trio of aircraft, including the Airbus A400M and iconic F-16BM Fighting Falcon (adorned in special colours for their 80th anniversary). Their Dassault Falcon 7X will also be joining the static park as part of this year’s ‘Royal Flight’ theme.

More aircraft announcements are on the way, so stay tuned as the RIAT26 line-up continues to grow. You can find full details on our website.

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Discounts won’t be around forever, and tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo are selling faster than they did last year. Secure yours today before prices rise or dates sell out.

While Saturday and Sunday general admission tickets are now at full price, you can still grab early bird ticket prices for Friday, making it the perfect chance to experience the excitement for less.

Saturday enclosures now 90% sold – be quick to secure your place! Want to make your day even more unforgettable? Discover our premium enclosure packages for an upgraded RIAT experience. On Saturday, the Aviation Club and First Class Lounge packages have already sold out, and all other enclosures are 90% sold – so act fast before they’re gone!

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Museum Reopens Its Doors

Following a record-breaking half term week, enthralling visitors with what life was like during wartime in the 1940’s, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire was dealt a devastating blow, losing all power on the evening of 19^th Feb, and keeping their doors firmly closed for three weeks.

The Museum which has become a major player on the wider tourism scene over the last few years, has had to reschedule a number of their popular evening talks, along with a large number of school and group visits and regular weekly sessions. Regular visitors to the Museum and Café have been desperately awaiting news of when the popular Museum would reopen, but due to major investigative works, the car park remained empty and the Museum remained in darkness.

But good news is on the horizon, with the Museum due to reopen its doors on Friday 13^th March.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said “An unexpected situation is always difficult to manage, and for charities in particular, when finances are often challenging, it can feel even more overwhelming. Having to close in the middle of our biggest half term week ever was a huge blow for the whole team and we were very sad to disappoint those booked in. We have been without power for nearly 3 weeks which has had a huge impact on our income, but we have been bowled over by the messages of support we have received, and we are delighted to now be working to reopen on Friday and welcome our visitors back. And with the Easter holidays are only a few short weeks away, we can’t wait for the Museum to be full of life again!”

The Museum has another packed programme lined up for the Easter holidays including their popular Easter Egg Hunt, trails, crafts and much more. With a number of evening and daytime talks rescheduled, there is lots to see and do at the Museum this spring for all ages, as the team build up to their main fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings on 11 July, which this year is more important than ever in raising much needed funds for this much loved local charity.

www.armyflying.com

Bentwaters Live at the Museum March 2026

Bentwaters Cold War Museum Live event — *Copyright Bentwaters Cold War Museum*

The afternoon of Sunday 22nd March 2026 will see the return of our popular live at the museum event as a prelude to the museum re-opening for the 2026 season.

Travel back in time to the 1980’s and experience the sights and sounds of a combat alert at RAF Bentwaters during the Cold War in a unique night at the Bentwaters Cold War Museum.

Join our uniformed re-enactors for a ‘Live’ afternoon in the Command Post Operations Room, and watch from the gallery as they re-enact a scenario depicting real combat operations. It’s an opportunity to see what really happened in the Cold War and the perfect opportunity to take some very unique photos!

The event starts at 14.30pm with the ”combat alert” repeated three times during the afternoon, with each session limited to just 30 people, however whichever time slot you book you are welcome to join us for the whole afternoon to look around the museum exhibition rooms, enjoy our outdoor displays floodlit for the evening, or enjoy refreshments in our diner which will be open from 14.30 until 6pm when the event finishes.

There are 30 places available for each timed live re-enactment at 15:00,16:00 & 17:00.

Tickets can be booked HERE

Iconic Fighters Confirmed for RIAT26

This week, we’re thrilled to confirm the first spectacular additions to the static display at RIAT26, perfectly in tune with this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme!

Returning to dazzle the crowds, the Norwegian Historical Squadron brings the iconic Vampire FB.52, while Flying Legends roars in with their F4U Corsair.

The naval fighter showcase continues in style as Navy Wings takes to the skies with two classic aircraft – the nimble Supermarine Seafire XVII and the ever-charming North American Harvard IV.

These are just the first highlights. Check out our website for the full lineup so far and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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Secure your tickets and upgrade for the ultimate experience

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for the thrill of the airshow, general admission tickets give you full access to all the action. Want an even more exclusive view? Upgrade to one of our enclosures for premium seating, hospitality, and unbeatable vantage points over the flying displays.

Limited-time deals ending soon

Cotswold Club Friday: Enjoy 10% off now – drops to 5% off at midnight, Sunday 8th March.

Viewing Village Garden Friday: Grab 10% off today – reduces to 5% off at midnight, Tuesday 10th March. Act fast – these discounts won’t last!

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Shuttleworth aims to assemble every airworthy mark of Spitfire for landmark anniversary

Shuttleworth Spitfire — credit: *Caroline Haycock*

90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire celebrated this summer at
Shuttleworth – Goal to have one of every airworthy mark of Spitfire currently in the UK at Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show

Old Warden, 5 March 2026 – Thursday 5 March 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, an aviation milestone that introduced one of the most influential fighter designs of WWII. To honour this extraordinary aircraft, Shuttleworth aims to assemble one example of every airworthy Spitfire mark currently in the UK at its Summer Air Show on Saturday 25 July 2026.

With its advanced aerodynamic design, elliptical wing, and exceptional performance
envelope, the Spitfire gave the RAF a critical edge against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. On D-Day, the Spitfire played a pivotal role in securing Allied air superiority, providing essential fighter cover and helping ensure the success of the invasion that marked the beginning of Europe’s liberation from Nazi control. Throughout the war, the engineering of the Spitfire evolved to make it an even more powerful fighter, resulting in 24 marks being produced.

WWII veteran aircraft flying at Shuttleworth

Many of the exact Spitfires confirmed to be flying at Shuttleworth this summer saw real action in WWII, including:

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia N3200 was shot down during the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940 and had to ditch on Sangatte beach. It was recovered in 1986 and a restoration to airworthiness began in 2012 with the first post-restoration flight being in 2014. It is one of only five Mark Is still flying today.

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc AR501 was issued to both No 310 and No 312 (Czech) Squadrons during its active service and even escorted the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘Memphis Belle’. This aircraft is part of Shuttleworth’s permanent collection.

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc MK912 served with No 312 (Czech) Squadron and was heavily involved in missions during the build-up and aftermath of the Normandy landings. Post WWII, it served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

• Both Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI PL983 and Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX PS853 in their distinctive PRU blue colours were used for photo reconnaissance, taking images behind enemy lines.

• Supermarine Seafire XVII SX336 was the naval equivalent of the Spitfire and is believed to have served with No 833 Naval Air Squadron.

The heroes behind the Spitfire’s success

The success of the Spitfire would not have been possible without its designer and test pilots. To celebrate the Spitfire’s designer, RJ Mitchell, Shuttleworth will be flying its de Havilland DH.60X which is the same model which Mitchell flew in to understand how f lying works.

Test pilot Alex Henshaw was known for his record-breaking flights pre-war and flight tested approximately 10% of all Spitfires and Seafires ever built. Shuttleworth owns the exact Percival Mew Gull which Henshaw broke the London to Cape Town record in, so will be flying this aircraft amongst other types he flew in his memory at this display.

James Butt, Air Displays and Aviation Coordinator at Shuttleworth, commented: “Ninety years ago, the Spitfire took to the air for the first time before becoming influential in the course of WWII. Its design and performance were exceptional for its time and remain impressive even today. The fact that visitors are still excited to see and hear a Spitfire flying at our air shows is a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy, and we’re proud to help preserve this history for future generations.”

For more details on Shuttleworth’s air shows and how to book, visit: https://www.shuttleworth.org/events

All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.

Brooklands Museum visitors to get rare access to motorsport and aviation history

Brooklands Wellington Bomber — *credit: Brooklands Museum*

Visitors to Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey are about to get the chance to step back in time like never before with behind-the-scenes exclusive access exploring some of the most iconic aircraft, racing cars and motorcycles in British history.

The experiences, which begin in March, give rare up-close access to legendary machines including the Vickers Wellington MK1A bomber, Hawker Hurricane MK.IIA, Napier-Railton, Delage 15-S-8, Rudge V-Twin motorcycle, and AKD motorcycle. The tours are carefully curated for enthusiasts and history lovers alike and include expert insight and exclusive archive experiences.

2026 Signature Technical Tour Dates:

10 March and 4 June – Vickers Wellington (bomber) MK1A
12 March, 14 May and 3 September – Napier-Railton
21 April and 4 August – Hawker Hurricane MK.IIA
21 May – Rudge V-Twin Motorcycle
18 June and 6 August – Delage 15-S-8
16 July – AKD Motorcycle

Every tour, of no more than 12 people, begins in the historic Edwardian Clubhouse with refreshments of hot or cold drinks and pastries. Guests will then step back in time and be immersed in the rich history of Brooklands, discovering how the site has evolved over the years. Visitors will then get up close to their chosen vehicle or aircraft, exploring its hidden secrets. The experience takes a more immersive turn when it moves trackside or into the shed or hangar for a detailed technical tour, offering a unique opportunity to get up-close to the icons of the track and air. Guests will have exclusive access and a hands-on discovery in Brooklands Museum’s archive store; which includes object handling and insight into rarely seen artefacts connected to the chosen vehicle or aircraft.

Alex Patterson, Director and CEO at Brooklands Museum, said, “We’re incredibly excited to open up parts of Brooklands Museum that most visitors never get to see. Our Behind the Scenes Technical Tours are about so much more than looking at historic aircraft, racing cars and motorcycles – they’re about discovering the untold stories and experiencing the engineering genius up close, with unprecedented access to historical objects not available on public display. With places strictly limited, it’s a great opportunity for families and enthusiasts to connect with Britain’s pioneering spirit in a way that’s powerful, personal and unforgettable.”

**NOTES**

Tickets are from £80 per person and are limited to ensure an exclusive, intimate and special discovery experience – adults and children 16 years only or older. Advance booking is essential.

These special tours are aimed at motoring and aviation enthusiasts, historians, and anyone passionate about engineering excellence, Brooklands Museum’s Behind the Scenes Technical Tours offer an unforgettable journey into Britain’s pioneering past.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Falcons take flight!

It wouldn’t be RIAT without the Royal Jordanian Falcons and we’re thrilled to announce they’re soaring back to RAF Fairford with their four vibrant Extra 330LX aircraft. They’re officially our first international display team confirmed for this year’s flying display, it’s set to be spectacular!

Behind the scenes, talks continue worldwide, with interest building from Kuwait and South Africa for static displays.

Stay tuned for more announcements, more aircraft, and more reasons to get excited.

You can find full details on our website.

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Sunday early bird ending this weekend!

Interest is sky high and with Sunday General Admission early bird prices ending this Sunday, tickets won’t stay on the ground for long.

Choose general admission for full access to the action or go VIP with a hospitality package for prime views and extra comfort.

The skies are calling – secure your ticket today and join tens of thousands of fans for an unforgettable weekend.