News UK – Airscene News

Shuttleworth launches new air shows for 2027

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.”

To purchase tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2027 air show season, visit: https://www.shuttleworth.org/air-shows

Make your RIAT27 experience unforgettable

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.

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Shuttleworth’s Military Air Show returns after sell-out success of Summer Air Show

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.

This summer, take on the Red Arrows Challenge!

Date: From 1 August – 3 October

Cost: Adult £22, Child £11, Armed Forces £16.50 (+£5 postage for non-UK entries)

This summer, the RAF Museum is inviting supporters to be inspired by one of the world’s most iconic aerobatic display teams, by taking part in the Red Arrows Challenge.

From 1 August to 3 October, participants can walk, run or cycle their way to raising vital funds to help the RAF Museum continue collecting, preserving, and sharing the remarkable stories of the Royal Air Force, including those of the Red Arrows.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a personal goal, enjoy an active challenge with family and friends, or simply show your support for the RAF, participants can choose a distance that suits them and complete it at their own pace, wherever they are. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Red Arrows Challenge commemorative coin as a reward for their achievement.

The Red Arrows are one of the world’s most renowned and recognisable aerobatic display teams, performing at major occasions across the UK, and overseas. Known for their flying formations, loops, rolls and patriotic red, white and blue vapour trails, their world-class display inspires millions each year. Their pilots all have previous operational experience flying the RAF’s frontline Typhoon or F-35 Lightning aircraft, and together with the engineering excellence and skills of the ground support team, the Red Arrows demonstrate the agility and exacting professionalism of those who serve in the RAF.

Sophie Wallace, RAF Museum Regular Giving Development Manager, said:

‘Few sights capture people’s imagination quite like the Red Arrows. That’s why this summer, we’re inviting people to join the Red Arrows Challenge, set themselves a personal goal, and support the RAF Museum’s charitable mission to preserve the stories of the RAF. Whether you’re completing your first 5km or taking on a cycling challenge, every mile completed, and every pound raised will help ensure the extraordinary stories of the Royal Air Force, like those of the Red Arrows, continue to inspire future generations.’

Everyone who registers will receive fundraising advice, tips and encouragement from the Museum team throughout the challenge to help them achieve their goals. Participants who raise £50 or more will also receive a special Red Arrows thank you pack in recognition of their fantastic support.

There are even more rewards for those who go the extra mile. The top adult and top family fundraisers will each win tickets to the RAF Air Show in June 2027, including a chance to meet with some members of the Red Arrows team! A Red Arrows goody bag will also be awarded to the participant with the top distance, along with one additional lucky winner drawn at random from everyone who enters. Participants will automatically be added to a virtual leaderboard where they can track their distance and be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Take on The Red Arrows Challenge this summer. Entry costs £22 per adult, £11 per child, or £16.50 for members of the Armed Forces community, including Cadets, serving personnel, veterans and reservists. Every entry supports the RAF Museum, registered charity number 119754.

To find out more and sign up, visit rafmuseum.org.

A British Aerospace Hawk T1A flown by the Red Arrows will be 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.

Your RIAT27 adventure starts here

Join us at RIAT27 – tickets are on sale now!

The countdown to the return of the world’s greatest airshow has begun.

From 16th to 18th July 2027, we will once again welcome aviation enthusiasts from around the world for an unforgettable weekend of spectacular flying displays, incredible aircraft, family entertainment and unique experiences. With RIAT27 celebrating Tiger Gathering, this is set to be a show unlike any other.

Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast or planning an incredible day out with family and friends, now is the perfect time to secure your place before prices increase.

Book your RIAT27 tickets today and be part of the excitement.

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Although RIAT26 didn’t take place, we know many of you were disappointed to miss out on official merchandise at the show. That’s why we’ve released a limited selection of RIAT26-themed items, available only while stocks last.

We have also launched our summer sale – grab yourself a bargain while stocks last!

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Newark Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale

Saturday 8^th August, 2026

The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 8^th August, 2026. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border. This will be the first event since the museum completed the acquisition of their formerly leased site, and revised visitor parking arrangements will be in place.

Invitations to attend have been sent to previous sellers on our mailing list. These people come from around the UK and will be allocated pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.

Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.50, Over 65s £11.50, Children £6.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £35.00.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the What’s On Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.

Battle Proms Picnic Concerts – Vintage Spectaculars!

Famous for their breathtaking mix of uplifting music and dramatic displays, including fireworks, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and parachutes, the Battle Proms has been wowing audiences in their thousands in majestic stately home settings since 1997.

The highlight of the evening is a magnificent orchestral programme of iconic pieces from film, TV and the musicals alongside sublime classical music you know and love, performed by the New English Concert Orchestra.

But that’s not all! The fun starts from the moment the gates open, with live jazz and swing dancing – perfect for a summer’s afternoon – plus fascinating living history displays led by the country’s foremost Napoleonic and WWII enthusiasts, with authentic memorabilia, armaments, vehicles and expert re-enactors.

Battle Proms audiences are also treated to daring mounted skill-at-arms by the Worcestershire Cavalry and an awe-inspiring freefall display by the Red Devils parachute team, before the glamourous Battle Proms Belles get the toes tapping and champagne corks popping with their sensational vintage vocals.

As the New English Concert Orchestra take to the stage they are joined by the legendary Grace Spitfire, performing a moving aerial display to the opening pieces of the programme. Plus there’s a ground-shaking performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s ‘Battle Symphony’ as only the Battle Proms perform them, with over 200 live cannons providing the percussion!

These perfect summer evenings close with a jubilant flag-waving, sing-along finale with all the traditional proms favourites like Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and more, led by star soprano Denise Leigh, under a sky of dazzling fireworks! For dates, venues, full programme details and tickets head to www.battleproms.com

Babcock announced as key sponsor of inaugural Hampshire Air Festival

Hampshire Air Fest Grob — *Copyright: Babcock*

The Hampshire Air Festival is pleased to announce Babcock International Group (Babcock) as the key sponsor for its inaugural airshow, taking place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September.

As a major supporter of UK aerospace and defence, Babcock brings a strong operational and training heritage to the event.

The company partners with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), providing highly skilled pilots and in-house engineering, enabling the charity to deliver lifesaving critical care across the region. HIOWAA was based at Thruxton until its recent move to a new purpose-built home at Southampton Airport, with the charity returning to its former home as part of the airshow’s ground display.

It also supports the Royal Air Force (RAF) to deliver elementary flying training in the county through a fleet of Grob 115E ‘Tutor’ aircraft that it owns, manages and maintains, and will support the RAF Tutor Display Team that will be taking part in the airshow on both days.

Tom Morton, Managing Director for Babcock’s Aviation business, said: “The Hampshire Air Festival is an exciting addition to the region’s aviation calendar, inspiring future pilots, engineers and support crews while bringing together the local community and aviation enthusiasts. We’re proud to support the inaugural event and showcase the vital role we play in the region, from air ambulance support to flight training.”

Babcock personnel will be on-hand to engage with families and young people with aviation-themed and STEM-related activities as well as to highlight its critical role supporting the RAF, emergency services and wider aviation customers.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Babcock as a key sponsor for the first Hampshire Air Festival,” said Jonathan Moore, CEO of Montserrat Events, organisers of the Hampshire Air Festival. “The event honours the past while inspiring the next generation with our ‘Age of Flight’ theme. Babcock’s aviation work and contribution to the local community makes them a perfect partner for what we’re building.”

The Hampshire Air Festival is a family-focused event with a full flying programme which includes further support from the RAF with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota and Spitfires, plus a rare MiG 17 from Poland, and a Saturday evening extravaganza featuring pyro-aerobatic aircraft, a drone show and firework display. The event will also feature hands on activities for children, 1940’s re-enactors and vehicles, fun exhibits and trade stands and community partners from the aviation sector.

The Hampshire Air Festival takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September. Tickets can be purchased at: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust impacts over a million young people with STEM work

Figures from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) have revealed that 1.2 million young people have benefitted from their work since 2022.

The Gloucestershire-based charity invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space, and technology.

In 2022, RAFCT published its intention to reach 500,000 young people by this summer but new figures show they have more than exceeded that target.

Reflecting on the achievement, Director at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Dr Kevin P Stenson said: “This is a landmark moment for our charity. Since 2022, we have reached more young people than ever before, demonstrating the scale of the challenge the UK faces, the strategic need and the impact that can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose.

“I would like to thank my team and our dedicated partners for their unwavering commitment to supporting young people to engage with STEM across the UK. Their collective efforts are helping to unlock potential, build confidence and create opportunities where they are needed most.

“The challenges facing young people today are significant, which is why I believe our work has never been more important. While we are proud of this achievement, it also drives us to do more, reach further, and ensure that every young person has the chance to build a positive future.”

RAFCT has helped delivered STEM engagements to 10% of primary and secondary schools in the UK, with over 20 different partnerships inspiring young people to reach their potential in air, space, and technology.

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Chairman, Air Marshal Phil Osborn said: “I have had the privilege of being Chair of RAFCT since 2020, and I have never been more optimistic about the future of the Charity and RIAT, the air show that powers our work.’

“To see our ambition of reaching 500,000 young people not only achieved but more than doubled to 1.2 million is a remarkable testament to the vision, dedication and collaboration of everyone involved.

“This success is about far more than numbers. Every young person inspired to explore Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) represents potential for our Nation’s future prosperity, resilience and national security. The UK’s future depends on developing the talent, skill and commitment of the next generation, and the Trust is proud to play its part in that national endeavour.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with a clear sense that our work is only just beginning. There are many more young people whose potential is waiting to be unlocked, and we remain committed to working with our partners to ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the United Kingdom.”

To learn more visit www.RAFCT.com

RIAT27 tickets on sale now!

Get ready for an unforgettable return to RAF Fairford from 16-18 July 2027. Experience spectacular flying displays, incredible aircraft, family entertainment, and the unique atmosphere that makes RIAT the world’s greatest airshow, all set against our Tiger Gathering theme for RIAT27. (More themes will be announced later this year – watch this space!).

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or planning an amazing day out with family and friends, RIAT27 is an event you won’t want to miss. There’s something for everyone, young or old, to enjoy.

Over 60,000 tickets have been rolled over to next year’s show after this year’s cancellation – thank you so much from everyone at RIAT HQ for your support and we look forward to being back bigger and better than ever in 2027!

Demand is expected to be high for the remaining tickets, so now is the perfect time to buy to ensure you don’t miss out.

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