Old Warden, 1 July 2026 – Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft and Regency Swiss Garden, has seen a record increase in ticket sales (up over 120% in June 2026 in comparison to June 2025) for its Summer Air Show on 25 July 2026, with just under a month still to go to the event.
This success reflects the passion of the British public for the Spitfire, as this year’s event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, the WWII legend that played a key role in the Battle of Britain and D-Day. To commemorate this iconic aircraft, Shuttleworth will have ten Spitfires flying, representing different marks as the Spitfire evolved throughout WWII. Many of the exact Spitfires confirmed to be flying at Shuttleworth saw real action in WWII, including during the build-up and aftermath of the Normandy landings and the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Beyond the Spitfire celebration, Shuttleworth will be joined by other visiting aircraft, including a Hispano Buchon used in the film Dunkirk, a Boeing 727, andEurope’s only airworthy MiG-17F, an aircraft which played a significant role in Polish Military Aviation during the Cold War. A range of aircraft from Shuttleworth’s own collection of aircraft ranging from 1909-1950s will also fly at the event.
There will also be a range of ground attractions, including a funfair with a big wheel, teacups, and trampolines, Clayton & Shuttleworth heritage exhibits, the Bofors anti-aircraft gun, educational Discovery Zones, and vintage bus rides. Shuttleworth’s Swiss Garden will also be open for visitors to explore.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The excitement of visitors whenever a Spitfire takes to the skies at our air shows speaks volumes about its lasting significance. Reaching this record level of sales means we can go even further in delivering our charitable objectives.”
This summer, the RAF Museum Midlands is inviting young people aged 11–13 to take part in an exciting five-day RAF Summer Camp, packed with hands-on STEM activities in a unique aviation setting.
Delivered in partnership with Tablet Academy, the immersive programme will inspire the next generation of innovators through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Participants will explore robotics, flight, coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and team-based engineering challenges, all while learning in the inspiring surroundings of the RAF Museum.
With just 20 places available each week, the RAF Summer Camp will run from 27–31 July and 3–7 August, from 9.45am to 4.00pm daily. The camp costs £140 per child and includes all workshop materials, activities and a certificate of achievement.
Throughout the week, participants will take part in a series of engaging challenges and projects, including:
Monday – LEGO Engineering & Aeronautics
Build a vehicle capable of pulling an aircraft using LEGO Spike Prime technology
Discover how real-world aeronautical systems work and recreate them through robotics
Hands-on Museum walk exploring aircraft engineering systems.
Tuesday – Digital Creations & Virtual Spaces
Experiment with AI generative tools and create your own designs with Adobe Express
Create and explore immersive virtual environments using CoSpaces and VR technology.
Wednesday – Tech Adventures in Minecraft & Robotics
Navigate the skies in Minecraft with the Elytra Flight Challenge
Dive into design thinking with Sphero Blueprints and robotics challenges.
Thursday – Cyber Secrets & AI Exploration
Step into the world of wartime codebreaking and learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity
Train your own AI models using Teachable Machines.
Friday – Ultimate Build Challenge
Put the week’s learning into practice in a full day building challenge
Working in teams, innovate and create impressive projects to showcase and take home.
The RAF Summer Camp offers a fun and engaging way for young people to develop valuable STEM skills, build confidence and work collaboratively, while exploring the fascinating worlds of aviation and technology.
To book a place, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The camp is suitable for children aged 11–13. All equipment and materials are provided; participants should bring their own food and drinks each day.
Next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is set to burst into life with colour, character and heritage as it announces ‘Tiger Gathering’ as one of its headline themes for 2027.
Marking 50 years since the Silver Tiger Trophy was originally presented by the International Air Tattoo to the NATO Tiger Association, RIAT27 will host a special anniversary gathering of NATO Tiger units. Visitors can expect a vibrant line-up of aircraft from across the alliance, many adorned in the striking tiger markings that have become a hallmark of this unique aviation community.
The NATO Tiger Association is renowned for its spirit of camaraderie, professionalism and creativity – with specially painted aircraft forming one of its most celebrated traditions. RIAT27 will bring this spectacle to life on a global stage, with a rare opportunity to see multiple tiger-themed aircraft displayed together.
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “The 50th anniversary of the Silver Tiger Trophy is a fantastic milestone and a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate the heritage and enduring spirit of the NATO Tiger Association at RIAT.
“The Tiger Meet community is renowned for its energy, colour and personality. Bringing that to RIAT means our visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience – a ramp full of some of the most eye-catching military aircraft anywhere in the world.”
Each year, RIAT brings together over 200 aircraft and nearly 200,000 visitors from across the globe, offering an unforgettable day out for families and visitors of all ages. Beyond the spectacle, the event raises vital funds for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, supporting its mission to inspire young people in air, space and technology.
Tiger Gathering will be just one part of what promises to be an exciting and varied RIAT27 programme, with further themes and attractions to be announced later this year.
“It takes years of planning to deliver an event on the scale of RIAT,” added Peter. “Although RIAT27 may seem some way off, our team is already working hard to shape an exceptional show.
“Alongside Tiger Gathering, we have several other exciting themes in development, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans continue to take shape.” For more information, visit www.AirTattoo.com
This is a creative, engaging session for children aged 5yrs+ and is inspired by record-breaking aviatrix, Amy Johnson CBE.
Children can construct a model of plane that Amy Johnson flew in the MacRobertson Air Race!
Children can find out about Amy Johnson’s part, with her husband Jim Mollison, in the MacRobertson Air Race of 1934 when many pilots raced across the world from England to Australia! Children will construct their very own models of the space-age looking plane Amy and Jim flew, the DH.88 Comet, ‘Black Magic’
The session is delivered by Jenny Lockyer, experienced facilitator and Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.
FLY was created to elevate and celebrate Amy’s legacy and inspire people with her story. As the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and the second woman in the world to qualify as a ground engineer, Amy’s story begins with defying the odds. In her own words she was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things!
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
These are 1hr workshop sessions.
There are four sessions across the day, please book onto your chosen time slot.
10:30-11:30
11:45-12:45
13:45-14:45
15:00-16:00
PLEASE NOTE:
Please book ahead!
You can avoid booking fees ahead of the day by joining the FLY Festival mailing list. Please email Jenny at FLYFestivaldirector@outlook.com
This workshop is taking place at The Croydon Airport Open day on Sunday 2nd August but is bookable SEPARATELY. Please book your open day tickets here:https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk
If you just want to attend a workshop and not the Open Day that’s fine, just book onto the time slot of your choice.
********************************************************************* FLY Festival is busy working to raise funds for activities elevating the legacy of the incredible Amy Johnson, whose story cannot fail to inspire. As we head towards the 2030 centenary of Amy’s solo flight from England to Australia, FLY is hard at work to bring to life an exciting national event for this very special anniversary.
Historic Croydon Airport Trust have been running their very popular open days for years now, attracting visitors to this iconic Art Deco building, the UK’s first international airport and seat of modern aviation. In the golden age of flying pioneers, it was from this aerodrome that a string of international record-breaking flights began, including those of Amy Johnson, first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930.
A unique and exciting new charity event, Wings & Whiskers, will set the tone for an unforgettable weekend ahead of the Headcorn International Airshow, taking place at Headcorn Aerodrome this coming Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday 26th June (7pm–11pm), this special evening event will be hosted in the exclusive Mustang Lounge, offering guests a relaxed summer atmosphere filled with entertainment, aviation heritage, and fundraising — all in support of the incredible work of The Big Cat Sanctuary.
With 600 guests expected, Wings & Whiskers promises to be one of Kent’s most distinctive charity evenings, combining live music, immersive experiences, and spectacular surroundings.
Event Highlights Include:
A sensational Michael Bublé tribute live performance courtesy of Jason Allen
A stunning North American P-51 Mustang displayed in the lounge, painted as the legendary “Moonbeam McSwine” — the aircraft of William T. Whisner, a triple ace of the Second World War. The Mustang itself became one of the most important long-range fighters of the war, escorting bombers deep into Germany and helping secure Allied air superiority. Fast, powerful, and iconic, it remains one of aviation’s most celebrated aircraft
Jeep rides and unique access experiences
A rare opportunity to tour “The Big Cat” the iconic PBY Catalina — a remarkable Second World War aircraft with a rich operational history. Built in Canada in 1943, it served with the Royal Canadian Air Force on the Pacific coast, flying vital day and night anti-submarine patrols during a time of real invasion threat. Operating from remote bases in British Columbia, it played a crucial role in defending North America’s western shores. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved and rare example of a true wartime veteran
A fully stocked bar alongside street food trucks
Comfortable marquee seating and outdoor garden space
The magical sight of aircraft arriving across the airfield at sunset
Tickets are priced at £30, with 100% of proceeds going directly to The Big Cat Sanctuary, helping to support vital conservation and animal welfare work.
As anticipation builds for the weekend’s flying displays, Wings & Whiskers offers the perfect way to begin the celebrations — blending entertainment, community spirit, and a meaningful cause.
Come for the music. Support the big cats. Start the airshow weekend in style.
The RAF Museum London and Midlands are now ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% of attractions worldwide, as recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2026.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travellers’ favourites.
‘We are delighted that both RAF Museum sites have been recognised among travellers’ favourites this year. As one of the travel industry’s most prestigious accolades, Travellers’ Choice is particularly meaningful because it is based on the feedback of our visitors. Being ranked among the top 10% of attractions worldwide is a tremendous achievement and reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers to delivering memorable and inspiring experiences every day. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their positive reviews and support our museums.’
Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer at Tripadvisor said:
‘Congratulations to the RAF Museum on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2026. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.’
This award follows recent recognition from Which?, who named RAF Museum Midlands a Recommended Provider and rated it joint top among UK museums. While the RAF Museum London received the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.
The RAF Museum is committed to delivering outstanding visitor experiences while sharing the stories of the Royal Air Force and its people with audiences of all ages. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.
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.
