Archive for the ‘News UK’ Category

Free family fun at the RAF Museum’s Community Day

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

RAF Museum - stories of local people that served in the RAF

Date: 15 September / Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm / Cost: Free

Experience the spirit of the Midlands on Sunday 15 September, as the RAF Museum Midlands throws open its doors for a vibrant, free Community Day in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council.

This exciting event will bring together communities from every corner of the region, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and history that makes the Midlands unique. Expect a day bursting with lively music, dance performances, have-a-go activities, fascinating displays, street food, and so much more!

Throughout the day a spectacular line-up of dance, music, and spoken word performances will light up the stage! Immerse yourself in Dhol drumming, Polish dancing, and live jazz music—guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet. Marvel at the jaw-dropping African acrobatics show that will have you joining in and feast your eyes on the mesmerising Chinese dance and music. Surrounded by aircraft, families will be enthralled by captivating storytelling, inspiring poetry, and energetic rap performances. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!

Join in on a lively assortment of interactive workshops where the whole family can get involved! Get hands-on with Dhol drum classes, unleash your artistic side in art workshops, or learn the energetic moves of Bhangra dance. You can also test your strength, balance, and agility with a thrilling African acrobatic circus skills experience. Plus, have a go at shooting hoops on the pop-up basketball court—there’s something fun for everyone to try!

The Museum will highlight the inspiring stories of local people who have served, or are currently serving, in the RAF. Visitors can explore a range of displays that showcase the deep connections between the RAF and Midlands communities, featuring a special exhibit on the Polish Air Squadrons.

Beyond the Community Day activities, families can explore the Museum’s unique collection, ranging from bi-planes to fast jets, in four vast display hangars. Experience the excitement of flying in the interactive Flight Zone, let the little ones go wild in the aviation themed playground, or try on some of the RAF uniforms and pose for a selfie. The Museum is packed with flying entertainment for the whole family!

Entry to the RAF Museum Midlands and the Community Day is free. For more details and to pre-book your arrival time, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

Come and join us in the Flight Deck for RIAT25 now 15% off

Sunday, August 25th, 2024

RIAT Flightdeck

If you’re making the most of our discounts and planning next year’s trip to RAF Fairford already, why not consider Flight Deck?

Currently on offer at 15% off full price for Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of July next year, you can enjoy a relaxed feel with delicious street food, private toilets and an outstanding view of aircraft as they get airborne.

On top of that, your exclusive area also includes informal seating, a welcome drink and plenty of shade to keep you prepared for an unpredictable Great British summer.

Last but not least, if you’re an avid photographer, Flight Deck also provides a standing photography area to help you capture your favourite aircraft.

Don’t delay and upgrade to the Flight Deck today!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/flight-deck/

Fun for the whole family!

Sunday, August 18th, 2024

RIAT family

If you’re looking for an enclosure which provides space and entertainment for youngsters, then our Family Enclosure is the place for you.

Open all day on Saturday and Sunday, the Family Enclosure allows you to pitch up with your loved ones and take in incredible international air displays from all over the world.

If any of your children are budding aviators, they’ll also be able to interact with pilots with aircrews visiting the enclosure across the show days.

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/family-enclosure/

Super early bird tickets selling fast

Sunday, August 11th, 2024

RIAT Static display

If you’re suffering with post-RIAT blues, you can still secure your spot at next year’s show for a discounted price!

With tickets for next year’s event – taking place at RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July – already on sale, why wait when you can buy yours today.

In addition, you can also elevate your visit by adding one of our enclosures which are currently offering a 15% discount.

There may still be over 300 days until next year’s event but we are already looking forward to seeing you all there.

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum and RAF Air Cadets Join Forces

Friday, August 9th, 2024

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton

The Royal Air Force Museum and the RAF Air Cadets are pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement formalising their strategic partnership. The partnership will draw on RAF stories for inspiration, learning and enjoyment, supporting the RAF Air Cadets to develop new skills and understanding and ensuring the RAF Museum’s collection and sites remain relevant for people of all ages.

The Agreement marks a significant step forward in fostering a deeper relationship between the two organisations. It was signed at the Museum in London by RAF Museum CEO – Maggie Appleton MBE and Commandant RAF Air Cadets – Air Cdre A C Keeling OBE.

The first major project to combine our resources and expertise is the co-creation of a new exhibition which is part of the Museum’s Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme opening in 2027 that will explore the RAF and its people from 1980 to the present day and invite visitors to imagine its future.

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton MBE:
‘The RAF Air Cadets have generously supported the Museum over many years at events and receptions at both our London and Midlands sites and, in turn, enjoyed engagement with our team and exhibitions. We are delighted to formalise our partnership with this Agreement and very much look forward to deepening and developing our friendship together.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Price freeze is now over

Sunday, August 4th, 2024

RIAT

This year’s price freeze is now over but if you still want to secure your place at next year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at a discounted price, you can with our super early bird offer.
Don’t miss out and book your tickets now.

In addition, you can also enhance your experience for less by checking into one of our enclosures, which are currently available at 15% off for a limited time only.

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Secure your place at RIAT25 at the best possible price

Sunday, July 28th, 2024

RIAT 2025

After an amazing weekend at RIAT24, the world’s greatest airshow, tickets for RIAT25 are now on sale! We hope anyone who attended this year’s show enjoyed themselves as much as we did and now can’t wait for RIAT25.

There’s a price freeze on general admission tickets for both Friday and Sunday until 31 July 2024, as well as 15% off many of our enclosures.

Tickets are at this price for a limited time, so buy your tickets now and save money for RIAT25!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Bravo, Bravo! Doors to the RAF Museum’s Flying Theatre show now open

Saturday, July 27th, 2024

Bravo Bravo!

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: From £10.00

Summer’s off to a flying start at the RAF Museum Midlands, as doors to the thrilling action-packed family Flying Theatre show – Bravo, Bravo open!

Bravo, Bravo is an immersive performance about the world-famous RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November, that will wow audiences as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! This dynamic storytelling experience, enriched with humour, dance, and plenty of audience participation, brings to life the Chinook’s ‘impossible’ real-life tales, ensuring families are engaged from start to finish.

Over the course of the 45-minute show, performers embody the characters of Bravo November, and her friends, Vulcan, Victor and EAP. Each aircraft with their distinct personalities, compete against one another in a battle to be crowned the best aircraft. Despite Bravo November’s struggle to match the speed or size of her competitors, the final round reveals her incredible stories in a captivating demonstration of her spirit and invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo combines exceptional skill and artistry, with an immersive portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy, showcasing a machine that epitomises the extraordinary.

Alex Woolliscroft, RAF Museum Public Events Manager said:
‘Bravo, Bravo is not just a show, it’s an exhilarating journey through aviation history that brings the incredible stories of the RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November to life. We’re excited to offer families this unique and immersive experience this summer. Our partnership with Highly Sprung guarantees a captivating performance that educates and entertains, making it a must-see event for all ages.’

The Bravo, Bravo Flying Theatre show will run from 25 July until 1 September, Wednesday to Sunday, at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets are priced from £10.00. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30.00 per person (max 10 per show).

Dazzling displays and memorable moments as thousands enjoy historic Royal International Air Tattoo

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

RIAT Red Arrows

After selling-out at a record pace the Royal International Air Tattoo proved to be a hit as hundreds of aircraft soared over RAF Fairford in front of thousands of visitors.

In total, the aviation showcase welcomed 248 aircraft from 29 nations as 150,000 people descended on the rural airfield.

On Friday, as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) 75th anniversary, visitors were treated to a unique flypast featuring aircraft from different NATO nations together, led by a Royal Air Force Rivet Joint.

Saturday saw history being made as the Royal Air Force Typhoon completed its first public display on sustainable aviation fuel, as well as celebrations for both the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which turned 50-years old this year.

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “This year has been a stellar event, with highlights across the weekend.”

“We have been delighted with the level of support and I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved in facilitating our event, from visitors, aircrew, staff members and volunteers – without them, we wouldn’t be able to host the Royal International Air Tattoo.”

On the ground, there was plenty for people to get involved with as the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, RIAT’s parent charity, provided a booster line-up for the Inspire Stage with Tom Fletcher, Jessica Gagen and Grace Webb all speaking to young people about their experiences with aviation.

Tickets for next year’s show are already on sale, with next year’s Air Tattoo due to take place on 18th, 19th and 20th of July.

“Work is already well underway for next year’s event and we look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months,” added Paul.

“We would love to have you join us here at RAF Fairford next summer and with tickets already on sale, now is the best time to secure your place for the best possible price.”

Tickets are available via www.AirTattoo.com.

Iconic F-16 fast jet celebrated at Royal International Air Tattoo

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

RIAT F16 cake presentation

This weekend aircrew from around the world brought their world-famous F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to RAF Fairford, as the jet’s 50th anniversary was celebrated at RIAT.

After first flying in 1974, the aircraft is currently still in production and is well renowned for its speed and agility.

Celebrating the jet’s 50th anniversary was a theme for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, alongside ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space, 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force and 75-years of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

On Saturday afternoon, alongside RIAT’s static ‘Viper Line’ which extended over 300 metres in length with aircraft from different eras and nations, current operators took part in an event to mark five decades of the flagship Lockheed Martin product. The line-up was headed by a jet from the Royal Netherlands Air Force which had special markings applied especially for RIAT, inspired by the red, white and blue livery of the first YF-16 prototype.

Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “We’ve been working for nearly eighteen months on making sure the event was a worthy celebration for the 50th Anniversary of such an iconic aircraft.

“To see F-16s from so many nations together in one place has been truly unique and a sight which should live long in the memory of all those who visit RIAT this weekend.”

In addition to the long line of jets in different colour schemes and marking on the static display, the weekend’s flying programme was punctuated with flying displays from the Fighting Falcon with Denmark and Turkey showcasing their jets in the air.

“The F-16 is symbolic of enduring partnerships and industrial collaboration. From the beginning, the F-16 program laid the groundwork for close cooperation, allied standardization and joint training practices,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group.

“Fifty years later, it still is building and sustaining partnerships – all of which were on display at this the RIAT celebration.”

www.airtattoo.com