UK Aviation Museum News – Page 4

Brooklands Museum’s 2026 Events Calendar & Grand Prix Centenary

2026 marks the 100^th anniversary of Britain’s 1^st Grand Prix, held at Brooklands Race Circuit. It will be a year of celebrations, including a special event on 8 August 2026, to honour the speed, passion and heritage at the original home of British motorsport.

Alongside the centenary celebrations the Museum’s events programme is set to be as busy as ever, offering many memorable days for motoring and aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

Our ever-popular New Year’s Day Classic Gathering kick-starts the season on 1 January, the first of three Classic Gatherings in 2026. This will be followed by the Easter Classic Gathering on 4 April and later the Summer Classic Gathering and Autojumble on 26 July, where enthusiasts can peruse and grab a bargain amongst the large array of trade stands.

Witness competitive action at several events throughout the year including the Vintage Sports Car Club’s annual Driving Tests on 8 February where drivers will tackle complicated courses around the historic site. Later, the Brooklands National Autotest returns for its second year on 2 August featuring Championship drivers take on challenging manoeuvres in timed tests. And not forgetting, the Brooklands Relived – Festival of Motorsport weekend on 13-14 June that steps back into Brooklands’ hey-day. Featuring Sprints on Mercedes-Benz World track, Autotests on the Finishing Straight, Pride of Brooklands Concours, race starts and Test Hill ascents – the site will come alive with the roar of engines. Alongside the motoring action, visitors of all ages can enjoy live vintage themed music, costume and food, dancing and traditional family games, to truly reignite the spirit of Brooklands!

Another highlight for 2026 will be the highly anticipated Aviation Day, returning to Brooklands after a hiatus on 13 September, transforming the site to all things aeronautical with exciting displays in store.

As ever, Brooklands Museum will celebrate marques from across the globe including firm favourites Italian Day on 2 May, American Day on 30 August and German Day on 27 September. Furthermore, following the successful introduction of Japanese Day in 2025, it will be returning earlier in 2026 on 21 June. Explore the full range of marque specific events on the website, which will be complimented with busy trade and food stands alongside entertainment, sure to make a fun day out for all generations.

Special guests will be returning to delight our younger fans including Paddington Bear at Best of British on 25 May, which combines the best of British manufacturing alongside traditional British family entertainment. Popular children’s characters Bluey and Bingo will be joining for special guest appearances on 18 July at Working Vehicles Day, where the site will be filled with working machines such as tractors, mobile cranes, airfield vehicles and more. And the annual favourite Emergency Services Day on 19 September, gives everyone a chance to see the everyday heroes of our country as well as exciting demonstrations, together with PAW Patrol’s Skye, Chase and Marshall coming back to say hello.

Don’t miss the usual favourites, including Mini Day on 22 March, Motorcycle Day on 5 July and Motorsport Day on11 October, alongside London Bus Museum’s three popular events – Spring Gathering, 19 April, Summer Festival, 28 June and Transportfest, 18 October. Finishing the season will see the return of Off Road Day on 1 November where anyone with an off road vehicle can challenge themselves on the off road course at Mercedes-Benz World and ascend the famous Test Hill.

Tickets for the whole year are available now and there is so much more to discover in the 2026 programme. See the full calendar on the website for the planned fly ins, evening talks, club and rally meets, and get involved in the Grand Prix themed activities throughout the school holidays to celebrate this special centenary year.

With our amazing value membership you can enjoy unlimited admission all year round including a large list of events. Plus, there are a range of benefits including a members’ magazine and selected special discounts. As a registered charity and protected heritage site, a Brooklands membership goes a long way in helping preserve the original home of British motorsport and aviation, and to continue inspiring future generations.

Make 2026 memorable – fantastic days out await at Brooklands.

EXPLORE THE 2026 CALENDAR

Museum Scoops Silver Award

A glittering awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on Tuesday evening, saw the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, scoop the silver award for Tourism Event of the Year for Wallop Wheels and Wings, at the Beautiful South Awards organised by Tourism South East.

The awards celebrate excellence within the tourism sector, with 75 finalists from tourism and hospitality businesses in South East England gathered for the ceremony.

This is the second consecutive year that the Army Flying Museum has reached the final of the prestigious awards and recognises the hard work the Museum team has undertaken in establishing this event on the national calendar.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said: “We are so thrilled to have been given this award which recognises the hard work that the entire team of staff and volunteers at the Museum has achieved over the last few years. Wallop Wheels & Wings is our flagship event, and we are extremely proud of how it has developed since our inaugural event in 2021. The last year has been a very special one at the Museum with us celebrating 40 year and we continue to go from strength to strength. I am incredibly proud of all the team and to be presented with the silver award by Tourism South East was the icing on the cake.”

Fran Downton, Chief Executive of Tourism South East said: “It was a real honour to play host to such truly exceptional businesses, and the strength of the winners is testament to the incredible standards and unwavering quality of the South’s tourism industry.”

The Museum, which also won Silver in the Best Small Attraction Award last year and ‘Best Aviation Museum’ in the Airscene Awards 2023 and 2024, is most certainly getting recognised both locally and nationally, and firmly making its mark on the local tourism sector.

www.armyflying.com

Shuttleworth Engineering Apprenticeship Applications Now Open

Shuttleworth Engineering Apprenticeships

Here at Shuttleworth, we’re keen to welcome the next generation of engineers into the industry. Our rolling apprenticeship scheme offers those with a passion for aviation the chance to work on our unique Collection.

Beginning over 50 years ago, we have seen many apprentices pass through our workshop, with many of them staying at Shuttleworth following their four-year programme.

The scheme is always heavily subscribed due to the diverse selection of aircraft within our Collection, but we’d love to ensure this opportunity reaches as far and wide as possible to ensure that candidates from a range of backgrounds can apply.

Applications for our next apprenticeship placement (starting September 2026) are now open. Apply by 2 March 2026.

Apply foe Engineering Apprenticeship HERE

Historic Aircraft Collection’s Hawker Hurricane Makes Move to Shuttleworth

On 26 November 2025, pilot Dave Harvey flew Hawker Hurricane G-HURI into Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, where the aircraft will now reside amongst Shuttleworth’s own Collection aircraft. Staff were thrilled to welcome another Hurricane into the Collection hangars – with their own Hawker Sea Hurricane being a firm favourite with visitors.

Acquired by Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002, Hawker Hurricane G-HURI was one of the first civilian Hurricanes flying in 1989. Over the years, it has worn many schemes – including 71, 126 and 303 Squadrons – and now wears the 302 (City of Poznan) Squadron colour scheme. The squadron codes depicted are also significant in representing two Polish pilots who were scrambled out of RAF Duxford during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Flying Officer J Kowalski and Flight Lieutenant T Chlopik left the base on 15 September 1940 with only Kowalski going on to survive the war – Chlopik was killed in action later that day.

The aircraft was part of the 2005 ‘Merlins Over Malta’ project that saw it fly with Spitfire VB BM597 over Malta in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, and is due to take part of Polish Heritage Flight’s upcoming commemorative flight to Poland.

Pilot Dave Harvey, said, “We are delighted to begin this new chapter for Hawker Hurricane G-HURI at Old Warden, surrounded by the remarkable aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection. We look forward with great anticipation to our first air show season at one of the UK’s premier airshow venues.”

John Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, said, “We are thrilled to now house this fantastic aircraft amongst our own Collection. With two Hurricanes now residing at Old Warden, we’re even more excited for the air show season ahead.”

Hawker Hurricane G-HURI is now on display in Hangar 4 of the Shuttleworth Collection – aptly named ‘Dangerous Skies’ for its celebration of iconic military aircraft. To see the aircraft, you can purchase 30-day return tickets to Shuttleworth Collection and Garden or look out for which of Shuttleworth’s 2026 air shows will feature a display from the aircraft (once confirmed) via www.shuttleworth.org.

Autumn Update at Newark Air Museum

The recent drop in temperatures has meant that volunteers at Newark Air Museum (NAM) have been forced to reduce the amount of work being undertaken on the external exhibits around the site.

However, this was not before they were able to complete the all-important application of detailed markings on their repainted Jaguar XX829. This T2A version of the Anglo-French strike fighter training aircraft now wears the wraparound camouflage markings it once wore whilst in squadron service with 54 Squadron.

Sadly, work on the adjacent Lightning T5 aircraft, XS417 has also been suspended due to the weather, this is before the new 56 Squadron repaint could be completed. XS417 still requires the application of the detailed markings, which will be carried out when temperatures rise to acceptable levels.

Some in-depth restoration work is currently underway on the Blue Steel missile, which has been moved into NAM’s on site Workshop.

Elsewhere on site planning is underway for the 2026 restoration projects that will be resourced and implemented in the New Year.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Soaring to new heights

Following on from five fabulous sell out years, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop has launched its flagship fundraising event bright and early again for 2026, with tickets now on sale for Wallop Wheels and Wings. The event will take place on 11 July 2026 and with prices fixed until 31 January, early bookers have the chance to make some great savings and get a date in their diaries for another fun day out.

Demand for tickets is sure to be high as the event in 2025 was the biggest and best yet, with an amazing finale by the Army Air Corps Display Team, and has seen Wallop Wheels and Wings 2025 make it to the final of Tourism Event of the Year at the Beautiful South awards organised by Tourism South East.

The event in 2026 is set to be another amazing day of motoring and aviation, with a huge array of classic and super cars/bikes to keep motor enthusiasts entertained, including a variety of vehicle parades. If weather permits, visitors can pull up a deckchair and watch an array of fixed wing and rotary aircraft taking to the skies and chat to the many pilots flying into the event, along with watching some spectacular air displays.

With a wonderful mix of food, drink, and gifts in the shopping village there will be plenty for non-enthusiasts to browse throughout the day, along with a wide array of delicious food from the many catering units including Mexican and Chinese food and gourmet pizzas and fish and chips, to keep hunger at bay.

Families will have a packed day in store with lots of activities to keep little ones entertained throughout the day. With everything from electric go karts to replica pedal planes, laser tag to craft activities, mini tanks to circus skills, there will never be a dull moment.

The Discovery Den will again be filled with plenty of hands-on STEM activities from Platinum sponsors GKN Aerospace to get young minds buzzing.

Other attractions will include historic aircraft, living history re-enactors and returning for 2026, a Speaker’s tent, with a wide array of authors taking to the stage and signing books for visitors. All full price tickets bought in advance for the event include a free annual pass to the Museum, which is valid from 12 July, however visitors can purchase an add-on ticket to the Museum should they wish to explore on the day.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum Lucy Johnson said: “After the success of this year’s event, the great news about the Beautiful South Awards, and the fantastic feedback we received, we are so excited to be launching our 2026 Wallop Wheels and Wings fundraiser. The event is so important for us as a charity in raising much needed funds to ensure the continued future of the Museum. The team are already working hard to make sure that it’s going to be a great day out for families and enthusiasts alike. We have a few surprises lined up for the day and a wide range of entertainment for all ages and we look forward to sharing more information over the coming months.” For further information or to book tickets visit https://armyflying.digitickets.co.uk/category/21547

Pucará A-515 Joins the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum are pleased to announce the arrival of ex Argentinian FMA Pucará ‘A-515’ to join our Falklands War display ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ – the UK’s largest permanent display dedicated to the conflict.

Flying with the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) from the Falkland Islands, A-515 took part in a number of missions throughout the war against British forces, including the final Pucará mission on the 10th June. During this sortie, the aircraft was lightly damaged by small arms fire and would not fly again before the Argentine surrender on the 14th June.

Captured by British forces at the end of the conflict, the Pucará was returned to the UK for trials and evaluation work with the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at MOD Boscombe Down. After extensive work to assess the aircraft and ensure its airworthiness, A-515 was allocated the RAF Serial of ZD485 and flown for approximately 25 hours in the UK, the only captured Pucará to be flown in the UK.

After completion of the trials work, A-515 was flown to the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford on 9th September 1983, A-515 remained part of the RAF Museum collection until being transferred to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in October 2025.

Joining the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum’s ‘11 weeks in 1982’ display, Pucará A-515 is now displayed alongside a number of other veteran aircraft from both sides of the Falklands War1 and a memorial dedicated to the 255 British servicemen and 3 islanders killed during the war. The Pucará has been rebuilt by our dedicated volunteers and is currently displayed outdoors pending future museum development when it will be moved indoors.

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum curator Naylan Moore said “The acquisition of the Pucará is a fantastic addition to our ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ display, joining a number of other aircraft that flew on both sides of the conflict. This will allow us to further share the story of the Falklands War with our visitors and honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Dr Harry Raffal, Head of collections and Research at the RAF Museum said: “The RAF Museum’s gifting of the Pucará A-515 will provide the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum with an exciting new exhibit. The Pucará was operated by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina during the Falklands War, although not in direct contact with the RAF. The gift will share the Pucará story with new audiences and expand the wider understanding of the Falklands War. “

www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

POV: Shuttleworth Only Do Air Shows… Think Again!

Shuttleworth is highly regarded for its spectacular annual season of air shows, but if you were under the impression that air shows were where the events stopped, you’d be missing out. Today Shuttleworth have announced their 2026 ‘Events & More’ season – basically, any and all events outside of their air shows – and boy are there some exciting things going on at the Biggleswade based estate.

2026 will see 20 (yes, you heard right, 20!) non-air show events taking place across the year – and that’s before you even consider their annual Shuttleworth in Lights winter trail and festive offering. Of those 20, there will be six brand new events specifically focused on letting the general public into Shuttleworth House on a more regular basis. The Jacobean style mansion house is primarily an award-winning wedding and private hire space.

So, what are the new events? On 9 January, the inaugural Comedy Night at Shuttleworth House will take place with more to be announced throughout the year. Also kicking off a new series will be the String Quartet: Spring Sessions on 24 April. Whether is live comedy or live classical music, these events promise world-class entertainment in an opulent yet intimate setting. Continuing the theme of glamour and decadence, visitors are invited to take inspiration from Bond and dress up for a Casino Royale night at Shuttleworth House on 28 March. You can walk the red carpet, enjoy something “shaken, not stirred” from the bar and use fun-money to place your bets! For 2026, Shuttleworth is also introducing new themed tribute music nights. At their ABBA night (11 April) and Blues Brothers night (28 August) you can enjoy all your favourite hits performed live by fantastic tribute artists before dancing the night away with an after party. Then, for the very first time, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 air show season with a Season Premiere Pre-Show Party on 9 May.

2026 will see the welcome return of some audience favourites too. For the last weekend of the February half term (21 & 22 February) Shuttleworth throws open it’s engineering hangar doors for Engineering Open Workshop. Last year’s event saw record attendance and you can expect a fantastic introduction to how the Shuttleworth team restore and maintain their remarkably unique Collection of aircraft, vehicles and wider exhibits – complete with interactive activities for the whole family. As spring makes a welcome return, 4 & 5 April will see the Easter Bunny flying into a classic Shuttleworth event. Packed with family entertainment, an egg hunt and so much more, if you’re looking to change things up this Easter, look no further. Then, following the huge success of the past two years, Shuttleworth’s Summer Fete Open Weekend returns on 4 & 5 July. For just £7.50 per adult with kids going free, you can enjoy a massive array of activity across the entire Shuttleworth site. From live music to a craft and gift market, fun fair, demonstrations from the Shuttleworth Fire Service, a showcase of models plus full access to the Collection hangars and nine-acre Swiss Garden there’s plenty to explore across the weekend. All this for just £7.50!

But that’s not all, you’ve then got the ever-popular Murder Mystery events to enjoy, a world record attempt, the 150th anniversary of Shuttleworth House itself, Wedding Shows and some brilliant third-party events to boot.

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said, “We’re so excited to be dramatically expanding our wider events offering for 2026, particularly with our exciting new events at Shuttleworth House. We can’t wait to welcome even more to experience what we do so well at Shuttleworth next year.”

www.shuttleworth.org

Autumn Season Takes Flight at Army Flying Museum

Army Flying Museum Remembrance — *photo by John Rose Photography*

Despite being in the midst of the busy summer holidays with lots of fun activities keeping families entertained, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is already gearing up for a packed Autumn Season, with a wide array of events programmed to entice visitors new and old into the stunning surroundings of the Hayward Hall.

The new programme of events will commence with a daytime talk to commemorate Operation Market Garden will be delivered by former Curator of the Museum – Derek Armitage – on Wednesday 13 September, with a further daytime talk ‘Wings Over the Guns’ by Museum Tour Guide, Mike O’Donoghue on Thursday 16 October. The Autumn will also see three new evening lectures planned which particularly appeal to military enthusiasts, with two very special talks to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

On 27 September, the wonderful Romsey Male Voice Choir return to the Museum. The 60 strong choir perform with passion, tenderness, laughter and fun and likes to give its audiences something just a bit different! The choir will be accompanied by special guests Romsey Songbird.

Another fabulous treat for music lovers lies in store when Salisbury Big Band take centre stage at the Museum on 4 October for another great toe-tapping celebration of swing, jazz and big band classics.

For October half term, the Museum will be staging some fantastic creepy creature craft activities and Halloween themed trails for children along with the popular model making and painting sessions. As a special treat, there will be a special Meccano day the Museum on Wednesday 29 October.

On Tuesday 11 November, the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir will perform in the Hayward Hall with a stunning Concert of Remembrance. The concert has sold out in previous years, so customers are advised to book early for this very special event.

Two fabulous fairs are lined up for the weekend of the 22/23 November. On 22^nd, an array of local gift, craft and food providers will kick start the Christmas shopping period with the Museum’s annual Christmas Fair. Over thirty stall holders will be available to browse alongside the Museum’s popular gift shop and there will also be festive trails and craft activities on offer for children to enjoy. Sunday 23^rd November sees the staging of the Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Fair and Model Show when every nook and cranny of the Museum will be packed full of exhibitors and stall holders for enthusiasts to browse.

December sees the return of the very special family event ‘Santa’s Flying Visit’. On Saturday 6 December, children will have the opportunity to meet and have a professional photo taken with Santa in the historic Scout helicopter, along with festive craft activities, trails and refreshments to keep families entertained.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said “We are thrilled to present another busy Autumn season of events here at the Museum and hope to attract lots more new visitors through our doors, not only to enjoy the events, but also to see more of the work we do as a charity in telling the story of British Army aviation.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.armyflying.com

Funding Announced to Safeguard the Ultimate ‘Airfix Model’ Instruction Manual

NMRN Barracuda — *Various parts curated for Barracuda Live Credit NMRN*

• The National Museum of the Royal Navy has been awarded Archives Revealed funding.
• The grant—worth nearly £50,000—will support the cataloguing of the Fairey Aviation Company Archive, helping to unlock the story of British naval aviation.
• This archive will play a vital role in Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild—a decade-long project to reconstruct a complete Second World War Fairey Barracuda aircraft to original factory specifications.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) announced on Monday 18th August, that it has been awarded nearly £50,000 from the Archives Revealed programme. The Cataloguing Grant supports organisations in improving access to important historical collections, enabling them to make detailed archival material more widely available to researchers and the public.

The funding will support the cataloguing of the Fairey Aviation Company Archive, a crucial resource underpinning Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild—NMRN’s decade-long project to reconstruct a complete Fairey Barracuda aircraft to original Second World War factory specifications.

Founded in 1915 by Sir Charles Richard Fairey, Fairey Aviation produced several iconic aircraft, including the Barracuda and the Swordfish—both critical to the Royal Navy’s Second World War operations. Later innovations saw the company be the first to break the world air speed record with a speed faster than 1,000mph and design the now-iconic ‘droop snoot’ later used on Concorde.

Led by NMRN with support from the Ministry of Defence, Barracuda Live gathers surviving aircraft parts from crash sites across the British Isles. Each part undergoes a rigorous conservation process to verify authenticity, stabilise condition, and preserve its historical significance. This work is shared through an innovative ‘Live Conservation’ programme at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Somerset.

The grant will allow the team to unlock vital technical drawings, development notes, test reports, and design documents buried deep within the Fairey Aviation archive. Of value are original Barracuda schematics—effectively the aircraft’s instruction manual—which will directly guide the reconstruction effort.

*An example of the historically important documents in the collection Credit NMRN*

Louisa Blight, Head of Collections and Research at NMRN, says: “We are hugely grateful to the Archives Revealed programme for their generous support. For a long time, the Barracuda project has felt like building a life-sized Airfix model—but this funding gives us the instruction manual we’ve been missing. We’re also thankful to our colleagues at the Royal Air Force Museum, whose collaboration has helped us create a unified research collection that honours the pioneers of 20th-century naval aviation.”

Dr Harry?Raffal, Head of Collections and Research at the Royal Air Force Museum who has worked alongside the NMRN team to transfer the archive says: “We are delighted to have worked collaboratively with our fellow service museum to enable this transfer to take place. The successful funding application is such good news. The funds will help to unlock this significant aviation archive so that it can be shared with a wider audience and provide further, vital support for the Barracuda restoration project. Projects like Barracuda Live embody the kind of rigorous scholarship and passionate conservation that define both our museums. Together we’re ensuring that this extraordinary chapter of British naval aviation is not only rebuilt but re-understood and celebrated for generations to come.”

Archives Revealed is a partnership programme between The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund which helps unlock collections across the UK and build the skills needed to care for them into the future.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, says: “This programme is partnership working at its best. We are delighted to see 16 cataloguing grants awarded across the UK through this latest round of the Archives Revealed partnership programme. These awards open up rich and wide-ranging archival collections from different communities, expand access and deepen understanding of the stories they hold. Congratulations to all new grant holders.”

https://www.nmrn.org.uk