Moving over to Sweden, we have a RIAT debut in the flying display with a Sikorsky Hkp16 Black Hawk joining the line-up with another one lining up on static display this July in what is a great addition to this year’s programme. Rounding off this week’s update, we also have a civilian-owned Hawker Hunter T.72 and a Rheims-Cessna F152 on static.
The Royal Air Force has become the latest to confirm their participation at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) by announcing the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon will be touching down at RAF Fairford in July.
So far, the aviation showcase has announced 40 aircraft from 11 different nations, ranging from everything to helicopters and fast jets to huge transport aircraft – with almost 20 weeks still remaining until this year’s show.
Not only have aircraft confirmed their attendance, to date organisers say over 80,000 people have secured their spot at the event which takes place on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of July.
This year’s show will be celebrating the role of aviation in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue and more under the theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’. This July also marks 40 years since the Air Tattoo first moved to RAF Fairford.
Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and Red 1, said: “The Red Arrows have a great deal of heritage with RAF Fairford – having been based there in the team’s earliest days until a move late in 1966.
“This strong, historic connection with the airfield is one of the many reasons why displaying at RIAT is always a special moment for the Red Arrows.
“However, what makes performing at RIAT particularly enjoyable, is knowing just how many families are there, watching and enjoying the event and understanding the opportunity we have, as a display team, to hopefully inspire future aviators.
“RIAT also gives the Red Arrows team – both air and ground crew – a good chance to meet countless people and we can’t wait to see everyone and display our brand new 2025 show.”
Joining the Red Arrows at this year’s show will also be iconic warbirds from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as the RAF’s modern-day combat Typhoon aircraft.
In addition to the iconic nine-ship display team, the announcement also sees the return of the BBMF Spitfire, which will be participating alongside fellow historic aircraft in the Lancaster and Hurricane. They join an already exciting line-up of aircraft, including displays never seen before at the Air Tattoo such as the Swedish Black Hawk and Portuguese Merlin.
Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton, said: “The Red Arrows announcement is always met with huge excitement from our visitors and rightfully so as they fly the flag for United Kingdom and the Royal Air Force around the world.
“We are very lucky to have them with us across the weekend and there will plenty of opportunities for people to engage with the pilots and their groundcrews while they are with us in the Cotswolds.
“This announcement also sees the return of BBMF which will be a welcome sight as well as the Typhoon, which of course flew on sustainable aviation fuel for the first time when it was with us in 2024.” Participating aircraft are unveiled on a weekly basis via Air Tattoo social channels, with tickets available via www.AirTattoo.com.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to announce local company Andover Norton International, have shown their support for the charity’s annual fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings, which this year will take place on Saturday 12 July.
The company, which was founded in 1977, is home to the biggest stock of Norton parts worldwide, selling more Norton factory spare parts for Norton Commandos, Dominators and other models, than anyone else in the World. The company are a perfect partnership with the Museum for their fifth Wallop Wheels and Wings event as they look to grow the display and cavalcade of motorcycles in 2025, having already achieved record numbers of car exhibitors for this year’s event.
Karl Smith, Managing Director of Andover Norton International said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Army Flying Museum for their Wallop Wings and Wheels 2025 event. As a local business based in Andover, who’re connected to a classic British motorcycle brand, it felt like a perfect affiliation.
We can’t wait to attend and showcase some of our own incredible Classic Norton collection and see the vehicles on display on the day.”
The confirmation of support from Andover Norton comes as very welcome news to the Museum as they grow from strength to strength with their packed event programme and record visitor numbers, following their Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the year at the Beautiful South Awards in December.
Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is our main fundraising event for the charity and now, in its fifth year, we hope it will be bigger and better than ever. It is fantastic to have secured Andover Norton as a sponsor this year to develop the motorcycle element of the event and we are delighted to be working with them and can’t wait to see the array of Norton bikes on display.”
The event will again feature a wide array of classic and super cars, motorcycles and aircraft, to please both aviation and motor enthusiasts, with a small number of air display elements during the day.
For non-enthusiasts, there will be the opportunity to browse the artisan trader village, with over 40 stalls selling a wide range of arts, crafts, food and drink. New to the event this year will be a speaker’s tent for visitors with an avid interest in military history.
Activities for families and children will be in abundance, with mini go-carts, circus skills, pedal planes, mini tanks, face painting and lots of craft and interactive activities to keep little ones busy throughout the day.
The Red Arrows are set to make a welcome return to Shuttleworth, in Biggleswade, this summer on the Saturday of their Festival of Flight air show (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June). Better still, tickets start from £39, and kids go free.
An iconic staple of British culture – from flying over Buckingham Palace to featuring in the film version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical – the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is the public face of the Royal Air Force, representing the service’s speed, agility and precision. The display team fly distinctive Hawk fast-jets in thrilling formations, using red, white and blue smoke to add to their stunning displays.
The Festival of Flight air show is the jewel in the crown of Shuttleworth’s air show season, spreading across two days and featuring the most extensive line up of thrilling visiting aircraft – including the Red Arrows on the Saturday of the Festival. All the Shuttleworth Collection’s own iconic aircraft will also appear across the weekend*. As well as the thrilling aerobatic performances, Festival of Flight also offers visitors a free fun fair, vintage vehicle parade and bus rides, tours of the stunning Victorian mansion, Shuttleworth House, STEM activities and a 9-acre Regency Garden to explore. The site will feature a range of fantastic catering outlets and trade stalls too.
James Butt, Air Display Organiser at Shuttleworth, said, “We are so excited to see the Red Arrows back at Shuttleworth for the second consecutive year. They returned last year for the first time since 2019, so we’re delighted to welcome them back again in 2025. If you’re looking for an incredible display of incredible technical skill, this one is not to be missed!”
The Festival of Flight air show takes place at Shuttleworth, Biggleswade, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June – the Red Arrows appear on Saturday. Tickets start from £39 and kids go free, with ground attractions included in the price of your ticket. To book, visit www.Shuttleworth.org.
*All aircraft and vehicle appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.
Organisers of the Midlands Air Festival have revealed that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will be appearing on all three days at this year’s festival, marking some of the very first opportunities to see the team’s spectacular displays in the UK at the start of their summer season.
The RAF Red Arrows are one of the finest and most respected jet aerobatic teams in the world and a national favourite whenever they display. The team will showcase their astonishing signature precision wingtip to wingtip formations, along with breathtaking high-speed opposition passes and spectacular breaks. The internationally acclaimed team, will be flying their nine distinctive bright red BAE T1 Hawk jets over the skies of the beautiful and historic Ragley Hall estate on the 30th, 31st May and 1st of June. Led this year by ‘Red One’ Squadron Leader Jon Bond, the RAF Red Arrows have been inspiring literally hundreds of thousands of young potential pilots and aero engineers for over 60 years.
The Royal Air Force will also be sending the much loved Battle of Britain Memorial flight of Lancaster, Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane, along with the Tutor aerobatics trainer, the daring RAF Falcons mass parachute team and a Friday flypast from the RAF Typhoon.
The RAF participation is just one part of a much bigger air display. Other items appearing include classic jets, formation teams, warbirds, flying circus, aerial ballet, helicopters and high energy aerobatics. Unusual highlights include, from Austria, the Flying Bulls aerobatic helicopter that can actually fly upside down and the Pitts Special bi plane which has an additional pair of screaming jet engines bolted to its fuselage!
Across the three days of the festival, visitors can also see the largest gathering of giant multi coloured hot air balloons and airships in the UK. Over 150 of them can be seen either tethered or flying in the spectacular massed take-offs, including a number of massive character ‘special shape’ balloons, many standing over a 100ft tall.
The Festival kicks off on Friday 30th May with the unique ‘Nightfire’ show, with an afternoon air show, pyrotechnic air displays, choreographed balloon ‘Fireglow’ and a giant firework finale. The RAF front line fighter the Typhoon, will also drop by to say hello with a very noisy flypast!
Flying Display Director Trevor Graham said, “We deeply appreciate the continuing support we receive from the Royal Air Force and indeed all of our pilots from all over the world. We also thank our loyal audience which continues to grow and return year on year.” Tickets are available, in advance only, through the website www.midlandsairfestival.com , along with options for camping and caravanning. Tickets are currently free for children under 13 years old when accompanied by a paying adult.
This week we have three additions to our static display with aircraft coming from the Belgium Air Component and the Hungarian Air Force.
Starting with the Belgian contingent, they’ll be providing an Airbus A400M which is always a welcome sight on the tarmac at RAF Fairford. Moving on, we are pleased to announce one of their F-16 Fighting Falcons will also be in attendance in Gloucestershire this summer.
We are also pleased to unveil a new aircraft type from the Hungarians as their Airbus H225M will be lining up on the static display after joining service in 2023. We look forward to welcoming them for their first visit!
RIAT25 will return to RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July and it’s already promising to be a real extravaganza, in the air, on the ground and all around. Tickets are selling fast though, so be quick to secure your place. Early Bird tickets are now only available for Friday and Sunday and for a limited time only. Get yours today HERE.
Shuttleworth and Aero Legends are delighted to announce a new relationship that will see Aero Legends’ flight experiences operating out of Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden) from May.
Aero Legends are a premium provider of vintage flying experiences, offering customers the chance to fly in authentically restored wartime aircraft with some of the world’s most established pilots. Their growing fleet of pleasure flight aircraft is the most diverse in the UK and includes the legendary Spitfire.
Shuttleworth is home to a live airfield, an internationally renowned Collection of aircraft from 1909-1950, as well as veteran vehicles and buses, heritage exhibits, a 9-acre Regency Garden and Shuttleworth House, a Victorian mansion. The site also operates a popular café that is free to access.
Now, the two organisations are excited to be offering a new location for flight experiences in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Members of the public will be able to book flights in a two seater Spitfire as well as a T6 Harvard aircraft from Shuttleworth Aerodrome. Following a detailed pre-flight briefing, Aero Legends will offer guests the chance to experience a fantastic range of aerobatic manoeuvres in unrestricted airspace, with no limit on guest numbers – who can enjoy watching from the ground and make the most of Shuttleworth’s on-site facilities. Flight bookers will take home a souvenir pack complete with flight certificate and aircraft patch.
Benjamin Perkins, Managing Director of Aero Legends, said, “We can’t wait to bring our premium vintage flying experiences to Shuttleworth in this new relationship. This will be the fourth location from which we can provide thrilling experiences in our legendary aircraft.”
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, added, “We are excited to see Shuttleworth as a new location for Aero Legends’ iconic flying experiences. This development in our relationship is a great move toward strengthening bonds in the aviation community. Long may it continue.”
To find out more or to book an Aero Legends flight experience at Shuttleworth, visit www.shuttleworth.org. Flying guests will also receive complimentary access to Shuttleworth’s Collection and Garden.
Dates have been confirmed for this year’s amazing Midlands Air Festival. From 30th May to 1st June 2025, this annual aviation and ballooning spectacular will fill the skies over the historic Ragley Hall estate with another thrilling international line up. Classic and military jets, high energy aerobatics, formation teams, helicopters, aerial ballet, flying circus, WW2 warbirds and parachutes will provide three days of almost continuous excitement.
As well as the air displays, organisers have confirmed they will be bringing over 150 giant hot air balloons, including some massive character balloons, known as ‘special shapes’ including Thomas the Tank engine, Snow White, Astro the Alien, Princess Nelly the Pink Elephant, The UP balloon from the film of the same name and our star balloon direct from the USA standing nearly 150ft – Oggy the Friendly Dragon.
A sneak peek at what’s in store
Described as the perfect way to start the summer, this year’s highly anticipated three-day event promises a thrilling programme of superb entertainment for families and enthusiasts alike.
Some of the highlights will include, from France, the mighty F86 Sabre classic fighter jet. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Pitts special there will be two versions of this famous aerobatics aircraft with top female Aero’s pilot Lauren Wilson in her standard S2 and world famous Rich Goodwin in his insane jet powered Pitts special.
The brilliant Flying Bulls from Austria will return to the Festival with several aircraft including the Bolkow 105C twin engine helicopter. This amazing display will feature the only chance in the UK to see a helicopter actually flying upside down. Only the B105C can undertake this due to a special fixed pitch rotor system.
Also look out for a flock of Bell 47 helicopters which are also celebrating their 80th anniversary. Easily recognised with their bubble canopies and their TV appearances in Whirlybirds and the Korean War programme M-A-S-H.
New to this year’s festival is the award-winning father-son duo Team Niebergall from Germany, performing their unique display, flying Marchetti SF-260 aircraft, nicknamed the ‘hotrod’ for their speed and grace.
Organisers say this is just a small taster of what’s to come, with more rare aircraft and of course the highly anticipated UK military formation teams yet to be announced.
Up, up and away
The excitement kicks off on Friday with an afternoon air display, followed by the spectacular sight of over 100 hot air balloons taking part in a mass ascent. As night falls, the festival’s signature Nightfire display will commence featuring illuminated aircraft performing pyrotechnic displays with fireworks streaming from their wingtips. The grand finale will leave visitors in awe as the event concludes with the breathtaking Fireglow display, where balloons fire their burners in sync with music, shooting massive flames into the night sky. The evening will be crowned by a dazzling firework festival finale, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for all.
Trevor Graham, Midlands Air Festival flying director, said; “We are delighted to confirm we are back once again and would like to thank our regular and enthusiastic audience for their support already. I invite those we have yet to meet to join us for another unforgettable weekend. There will be further announcements about even more exciting aerial displays in the very near future.”
Don’t miss a moment of the action
Some of the most magical and ethereal ballooning moments take place early in the morning, so the organisers are providing a comprehensive premium camping facility, right in the heart of the show site for those wanting to experience ‘breakfast with the balloons’. The camp site will cater for tents, caravans and motor homes, and will provide electric hook ups, showers, toilets, a dedicated bar and catering concessions. This year, Midlands Air Festival’s campsite will offer the perfect opportunity for guests to stay in the beautiful surroundings of the Ragley Hall estate, only a two minute stroll from the show ground.
Day tickets are available to purchase as 1-day, 2-day and 3-day passes through the Midlands Air Festival website. The event is free to attend for children under 13 years old when accompanied by a paying adult. Standard parking is also free.
The event is always a sell-out show, advance tickets are already on sale at discounted price until the end of January via midlandsairfestival.com. Children under 13 are currently free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Standard parking is also free.
We are delighted to bring you some RIAT rarities this week starting with a Spanish Air and Space Force Typhoon taking part in the flying display.
A rarely seen jet display, the Spanish Typhoon has only been to the Royal International Air Tattoo twice before, with its last visit taking place back in 2016. Sticking with the Spanish, under our theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ they’ll also be sending a Sikorsky S-76C, which is used for search and rescue, to RAF Fairford for its UK debut on the static line-up.
Remaining with search and rescue but moving onto civilian operators, we have a unique participant in the Channel Islands Air Search and their Britten-Norman BN-2B Islander plus a Bell UH-1D Iroquois from Commercial Helicopter Services GmbH which is returning to the show after being a frequent visitor in the 1990s and early 2000s. These will both be participating in the static display.
We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for Event of the Year at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2025. We’d love to get your vote and win this highly regarded award, so please vote for us herebefore Sunday 23rd March 2025.
Not only that, we’re also over the moon to have been nominated for Best Family Experience in the Muddy Stilettos Glos Worcs Awards 2025. Again, we’d love to get your support so please nominate us here before 3pm, 13th March 2025.
Being nominated for such prestigious awards reinforces our standing as the world’s greatest airshow. Don’t miss out on this spectacular experience. Book your tickets now.
If you have already purchased your general admission ticket and would like to upgrade to one of our enclosures, click here. Be quick and book today!
To say thank you for the £30million raised for Good Causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK will be offering free entry, discounts and special offers throughout National Lottery Open Week
National Lottery Open Week runs 15-23 March and aims to encourage people to say yes to simple pleasures this spring
The RAF Museum is offering lottery players 2 for 1 on Flight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides, plus 10% off in the Museum shop and restaurant
To say thank you for the £30 million raised for good causes every week by players, there is free entry and special offers at a range of National Lottery funded venues across the UK as part of National Lottery Open Week.
From Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 March 2025, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to free or discounted entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions, including the RAF Museum in both London and the Midlands.
Delve into the past with historical houses, castles and museums, embrace nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots, relive iconic moments at famous sports venues or enjoy a culture fix at art galleries and cinemas across the country. There is something for everyone.
Visit the RAF Museum this National Lottery Open Week and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family, with 2 for 1 tickets onFlight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides. Experiences include flying with the Red Arrows in the amazing 4D theatre, combining motion picture with physical effects. Or feel the speed and agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon onboard the Flight Simulator, with a pilot’s eye view from the cockpit. It’s guaranteed family fun for thrill-seekers of all ages!
National Lottery ticket holders will also receive 10% off in the Museum shop for the duration of the Open Week. Receive money off an extensive collection of clothing, gifts, models and kits, home and kitchenware, toys, games, jewellery and much more!
After exploring the hangars at the Museum, relax and refuel in the onsite restaurant and enjoy 10% off a great selection of food and drink, including barista coffees, homemade cakes, hot lunches or snacks from the deli. To redeem your discounts at the Museum, simply show your National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game to a member of staff. To find out more about what’s on offer at the Museum and to plan your visit, go to rafmuseum.org.
Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at RAF Museum said:
‘We’re delighted to be participating in National Lottery Open Week this year. Like many organisations across the UK, we have directly benefited from National Lottery funding, which has been instrumental in advancing our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This transformative project will bring significant changes to our Midlands site, including an immersive exhibition exploring today’s RAF, a new Learning Centre, and a purpose built Collections Hub, allowing us to share our stored collection with the public for the first time. These developments will be complemented by a regional engagement programme, with work set to begin later this year. National Lottery players make an invaluable contribution to good causes, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to say thank you. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the RAF Museum during Open Week.’
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: ‘We’re excited to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2025! Life’s pace often pushes us to say ‘no’ to things we want to do, prioritising instead the things we think we ‘should do’. National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say ‘yes’ to joyful experiences – exploring the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.’ Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
