Next summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as the Royal International Air Tattoo confirms next year’s show theme is ‘Fighter Meet’.
Every July, RAF Fairford transforms into a hive of activity as the Royal International Air Tattoo attracts thousands of visitors to the Cotswolds for the aviation showcase. This year, event organisers announced the show had attracted a record crowd of over 178,000 people, following a year that saw ticket sell at a record pace for the third year in a row.
RIAT26 will have an operational theme of ‘Fighter Meet’ highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.
Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”
All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.
In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow’s sustained popularity. In addition, the show’s flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages. Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via www.AirTattoo.com.
In response to the acute STEM skills shortage facing the UK and building on the success of their Royal International Air Tattoo, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) grants have now enabled over 750,000 young people to be inspired via life changing STEM educational programmes delivered by some of the UK’s leading STEM education charities.
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), hosted annually at RAF Fairford, is delivered as a not-for-profit event and powers the RAFCT’s grant making. RAFCT invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.
In 2022, the Gloucestershire based charity published its intention to reach 500,000 children by July 2026 but with more than a year to go they have now announced that they have already surpassed their target, much to the delight of Director Dr Kevin P Stenson.
He said: “The RAF Charitable Trust is uniquely positioned to enable young people aged 5-25 years to explore how STEM explains and shapes the world around them, and to inspire them to change the world by pushing boundaries in aviation and space exploration.
“We see the achievement of ¾ quarters of a million engagements as a launchpad for more collective action across the UK to help address the acute STEM skills shortage holding back the United Kingdom and preventing too many young people from fulfilling their potential.”
In support of the Trust’s purpose to promote the RAF and inspire young people, this year’s airshow saw over 178,500 people visit the event in what was its third successive sell out. The aviation showcase continues to grow, with 224 aircraft from 27 different nations on display in July including the Egyptian Air Force which became the 59th participating nation when they provided an aircraft for the first time this summer.
In addition to highlights in the air, the event also boasted plenty of STEM inspiration on the ground with the show’s Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage hosting exhibits from the aerospace industry plus inspirational sessions from the likes of British astronaut Tim Peake, TV’s Rachel Riley and everyone’s favourite, the iconic Red Arrows.
In addition to maintaining its current partnerships, RAFCT will provide grants to at least five new partners in the 2025/26 Academic Year.
“Thanks to the incredible support afforded by the public, UK and International Defence Air and Space, and of course the RAF, the Trust can be ever bolder in its ambition to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology,” he added.
As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, now is the ideal time to update your wardrobe with warm, practical layers.
The official RIAT merchandise collection offers a range of comfortable, high-quality products designed to keep you warm while you reminisce over another unforgettable year of RIAT.
Whether you’re layering up, cuddling up to a RIAT teddy bear, or keeping your pets warm – there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re after a front-row seat to aircraft take-offs, a family-friendly space packed with activities, or an all-inclusive fine dining experience complete with a private garden, our wide range of enclosures and hospitality options have everything you need to elevate your RIAT26 experience.
Please note: Flight Deck on Saturday 10% off discount is ending Sunday at midnight! From Monday, it will be 5% off. Buy now for the best price.
Altitude is located at the heart of the showground, adjacent to the static aircraft line and with great views of all the action in the air.
It’s a great base to explore the whole RIAT experience from and return to throughout the day where you can enjoy the unique ambience.
With a markedly different feel to any other enclosure, it has upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. Enjoy a curated selection of wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks, along with complimentary food served throughout the day.
When the flying ends, the energy continues – Altitude guests are treated to an exclusive live DJ set inside the enclosure, rounding off the experience in style.
Please note: Altitude on Saturday is currently at 10% off until midnight Monday 22nd September, where prices will go up to 5% off. So, secure your tickets now to get the best deal!
Don’t miss out – First Class Lounge is selling fast
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the flying display in comfort and style? Join us at the First Class Lounge, featuring a private marquee and garden offering unbeatable views in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.
You’ll get on-base parking plus complimentary food and drinks served throughout the day – First Class Lounge is the perfect way to experience RIAT in comfort and style.
It’s one of our most popular enclosures, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Shuttleworth’s Air Show season concludes on Sunday 5 October with their Race Day Air Show, a classic blend of vintage aircraft and vehicles that share a common theme: speed.
In an event unlike any other, the Aerodrome near Biggleswade will transform into a vintage sprint track as veteran vehicles from Shuttleworth’s own Collection join a host of visitors to fly along the grass airfield, and down ‘hangar straight’, competing for the Spirit of Shuttleworth Trophy. Following this high-speed demonstration, visitors will then be treated to a thrilling air display which will include a mock air race as well as racing aircraft like the de Havilland DH.88 Comet – winner of the infamous England to Australia air race of 1934 – and the Miles Hawk Speed Six – a Kings Cup air race competitor between 1934 36. The day’s display will also feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.
The event takes inspiration from the founder of the Shuttleworth Collection, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. A keen racing spirit with a passion for fast cars and aircraft, Richard competed in countless hill climbs, speed trials and went on to win the inaugural Donington Grand Prix in 1935. After his near fatal crash in the South African Grand Prix in 1936, he gave up motor racing to focus on aviation. This dual passion has led to Race Day’s fantastic combination of icons of speed both on the ground and in the air.
As well as a fantastically close view of both the sprint and the air display, visitors to Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show can enjoy a range of interactive Discovery Zones aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. The Armed Forces Rally Team will bring a more modern element of racing to the event as well as a BriSCA F2 stock car and a NASCAR from the oval racing scene. Also joining us are the 1066 Car Club with over 30 classic vintage vehicles. The staple attractions of all Shuttleworth air shows will be on offer too: children’s rides, heritage steam exhibits plus the chance to explore Shuttleworth House and the much-loved Swiss Garden. Believe it or not, all of this is included in the price of your ticket.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Race Day is a greatopportunity for us to look to our past and honour our founder Richard Shuttleworth whilst also looking to the future of racing by inspiring our younger visitors. This action-packed day is always a fun end to the air show season.”
Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show takes place on Sunday 5 October. Tickets start from £34.00 and children go free. You can book yours via www.shuttleworth.org
Following years of soaring popularity, the Royal International Air Tattoo has announced it will be launching a new Park and Ride service for next year’s show.
The free service, which is capable of taking up to 7,000 cars off of the rural road network surrounding RAF Fairford, will see visitors head to South Cerney airfield, adjacent toDuke of Gloucester Barracks, before making their way to the aviation showcase via a fleet of 100 buses. The Green Route to the showground, previously utilised by people coming from the West, is being re-purposed as a dedicated route for this new service which will help ease congestion in the area.
In addition to the shuttle service being free of charge, visitors opting to use it will be able to gain direct access to the showground as both ticket and bag checks will be conducted at the new facility.
Speaking about the new service, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager said:
“The introduction of this new Park and Ride service is a fantastic development for the Royal International Air Tattoo.
“By utilising the dedicated route previously known as the Green Route, we’re able to significantly reduce congestion and provide a much quicker, more streamlined journey into the showground. This not only improves the experience for our visitors, but also brings real benefits to our local communities by easing pressure on rural roads.
“We’re proud to be making this positive change and look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s show.”
In recent years, crowds at the show have continued to swell, with 2024 reporting an attendance of 168,000 people, whilst earlier this summer the world-renowned event saw over 175,000 people descend on RAF Fairford.
This year, visitors were also treated to over 200 aircraft from nations all over the world, including Egypt, who were attending for the first time. Tickets for RIAT26 are already on sale and selling at a record pace for the third year in a row.
Gavin added; “Ticket sales for RIAT 2026 are moving at a record-breaking pace, reflecting the incredible demand to be part of next year’s show. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming a record crowd to RAF Fairford for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”
RIAT is more than just an airshow. You can experience sights and sounds that will leave your heart racing, as well as view many aircraft on our static displays, see inspirational speakers on our Inspire Stage, meet pilots and their aircrews from all over the world, and explore the world of STEM in our Techno Zone… plus much, much more!
General Admission prices for Saturday and Sunday are frozen at 2025 rates, so take advantage of the best prices available for all three days of the show.
Thinking of elevating your experience?
10% off the Aviation Club enclosure ends tonight at midnight, so be quick to secure your place in one of our most popular enclosures. This enclosure is centrally located and offers easy access to the heart of the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying displays.
10% off the Cotswold Club enclosure ends Monday at midnight too. It’s RIAT’s summer garden party – dine alfresco and relax with a drink in this very civilised setting close to the Take Off Zone.
RIAT continues to grow in popularity, welcoming more attendees each year. To support this growth and improve your experience, we have introduced a brand-new Park & Ride facility at South Cerney.
This new FREE facility is a great option, as we will conduct security and ticket checks at our Park & Ride facility before you arrive at the showground. This will help you get to the action faster! You’ll also find toilets and refreshments available on-site, along with our friendly Air Tattoo Crew members who are there to assist you with any questions you may have. It’s conveniently located just outside Cirencester, and we have a dedicated fleet of 100 buses to get you into the showground. You can book this now along with your RIAT tickets.
Following a record breaking season this year, Shuttleworth is excited to announce its new air shows for 2026. There are seven uniquely themed shows for spectators to enjoy including the welcome return of their two-day spectacular, Festival of Flight.
Shuttleworth’s 2025 season – with just over a month left to go – has already broken sales records at the Biggleswade-based aerodrome. Currently, the venue looks set to welcome over 30,000 visitors to air shows alone from May – October. With these fantastic sales propelling them into their 2026 Air Show season announcement, there are some notable new elements in their latest offering.
So, what themes can visitors look forward to next year? The first show of the year will be their Season Premiere on Sunday 10 May – this showcases the history and heritage of Shuttleworth and their own Collection assets, as well as welcoming visiting display aircraft.
Saturday 30 May sees the first of the venue’s unique split flying formats – where they run both an afternoon and evening flying display on the same day. Their new Wings & Wheels theme highlights aircraft, vehicles, heritage machinery and more. A new arena area will include a racing simulator, ‘show and shine’ section, and an activity space that will see some special performances take place, all based around a central Shuttleworth Marquee that will feature a range of core Shuttleworth vehicles.
On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June Shuttleworth’s much-celebrated Festival of Flight will return. Widely considered to be one of the best displays in the country, the event will expand to feature the most amount of ground attractions and visiting aircraft at any Shuttleworth show. Across the weekend all of the serviceable Collection aircraft will take to the skies too. For 2026, there is a new Camping Bundle ticket – the very best way to experience the Festival weekend.
The Summer Air Show takes place on 25 July – here you can spend a glorious summer day at Shuttleworth as more incredible visiting aircraft displays take place, combined with displays from numerous Collection aircraft.
Flying Proms will return on Saturday 15 August with all of the pomp and circumstance visitors know and love plus fantastic formations themed to iconic music from the silver screen. New for 2026, there is now a Grand Marquee option available. By booking a table, you’ll get entry to the show, a flag, a programme and the best view of the night – as well as an exclusive bar only for Grand Marquee ticket holders.
On Saturday 29 August, another Shuttleworth staple returns in the shape of the Military show. Here you can walk amongst an ever-growing Military Camp area comprised of vehicles, re-enactments, machinery and more before you take in a thrilling display of military aircraft types from across the years.
Rounding off the season on 4 October, is another traditional Sunday show, Race Day. For this show, Shuttleworth takes inspiration from their Collection founder, Richard Shuttleworth – a true racing spirit. Highlights include the Shuttleworth Sprint and invited guest vehicles.
Air shows at Shuttleworth feature a brilliant array of free ground attractions from interactive Discovery Zones to fun fairs and simulators, vintage bus rides, tours and activities at Shuttleworth House, stunt shows and more. You can also explore the site’s stunning nine-acre Regency Garden or enjoy a bite to eat from the Runway Café or their carefully selected external caterers.
As with all Shuttleworth shows, you can enjoy an unparalleled flightline view, promising a wonderfully intimate feel as you watch world-class displays. Visitors can also rely on no additional charge for parking and children under 18 attending air shows for free (excluding Flying Proms). Groups of 15 or more can make the most of added discounts too. For just £15 per person, on select shows you can step onto the airfield itself to get right up close to incredible aircraft with a flightline tour – these are very popular so you’ll need to book them fast before they sell out. If you want to really make the most of your trip, you can also book accommodation at Shuttleworth. They’ve got 15 en-suite rooms adjacent to the Victorian mansion house on site, as well as a popular camping site with pitches at just £25 per night.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “After months of planning, we’re delighted to be sharing our new dates and themes for 2026. We’ve got all of the Shuttleworth staples our visitors have come to love, along with a new theme plus some exciting new developments to existing events. 2026 looks set to be another spectacular season so be sure to make the most of our early bird discount and look forward to your summer with us next year.”
Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2026. Tickets go on general sale from 5 September, or you can sign up to get 48 hours priority booking from 3 September by visiting www.shuttleworth.org/airshows.
