Shuttleworth Announces 2025 Season of Air Shows

Shuttleworth 2025 Air Show dates

Following the huge success of the 2024 season, which has welcomed 27,000 visitors to date, Shuttleworth is excited to announce their 2025 season of air shows. With themes celebrating military history, the best of British engineering, their hugely popular Flying Proms and Festival of Flight events, a relaxed Summer air show, and an action-packed Race Day, Shuttleworth has something to entertain the whole family.

Shuttleworth is continually reviewing their event structure to ensure that their offering appeals to as broad an audience as possible. 2025 will see further exciting format updates with traditional Sunday shows opening and closing the season, and daytime and evening split flying displays over three Saturday events, offering visitors the chance to experience evening flying set against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun – perfect for keen photographers.

The Season Premiere Air Show kicks off the season in a traditional Sunday format on 11 May, with flying taking place between 2pm and 6pm. As with all Shuttleworth displays, you can see their working collection of vintage aircraft take to the skies above Old Warden aerodrome.

On 31 May, Shuttleworth’s first split flying Saturday format takes place through their Military Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). This show specifically celebrates all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.

Festival of Flight returns by popular demand on 28 and 29 June. Shuttleworth’s biggest event of the year offers two fully packed days of family entertainment, including a host of
fantastic ground entertainment around the most spectacular split flying air displays of the season (flying 2-5.30pm and 8-9pm both days).

The second split flying Saturday format of the season takes place on 26 July with the Summer Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). Visitors can soak up the warmth of the summer evening whilst taking in more brilliant aerial displays.

16 August sees the welcome return of Flying Proms, an event that features a stunning aerial display choreographed to live music from a symphony orchestra, and pyrotechnics to boot. Following the display, visitors can enjoy fireworks and music, with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Proms-themed event.

Shuttleworth presents the Best of British Air Show on 30 August – the third split flying Saturday of the season – where visitors can marvel at the incredible achievements of aviation and automation in Great Britain (flying between 2-5.30pm and 7-8pm).

Rounding off the season, with a traditional Sunday format, is the ever-popular Race Day on 5 October (flying 2-6pm). With high-speed sprint demonstrations, both on the ground and in the air, this adrenaline-fuelled event honours the skill and passion of their patron Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a true racing spirit.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Building on the achievements of our 2024 season, we’re excited to announce this new season of air shows for 2025. We are
delighted that our visitors have so warmly embraced our new show formats, and we will continue to provide a visitor experience that is second-to-none in its entertainment offer and affordability. We are proud to often be referred to as the best kept secret in Bedford, but now’s the time to let the secret out!”

While the air displays are not to be missed, Shuttleworth has plenty of other activity going on across the site on air show days. Hop aboard one of their beautiful vintage buses, grab some delicious food and drink, take in fantastic vehicle parades, and make the most of regular fun fairs. Let the kids explore and learn in Discovery Zones or set them loose on an inclusive play area – kids go free to all events(excluding Flying Proms) and all activities are inclusive of entry price.

Early bird tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season are now on sale via www.shuttleworth.org. Kids go free to all events excluding Flying Proms. Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2025.

RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic announce Official Airline Partnership

Virgin Atlantic corporate team visit RAF Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the esteemed airline as the Museum’s official airline partner.

The collaboration between the RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic highlights a shared dedication to inspiring everyone with the RAF Story, while preserving and celebrating aviation history, and strengthening transatlantic connections.

The new partnership will see Virgin Atlantic flying Museum representatives between the UK and USA, enabling the team to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation that support the Museum’s fundraising opportunities in the United States.

Edward Sharman, Head of Development at RAF Museum, said:
‘We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honour the legacy of the RAF.’

Virgin Atlantic, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in June, finalised the agreement during a recent visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The Virgin Atlantic Corporate Team received an extensive tour from the Museums volunteers and made use of the Museums meeting facilities. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the RAF Museum sites in London and the Midlands.

Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said:
‘The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Free family fun at the RAF Museum’s Community Day

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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).