Tag: 2025

The Acclaimed Midlands Air Festival will return to Ragley Hall in 2025

"Midlands Air Festival"
Photo by Lee Chapman

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.

www.midlandsairfestival.com

RAF Museum Midlands calendar of events for 2025

RAF Museum Midlands

The RAF Museum Midlands line-up of events for 2025 will deliver something for everyone, with immersive activities, historical commemorations, and plenty of family fun.

Highlights of the 2025 Calendar:

  • STEM Week (15 – 23 February)
    Explore the exciting world of STEM this February half term, with explosive science shows, and flight simulators galore. Journey to the stars in the mobile planetarium, fly a quadcopter on a mission, or build a LEGO dragster and compete in a race powered by balloons.
  • Pilot Training (12 – 27 April)
    Perfect for aspiring young pilots. Embark on a series of exciting missions, honing essential skills and teamwork needed to take to the skies. Upon successfully completing all the challenges, you’ll be awarded your very own pilot badge.
  • VE Day (10 – 11 May)
    Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Museum’s VE Day celebrations will feature live outdoor performances, bunting craft workshops contributing to a hangar installation, engaging lectures on wartime rationing and more!
  • World War Two Week (24 May – 1 June)
    Step back in time with this immersive family event, packed with hands-on activities and historical fun! Visit the Airfix station to build your own World War Two aircraft model and have a go at crafting a mini-Anderson shelter. Learn the art of Morse code in our engaging workshops and take part in a wartime trail.
  • Summer of Fun and Flight (19 July – 31 August)
    Enjoy a summer-long programme of activities for families. Challenge yourself to a round of mini golf or try your hand at archery. Unleash your creativity with flight themed crafts, and marvel at birds of prey in action. There are new experiences each week, keeping families entertained throughout the school break.
  • Battle of Britain Weekend (20 – 21 September)
    Celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a weekend of family-friendly activities and experiences. A spectacular line-up of live music, dance performances, and acrobatics will light up the stage. Join in the have-a-go activities, sample tasty street food, and explore exhibits showcasing regional talent and history. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!
  • Jet and Space Week (25 October – 2 November)
    Prepare for an out of this world half term! Explore the night sky with stargazing evenings and watch the Museum’s beloved mascot Percy go to space. Build a paper rocket, take part in a planet-themed trail, and capture photos in the astronaut selfie station.
  • Remembrance Service (9 November)

The Museum will host a Service of Remembrance to honour members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty. The service will be led by RAF Cosford’s Station Chaplain, with hymns from the Cosford Military Wives Choir.

  • Elf Training (13 – 14 and 20 – 21 December)
    Get into the festive spirit with the Royal Elf Force as they conduct their annual Elf Cadet Training. New recruits will take on festive challenges and help Santa with his biggest mission of the year! New for 2025, enjoy a special screening of ‘The Snowman’ accompanied by an interactive light show, plus fun snowman-themed activities for all ages.

RAF Museum Public Events Manager, Mike Groves said:

‘The RAF Museum Midlands 2025 events line-up will captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. From the exciting STEM Week in February, to commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re soaking up the fun all summer long, experiencing an out of this world Jet and Space Week in October, or getting festive with our Elf Cadets, 2025 is set to be a year filled with unforgettable memories.’

For more information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Midlands throughout 2025, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands. Admission charges apply for some events and activities, tickets are available online. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

Over 50,000 tickets already sold for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo

Over 50,000 people have already secured their spot at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo, before the organisers have announced any aircraft displays planned for the show.

However, that is about to change as event organisers reveal they will start announcing attending aircraft early next month, with weekly additions to the line-up being made on their social media accounts each Thursday.

The aviation showcase takes place at RAF Fairford and sees a plethora of airframes visit the Cotswolds from across the world. This year, the show’s theme is ‘Eyes in the Skies’, focussing on specialised aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance.

Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch and his team are tasked with inviting aircraft to the show and says there will be something for everyone at this year’s event.

“Each year at RIAT we try and showcase a broad spectrum of aviation so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This year will be no different with plenty of exciting aircraft poised to participate, including rarely seen surveillance aircraft as part of our theme but also all the usual favourites including display teams, fast jets and helicopters.”

Last year 168,000 people enjoyed aircraft from almost 30 different nations and with a nearly 20 hours of flying displays over three-day show.

Tickets for all three days (Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July) are still available, with all under 18s going free as the event aims to inspire young people to reach their potential in air and space through the work of its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

The action at RIAT isn’t all in the skies, highlight of the ground attractions is the Techno Zone®, where kids and adults can experience the latest tech in the world of aviation, fulfilling the charity’s mission of inspiring young people.

“Seeing young people engage with aircraft, the pilots and the groundcrew is really rewarding and inspiring future generations is important to us as an event,” he added

“The charity does an incredible job in reaching young people, so if you have a youngster who is curious about aircraft, space, engineering and everything in between, we would love to see them at RAF Fairford this summer.” Tickets are available via www.airtattoo.com

Friends of RIAT (FRIAT) tickets are on sale now!

RIAT FRIAT

We are very excited to announce that our FRIAT six-day ticket package, offering a variety of benefits, is now on sale. If you love aircraft then why not spend six days at RIAT25 witnessing fast jets, aerobatic and static displays of some of the world’s most exciting and exotic aircraft, all in the company of like-minded people.

RIAT25 will return to RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July, with Park and View days on 16th, 17th and 21st July. Make sure you’re a part of it and book your FRIAT seat(s) today, which offers the best value, with the following benefits:

  • Wednesday 16th July: Park and View entry
  • Thursday 17th July: entry to both Park and View and FRIAT enclosure
  • Friday to Sunday: general admission to the showground and access to the FRIAT enclosure
  • Monday 21st July: entry to both Park and View or FRIAT enclosure
  • Allocated grandstand seat and access to exclusive FRIAT enclosure
  • Free souvenir programme
  • Left luggage facility
  • 10% discount on RIAT merchandise within the FRIAT enclosure

We will start announcing this summer’s aircraft line up from early February, so the countdown is on!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/tickets-packages/friends-of-riat-friat/

2025 Events at Newark Air Museum

Newark Night Photoshoot

Here at Newark Air Museum, a registered charity, we’re have some exciting special events planned for our 2025 season and we hope that you might be able feature them in your event listing sections.


15th March, 2025 – Day Night Photoshoot

The Day-Night Photo Shoot event is the first event of 2025 and will take place on Saturday, 15th March.

Those people on our Mailing Lists have already been contacted and a good number of places have been booked, but we do have space available for other participants.

The event will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 5pm; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 10am onwards on March 15th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.

The event will feature themed ground equipment, illuminated aircraft and limited in-house re-enactors.

12th April, 2025 – Outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble aviation & avionic sale

This Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble sale will take place on Saturday 12th April, 2025. This will be a standalone event, with all sellers being located out on the museum’s Southfield Site.

Booking information has been sent out to all of the people on the Aeroboot Mailing List; spaces are now available to anyone not on the mailing list in the wider aviation community. It is a great chance to participate in some in-person aviation trading.

21st & 22nd June, 2025 – Cockpit-Fest & Outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble

This year will mark the 25th time that the museum’s Cockpit-Fest event has provided a focal point for cockpit owners from across the UK. Once again it will be run alongside a two-day outdoor aviation sale. This annual gathering provides the perfect opportunity for the public to view a diverse range of visiting aircraft cockpits.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

2025 Events at East Midlands Aeropark

East Midlands Aeropark

During the year the Aeropark holds a number of events where subject to availability we open up the cockpits of our aircraft in order that visitors can view the inside and in certain of the aircraft actually have the opportunity to get inside the aircraft and/or cockpits.

The late evening opening events will also see some of our aircraft lit up for the chance of a great photo opportunity and to also view movements at the airport later in the day including possible movement of cargo aircraft.

17th – 21st April – Extended Easter Weekend Opening

11th May – Speedbroker Super Cars

22nd May – Late Evening Opening

6th June – Aston Martin Enthusiasts

31st July – Late Evening Opening

21st August – Late Evening Opening

18th September – Late Evening Opening

To find out more: www.eastmidlandsaeropark.org/aeropark-events.html

Shuttleworth’s Veteran Bus Rides Hit Record Numbers

In addition to yet another year of successful events, Shuttleworth saw a record number of passengers aboard the Collection’s fleet of vintage buses. Taking part in all seven of the 2024 air shows, making regular trips for general admission visitors, and operating during the site’s regular wider events season, the three buses have a combined a total of over 200 hours ferrying over 11,000 visitors around Shuttleworth. The fleet is a firm favourite with visiting school children and has also participated in no less than seven weddings so far this year.

A group of 11 dedicated volunteers make up the team who operate the buses. Driving is just a small aspect of the work the team undertake. Each member is closely involved in the maintenance, polishing and cleaning of the vehicles, as well as regularly taking the buses out into the local community in Biggleswade.

Shuttleworth’s bus fleet includes the Leyland Bus ST ‘Wellingborough’ from 1913, which is one of only three surviving second-generation double decker buses outside of London. It was rescued from the grounds of the Wellingborough Sewage works where it was being used as a store shed. The ‘White Rose’ Leyland SG7 was the outright winner of the London to Brighton Veteran run in 2002 and is widely considered the visitor favourite. The Charabus lived a varied life ferrying passengers between Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire and even spent some time as a static shop that was plumbed in for water, gas and electric before being restored and bought by Shuttleworth. It is now the sole survivor of its kind.

Visitors are invited to ride the buses for free but can offer a donation of their choice, if they should wish to do so. This year’s introduction of a ‘Good Box’ contactless donation scheme has resulted in an increase of 133% in public donations, all of which are used to help maintain the Collection’s wider fleet of vehicles – including the buses themselves. Donations from previous years have allowed the team to expand maintaining and operating the Collection’s 1913 Studebaker alongside the buses during the events. This has already proved to be a big hit with the public, and the team hope to expand this activity into 2025 and beyond.

Peter Hanlon, Vehicle Events Co-ordinator and Bus Manager, said “We are delighted that 2024 has seen record passengers aboard the three buses. The team take great pride in knowing that our ‘Hangar runs’ bring so much joy to our visitors, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2025.’

Visitors can enjoy a vintage bus ride at any of Shuttleworth’s 2025 air shows and at wider events across the site (please check the website for further details). Subject to weather and availability. Get your tickets for Shuttleworth Air Shows at: www.shuttleworth.org/book-your-tickets (Early Bird pricing ends on 31st January)

Prices are changing this month

RIAT Update
With the festivities over, start planning your summer fun now!

Now that we’re in 2025, it’s time to start planning your year ahead. Lots of you have been super organised and have already booked your general admission and enclosure upgrade for the world’s greatest airshow, taking place on 18th, 19th and 20th July 2025 at RAF Fairford. If you haven’t already, then don’t miss out, book now!

Several of our enclosures are already or nearly sold out for Saturday.

Aviation Club Saturday SOLD OUT

First Class Lounge Saturday SOLD OUT

Cotswold Club Saturday less than 150 remaining

Viewing Village Grandstand Saturday only 30 premium seats remaining

Lightning Pavilion Sunday only 15 tickets available

Viewing Village Garden Saturday less than 200 tickets available

There are enclosures for every budget and requirement. Have a look at our wide range of options here. For example, our Family Enclosure is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic with your children and watch the displays in a safe and entertaining environment, with plenty of activities to get involved in.

Or why not try our new enclosure, Altitude? Altitude will give you an experience like no other. It’s a great base to experience RIAT from, with its upper deck spaces and cool contemporary vibe. Complete with an all-inclusive cocktail bar with selected wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails and soft drink as well as complimentary food served throughout the day.

Our prices will increase this month, so don’t delay and buy your tickets today!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Wow! RIAT25 is now this year!

RIAT Eyes in the Skies

Things will start to hot up now as we prepare for the world’s greatest airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July 2025.

Next month, we will start to announce our aircraft for both the flying and static displays. We already have some very exciting additions this year which we can’t wait to tell you about.

Our Eyes in the Skies theme will provide lots of opportunity for interesting exhibits in the Techno Zone® as well fascinating civilian and military aircraft.

So don’t delay, buy your tickets today. Time is running out to secure your tickets at Early Bird prices, as we will increase our prices at the end of this month. We hope to see you all there.

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Rare Dornier wing section will go on display at the RAF Museum in early 2025

RAF Museum Dornier

Plans are underway at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands for the wing section of an iconic Second World War Dornier Do 17 to go on public display in early 2025. Salvaged after more than 70 years submerged beneath the waters of the Goodwin Sands, this rare artefact offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Nicknamed the ‘Flying Pencil’ due to its slender fuselage, the Do 17 played a pivotal role in the early stages of the Second World War and is best remembered for its involvement in the Battle of Britain. Of more than 1,500 Do 17 bombers produced, over 400 were deployed by the Luftwaffe during the pivotal battle. Today, only one remains complete.

The wing section set to be displayed comes from this sole surviving Do 17, recovered in a landmark operation led by the RAF Museum in 2013. The dramatic moment the aircraft was lifted from the seabed and surfaced from the waters was broadcast live, capturing global attention. The recovery and subsequent conservation efforts have since fascinated not only aviation enthusiasts and historians but also scientists and engineers, all intrigued by the challenge of preserving this historic airframe for future generations.

Dr Harry Raffal, RAF Museum Head of Collections and Research said:
‘This is a remarkable moment for aviation history in Britain. After more than tens of years of intensive conservation, treatment and stabilisation, the Do 17 will go on public display. It represents not only the culmination of an extraordinary salvage operation but a unique way of understanding the Battle of Britain. The new year will see the Do 17 wing section, propellers, and engines situated alongside a Boulton-Paul Defiant, the very type that delivered the final blows to this Do 17. Our audience will see first-hand the thin edge of technology which enabled the RAF and Luftwaffe to fight out the most important battle of a generation.’

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the wing section, propellers, and engines, through enhanced interpretation and delve deeper into the aircraft’s story. Uncover the aircraft’s historical significance in aerial warfare, the events leading to its demise, and the extraordinary salvage operation and unique preservation techniques employed to safeguard its legacy.

The Do 17 wing section will be available for public viewing from early 2025, subject to suitable weather conditions for the move. The Museum invites aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike to explore this unique addition to the collection. This extraordinary exhibition will be a chance to reflect on the aircraft’s role in one of Britain’s most defining moments in history.

The fuselage will remain in store for the time being, owing to space constraints in the hangars, but the Museum retains the option to display it in future alongside the wing section.

For more details or to plan your visit go to www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.