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.
It’s now less than 20 weeks until aircraft start to touch down at RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo and we’ve got some new attendees!
This week we have the Czech Air Force checking in with a trio of aircraft travelling across Europe to join us in the Cotswolds.
They will be providing a PZL-Swidnik W-3A Sokol for the flying display, which is a great opportunity to see it perform its energetic search and rescue display routine.
Moving onto their other assets, the Czechs are bringing a LET L-410FG Turbolet for static display, which ties in with our operational theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ as this aircraft is fitted with a glass nose to enable it to carry out reconnaissance missions. Last but not least, they’re also sending an Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA for static display.
At midnight on Sunday 2nd March, our enclosure offer moves from up to 10% off to up to 5% off both Friday and Sunday so to make sure you secure a discount, book now!
RIAT returns to RAF Fairford on the 18th, 19th and 20th July and promises to excite and exhilarate with an incredible array of aircraft action in the sky and plenty to see in the static display. We also have our Techno Zone®, where cutting-edge technology, innovation and education collide.
We have a wide range of enclosures available, to suit every taste and budget, where you can set up base and explore the show from. Check out all our hospitality packages here. Be quick though, they’re selling fast and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
If you have already purchased your general admission ticket and would like to upgrade to one of our enclosures, click here.
It’s week three of Take Off Thursday, and we are pleased to announce our first international display team with the Royal Jordanian Falcons joining us this July.
In addition to their exciting aerial performance, the Royal Jordanian Air Force is also bringing a C-130H Hercules for static display.
Closer to home, our friends in the German Army are set to join us again with a pair of NH90 TTH helicopters with one lining up on the static display, whilst the other will be part of the flying programme. Rounding off this week’s update is a pair of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ related aircraft with aPBY-5A Catalina and Piaggio P.166C touching down at RAF Fairford.
Next week (Sunday 2nd March) our enclosure offer moves from up to 10% off to up to 5% off for both Friday and Sunday, so to secure your seat at the best possible price, book now!
Enclosures are still available for Saturday including Altitude, our newest enclosure with all-inclusive food and drink, Viewing Village Grandstand, for a fantastic view of the flying displays and the Family Enclosure, our family-friendly spot to enjoy a picnic and watch the displays.
If you have already purchased your general admission ticket and would like to upgrade to one of our enclosures then click here. Be quick and book today!
A hat-trick of helicopters for this week’s Take Off Thursday, including the Portuguese Air Force confirming their attendance at RIAT25!
Participating in the flying display and in a unique camouflage livery, their AW101 Merlin will be heading to RAF Fairford for the very first time and performing a SAR demonstration on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sticking with choppers, we are pleased to announce that Historic Helicopters will be supplying their Whirlwind and Wessex for this year’s static display, joining a line-up of search and rescue helicopters. Meanwhile, also on static display, the Portuguese will also be providing a Lockheed P-3C Orion for a very rare airshow appearance.
Is there someone you want to spoil this Valentine’s Day? Then why not buy them a ticket to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)? They’ll have the most amazing day experiencing sights and sounds that will raise the hairs on the back of their neck as aircraft from across the world touch down at RAF Fairford.
Or, if you’re already planning on joining us, why not make it even more special and upgrade to one of our enclosure packages? There’s one to suit every taste and budget. Take a look here at all the different options. But you’ll have to be quick as we’re already sold out for Viewing Village Garden, First Class Lounge, Flight Deck, Cotswold Club and Aviation Club on Saturday, but the Viewing Village Grandstand, Family Enclosure and Altitude Saturday, are still available for now. RIAT25 will return to RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July and we can’t wait to see you there.
Take Off Thursdays are back and off to a flying start with an award-winning display heading to RAF Fairford. The Finnish Air Force will be providing their popular F/A-18C Hornet, which is set to feature in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday.
Joining the Finns is the Lithuanian Air Force, with its search-and-rescue Dauphin helicopter, which is returning to RIAT for only the second time, on static display.
Elsewhere on the ground and also tied to this year’s theme of Eyes in the Skies, are some intriguing civilian-owned aircraft courtesy of Fighter Aviation Engineering. The first of their two aircraft is a Supermarine Spitfire painted in Indian Air Force markings and equipped with aerial reconnaissance cameras, while the L-12A Electra Junior also carried out a specific role, as it was used for covert missions for the Special Intelligence Service.
We’re delighted that you are excited for RIAT25, with more than 50,000 of you having booked your spot for this year’s extravaganza. Like you, we can’t wait for the world’s greatest airshow to return to RAF Fairford on the 18th, 19th and 20th July. Five of our Saturday enclosures are already sold out, so don’t delay, book your tickets today and be part of the fun. Why not upgrade to one of our unique hospitality areas. You will need a general admission ticket to upgrade to an enclosure.
This ambitious project will deliver a major regional engagement programme, alongside a site transformation, including:
A new immersive exhibition will explore the critical role of the RAF since 1980 to today, imagining how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Space and Cyber defence
A new Learning Centre co-designed with students and teachers will provide bespoke facilities for lifelong learning programmes in subjects ranging from science, technology, engineering and maths, to geography, art and design
A new purpose-built Collections Hub will enable the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time, providing opportunities for research, conservation, activities, talks and tours
The complementary development of a new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, and picnicking.
The Wolfson Foundation’s £650k grant for the RAF Museum was announced in their latest round of grants. The generous funding from the Wolfson Foundation is a significant contribution to the Museum’s fundraising campaign for the project and will be specifically directed towards the creation of a new Learning Centre.
Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:
‘We are deeply grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their generous £650,000 investment. This will play a pivotal role in the creation of our new Learning Centre, enabling us to inspire future generations and share the RAF’s stories in innovative and engaging ways for people of all ages. The Learning Centre will transform our offer for school groups, enabling us to accommodate an additional 8,000 students per year. These state-of-the-art facilities will include two analogue and two digital classrooms, lunch spaces for up to 120 students, and spaces for outdoor learning. Support from the Wolfson Foundation underscores the importance of education, and we are delighted to have them as a key partner in this transformative project.’
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:
‘We are delighted to support the redevelopment of the RAF Museum Midlands, especially the new Learning Centre. Support for education is at the heart of our work, and this ambitious project will engage and inspire new audiences, including young people, by connecting them with the story of the RAF in fresh and innovative ways.’
The Development Programme will increase the Museum’s capacity to engage with a wider, more diverse audience than ever before. The transformation will be underpinned by, and feed into, activities that welcome more of our communities to use the RAF Museum and RAF story as a resource, enabling the Museum to play a more impactful role across the Midlands. The project will also support the Museum’s ambition to become a Carbon Net Zero organisation. Work will commence later this year and is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
The Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme is supported by a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.
To find out more about the redevelopment project and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.
