The Midlands Air Festival is extremely pleased to announce that the Grumman Turbo Firecat will be appearing at the festival with an amazing display and role demonstration of water bombing.
This aircraft started life as a Grumman Tracker, built for the Canadian Navy. It was then sold to be converted into a firefighting air tanker. It went on to Conair who upgraded it by removing the Wright Cyclone piston engines and replacing them with twin Pratt & Whitney turbine engines and five bladed props, giving the aircraft a better rate of climb and a combined power of 2040hp.
Flown by Nikash Coffin from France, who will be showing us what a Firetracker does best by dropping 3,395litres of water in a simulated firebombing run. Few of us will have seen an air tanker in operation and in the intimate surroundings of the Ragley Hall estate, we are all in for an unforgettable and spectacular experience. The Firetracker retains its Conair livery and operating number T15.
It’s less than six months until RAF Fairford is transformed into a world-famous aviation showcase, and event organisers have announced the first participating aircraft.
A Finnish Air Force F-18 is the first aircraft to be confirmed for this year’s flying display, where the show will be highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and modern fighter aircraft used across the globe under its ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.
In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this, the aviation showcase will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft for VIP transportation.
Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “We are delighted to unveil the Finnish Hornet as our first participant for RIAT26 – this display is always well flown and is the perfect introduction to our Fighter Meet theme.
We are very busy working with Air Arms from around the world to attract an exciting assortment of aircraft to the show and we’re excited to start announcing these weekly as these are confirmed.”
In recent years the event has seen huge demand for tickets, with tickets being sold at record speed for three consecutive years.
This year, the event has already sold over 70,000 tickets and all proceeds are donated to its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which aims to inspire young people and RAF personnel to reach their full potential in STEM, air and space.
Head of Charity Development, Hannah Langford said: “Every ticket purchased for the Royal International Air Tattoo plays a direct and powerful role in shaping young futures.
“Thanks to this support, we’re able to fund inspiring STEM experiences and skills development that open doors for young people aged 5 to 25 — especially those who might never otherwise see themselves in air, space or technology.
“When people come to RIAT, they’re not only enjoying an extraordinary aviation event; they’re helping us spark curiosity, build essential skills, and create opportunities for the next generation.” To buy tickets for this year’s show, visit www.airtattoo.com.
We think it’s time for the Midlands Air Festival to announce some rolling thunder of its own, so we are pleased to welcome the first appearance of the MiG 17F all the way from Poland! This aircraft will be flown and operated by Fubar aviation and will be the only airworthy MiG 17F in Europe.
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F is a Soviet-era swept-wing fighter, which was the first afterburner-equipped fighter in Soviet service (1953). Powered by a single Klimov VK-1F turbojet with afterburner producing 7452lbs of thrust it achieved speeds of 714mph and featured enhanced, stable manoeuvring capabilities over its predecessor, the MiG-15. It was armed with one 37mm and two 25mm cannons, 16 rockets or 1100lbs of bombs. Well over 6,000 Mig 17F’s were built and were used by 20 different air forces including Poland.
It will certainly create an impact and a whole lot of noise in the intimate surroundings of the historic Ragley Estate and will be another unforgettable ‘must see’ moment that the Midlands Air Festival is becoming famous for, making the show a brilliant family day out to chase the winter blues away.
With even more big announcements to come, tickets will be in short supply as we always sell out. Tickets especially for Saturday, premium car parking and seats in our crowd line enclosure are already low and are expected to run away now. Also don’t forget that children under 13 are still free. Spaces in our camp site are nearly all sold too. So don’t delay, shake a leg and get yours right now. Get tickets and more info at www.midlandsairfestival.com
Sunday, 5th April, Easter Sunday (First open day) Sunday, 19th April Sunday, 3rd May Sunday, 17th May Sunday, 31st May Sunday, 14th June Sunday, 21st June Sunday, 12th July Sunday, 26th July Sunday, 9th August Sunday, 16th August Sunday 30th August Monday, 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday) Sunday, 20th September Sunday, 27th September Sunday, 11th October Sunday, 25th October Sunday, 8th November (Remembrance Sunday – Final open day)
The Centre is situated within the campus of the National Construction College East (NCC) at Bircham Newton, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH. The Centre is easy to find in West Norfolk, where there are many road signs giving directions to NCC. The Heritage Centre is located near the B1155 road, from Stanhoe to Great Bircham, which passes through the NCC site. It is close to CITB’s Conference Centre. Additional direction signs are displayed within the campus on open days. There is also a large external sign which will help you to locate the building from the car park. This open day schedule will also be pinned in the noticeboard outside the Heritage Centre.
Best way to find us by navigation is Google maps, simply search RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre. Or what3words: (///dime.highlight.turns)
If you wish to visit the Heritage Centre, but are not able to make an open day, we are open to arranging Ad Hoc Visits. This is subject to availability of Volunteers. Please contact us by email or ringing the number provided below.
If you need to contact the Heritage Centre team, please call Chairman of Trustees, Jamie Heffer: 07807098348 or email at: jamie_heffer@hotmail.co.uk
The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 18th April, 2026. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.
The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.
Invitations to attend have been sent to previous sellers on our mailing list. These people come from around the UK and will be allocated pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.
Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.
Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.50, Over 65s £11.50, Children £6.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £35.00.
The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.
Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.
With our first aircraft announcement taking off on Thursday 19th February, we caught up with the Air Operations team to bring you the latest update on preparations for RIAT26 so far.
Planning for this year’s show started long before RIAT25 even opened. Once our themes were confirmed, the team began building aircraft “wish lists” for both the flying and static displays – spanning military, commercial and privately operated aircraft from across the globe.
In September, the formal invitation process got underway, with letters sent to more than 100 Air Arms worldwide. Since then, the team has been meeting with International Air Attachés in London to share our vision for the show and champion the aircraft we’d love to see arriving at RAF Fairford this July.
There are already some exciting plans in motion, particularly around our Fighter Meet and Royal Flight themes. As always, our goal is to deliver an entertaining, varied and unforgettable line-up that offers something for every aviation fan at RIAT.
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations, explained that: “The majority of militaries aren’t able to tell us what aircraft they plan to send to RIAT until the spring. Thankfully, some national planning cycles come sooner so we’re pleased to be able to start our weekly aircraft updates next week. As per usual, whilst we’ll start slowly, history tells us as the months pass, we’ll have more aircraft to announce as we get closer to the show. Generally, the more rare/exotic participants can’t be announced until much closer to the event, as we always wait until we have formal written confirmation of their attendance and all the arrangements in place before we add any aircraft to our participation list. I’m confident we’ll have an exciting mix of aircraft at RIAT26 for everyone to enjoy, thanks to the efforts of everyone at Douglas Bader House.”
Relive the thrill of RIAT25 with our spectacular aftermovie, and experience the moments that made last year unforgettable. From breathtaking flying displays to incredible static aircraft and inspiring Techno Zone® exhibits, it’s all captured in one action-packed film.
Make sure RIAT26 is in your calendar – last chance for 10% off!
Secure your RIAT26 tickets today – Friday and Sunday general admission tickets are currently at Early Bird prices, and many of our enclosures have special discounts on offer – available for a limited time only. Now is the time to ensure you get the best price available.
Cotswold Club Sunday – 10% off ends midnight, Tuesday 10th Feb
Flight Deck Sunday – 10% off ends midnight, Wednesday 11th Feb
Don’t miss out – grab your tickets now before the discount drops to 5%!
The FRIAT ticket package delivers the ultimate airshow experience. Enjoy private facilities, grandstand views with allocated seating, and unbeatable access to the world’s most exciting aircraft.
Missed out on Park & View? Good news – a FRIAT ticket gives you full six-day access, from the first aircraft arrival to the final departure on Monday, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Highlights:
Discount on RIAT merchandise within the FRIAT enclosure
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th July general admission to the showground and access to the FRIAT enclosure
Allocated Grandstand seat in the FRIAT enclosure
Free RIAT Official Souvenir Programme
Free Left Luggage Facility
Wi-Fi access available within the FRIAT enclosure
Please note:
Children are classed as under 18 years of age and will be charged 50% of the adult price. All children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the FRIAT enclosure.
Grab your Super Early Bird Friday tickets before prices change at midnight on Sunday 1st February – you won’t want to miss out on all the action this year.
While you’re gearing up for the summer, relive the highlights that made last year unforgettable with the RIAT25 after movie, touching down on our socials next Thursday at 12pm. Keep your eyes peeled.
Please note: Not all benefits listed above are included in every enclosure. Please check individual hospitality packages for full details.
Whether you’re bringing the family, wanting to shoot the perfect photo of your favourite aircraft, or want to treat yourself to a unique weekend, we’ve got you covered.
We look forward to welcoming you to RIAT26! The RIAT Team
Workshop barriers are removed, giving a rare chance to inspect historic aircraft and engineering in intimate detail
Activities including flight simulators and immersive VR
Temporary exhibition ‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ running 14-22 February
Old Warden, 29 January 2026 – For one weekend only, on 21 and 22 February, barriers will be removed at Shuttleworth’s engineering workshop, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to restore, rebuild and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and airworthy aircraft from the earliest days of flight. A packed programme is scheduled, including talks and demonstrations from expert engineers, vintage bus rides, engineering-focused activities, and tours of the hangars and Shuttleworth House, amongst other activities.
A temporary exhibition titled ‘In Focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ celebrating Sopwith and Hawker aircraft, featuring six of Shuttleworth’s own iconic Collection aircraft, including the 1918 Sopwith F.1 Camel (which will have an engine ground run on Engineering Open Workshop weekend) and the 1941 Hawker Sea Hurricane Ib, will also exclusively take place on 14-22 February – with barriers coming down around the exhibition during the Workshop event.
Featured exhibits
Visitors will be able to get up close to wartime fighters Supermarine Spitfire Vc and Bristol M.1C as well as the unique Southern Martlet which will be on display. Additionally on view in the workshop will be aircraft currently undergoing restoration including the Percival Mew Gull, English Electric Wren, and Deperdussin, offering guests a rare look inside the intricate mechanics that keep these historic machines flying. Shuttleworth’s in-house team of engineers will also demonstrate an engine ground run on the Sopwith F.1 Camel as well as the Hucks Starter on the Hawker Hind – which has recently undergone an extensive overhaul and is now repainted in the colours of 605 Squadron, serial K5533.
The workshop will also showcase a fascinating range of historic vehicles and machinery, including the ABC Motorcycle, the 1899 Marot-Gardon Quadricycle, a 1900 Locomobile, a Ford Model A Truck, and a Leyland Bus Engine. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with interactive attractions such as Studebaker car rides and the Bofors anti-aircraft gun. In steam will be the Clayton & Shuttleworth portable steam engine powering the thrashing set as well as the ever-popular traction engine “Phoenix”, and the newly acquired steam wagon “The Fenland Princess”.
Hands-on, engineering activities and challenges
Various invited partner organisations will present an exciting range of engineering-focused activities suitable for all ages. Visitors will have the chance to take the controls in flight simulators, delve into Bedford’s airship heritage with immersive VR experiences, practice traditional English wheeling, craft and paint scale models, and put their skills to the test by diagnosing aircraft engine faults.
Showcasing their engineering prowess, the WorldSkills UK team will undertake a trial run of aeronautical engineering challenges against the clock in preparation for competing in the 48th WorldSkills championships in Shanghai, China this September.
‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ temporary exhibition
From 14-22 February, a temporary exhibition in Hangar Four will take place, bringing into focus the pioneering legacy of the Sopwith Aviation Company and Hawker Aircraft Limited, highlighting their designs and contributions to aviation history. Visitors can explore iconic aircraft, learn about the engineers and designers who brought them to life, and discover how these legendary companies shaped flight. For Engineering Open Workshop weekend, the barriers will be removed around the exhibition, allowing guests to admire the aircraft even more closely.
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering, commented:
“Engineering Open Workshop is the first big event of 2026 for Shuttleworth’s engineering team, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our current restoration projects in progress at the workshop as well as the rest of our iconic Collection. In contrast to the spectacle of our air shows, it’s fantastic to be able to welcome the public to our workshop to appreciate the skill, patience and passion which keeps these historic aircraft able to fly.”
Under 18s tickets are free for this event, with adult tickets at £25 (and £20 for members), available to book here.
