August – Airscene News

NEW Airshows coming to Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth selfie — *photo by Phil Chaplin*

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.

Grab your tickets at RIAT25 rates while you can

Act fast, Super Early Bird and Early Bird pricing won’t last long

Don’t forget that quantities are limited for our best general admission prices. Friday and Sunday are currently at Super Early Bird price and Saturday is at Early Bird price. We have frozen these prices at RIAT25 rates, so secure your spot now!

RIAT26 will return to RAF Fairford on 17-19 July and plans are already underway to make it the best show ever! We know we say this every year, but I’m sure you’ll agree we have succeeded every time

Book Tickets HERE

Make your day even more unforgettable

Why not upgrade to one of our enclosures to make your day even more special? Have you tried the Cotswold Club before? This enclosure is always one of the first to sell out.

Dine alfresco in a relaxed setting, right next to the runway and a stone’s throw from the Take Off Zone. With a delicious lunch, unlimited tea and coffee and an afternoon treat, we can see why it’s so popular

Get your enclosure tickets HERE

Autumn Season Takes Flight at Army Flying Museum

Army Flying Museum Remembrance — *photo by John Rose Photography*

Despite being in the midst of the busy summer holidays with lots of fun activities keeping families entertained, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is already gearing up for a packed Autumn Season, with a wide array of events programmed to entice visitors new and old into the stunning surroundings of the Hayward Hall.

The new programme of events will commence with a daytime talk to commemorate Operation Market Garden will be delivered by former Curator of the Museum – Derek Armitage – on Wednesday 13 September, with a further daytime talk ‘Wings Over the Guns’ by Museum Tour Guide, Mike O’Donoghue on Thursday 16 October. The Autumn will also see three new evening lectures planned which particularly appeal to military enthusiasts, with two very special talks to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

On 27 September, the wonderful Romsey Male Voice Choir return to the Museum. The 60 strong choir perform with passion, tenderness, laughter and fun and likes to give its audiences something just a bit different! The choir will be accompanied by special guests Romsey Songbird.

Another fabulous treat for music lovers lies in store when Salisbury Big Band take centre stage at the Museum on 4 October for another great toe-tapping celebration of swing, jazz and big band classics.

For October half term, the Museum will be staging some fantastic creepy creature craft activities and Halloween themed trails for children along with the popular model making and painting sessions. As a special treat, there will be a special Meccano day the Museum on Wednesday 29 October.

On Tuesday 11 November, the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir will perform in the Hayward Hall with a stunning Concert of Remembrance. The concert has sold out in previous years, so customers are advised to book early for this very special event.

Two fabulous fairs are lined up for the weekend of the 22/23 November. On 22^nd, an array of local gift, craft and food providers will kick start the Christmas shopping period with the Museum’s annual Christmas Fair. Over thirty stall holders will be available to browse alongside the Museum’s popular gift shop and there will also be festive trails and craft activities on offer for children to enjoy. Sunday 23^rd November sees the staging of the Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Fair and Model Show when every nook and cranny of the Museum will be packed full of exhibitors and stall holders for enthusiasts to browse.

December sees the return of the very special family event ‘Santa’s Flying Visit’. On Saturday 6 December, children will have the opportunity to meet and have a professional photo taken with Santa in the historic Scout helicopter, along with festive craft activities, trails and refreshments to keep families entertained.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said “We are thrilled to present another busy Autumn season of events here at the Museum and hope to attract lots more new visitors through our doors, not only to enjoy the events, but also to see more of the work we do as a charity in telling the story of British Army aviation.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.armyflying.com

Lock in your spot for next year’s show at 2025 prices!

The world’s greatest airshow awaits

If you’re suffering with post-RIAT blues, you can still secure your spot at next year’s show for a discounted price!

General Admission prices for Saturday and Sunday are frozen at 2025 rates. Take advantage of Super Early Bird pricing for Friday and Sunday, and Early Bird rates for Saturday. We’ll be returning to RAF Fairford for another fantastic show on the 17–19 July 2026.

Book Tickets HERE

Altitude – the ultimate experience

Take your enclosure experience to new heights with our Altitude enclosure – returning to RIAT26!

Altitude offers great views of all the action in the air, and it’s a great base to explore the whole RIAT experience from. With a markedly different feel to any other enclosure, in RIAT25 Altitude had upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. Complete with an all-inclusive cocktail bar with selected wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, complimentary food and a DJ, Altitude is an upgrade experience like no other at RIAT.

Get your enclosure tickets HERE

The Victory Show marks its 20th anniversary

The Victory Show, the largest WWII re-enactment weekend of its kind in the UK, is back from Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August 2025

This year, The Victory Show marks its 20th anniversary while also commemorating the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

The Victory Show is held at Foxlands Farm, a privately operated family farm located in the village of Cosby, Leicestershire. The event commences on Friday, 29th August and is anticipated to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the weekend. The farmland will be transformed to authentically portray life during the war years, featuring trenches, numerous heavy armoured vehicles, halftracks, and up to 300 military vehicles. Additionally, attendees can enjoy an extensive display of World War II aircraft over the course of the weekend.

This three-day event includes an Educational Day for school children and their teachers on the first day, with participation from students representing schools across the county. The programme provides insight into life in the 1940s and offers question-and-answer sessions with more than 120 re-enactor groups. These activities provide an enriching academic experience designed to enhance students’ understanding of this historical period.

On Saturday, 30th and Sunday, 31st August, the Show will be in full operation, featuring military vehicles, the United Kingdom’s largest collection of 1940s living history displays, and the country’s most extensive WWII battle re-enactment. This year’s airshow will include classic WWII warbirds, with additional fly-ins which will form part of the static aircraft display. Participating in the airshow include:

• Avro Lancaster Bi PA474

• Hawker Fury

• P-51D Mustang ‘Jersey Jerk’

• Thunderbolt – P-47D

• Hawker Hurricane – Mk.1 P2902

• Hawker Fury FB.11

• Douglas Dakota DC3

• The Last Dog Fight Display Team – featuring the Piper and Storch aircrafts

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc – Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September

• Jungemeister

• Catalina

• Harvard G-BJST – Wacky Wabbit

• Douglas A-26C

• Hawker Hurricane MK 1 V7497

• Messerschmitt ME108

With it being the 20th Anniversary, The Victory Show has some additional attractions for visitors to enjoy this year, including:

• The Weald Foundation will be attending to show their original fully restored leicheter Panzerspahwagen (2cm) (Sd.Kfz.222) Ausf. A (4.Serie) and their original leichter Panzerspahwagen (Fu) (Sd,Kfz.223) Ausf. A (3. Serie). These will run before the public. Meticulously rebuilt to factory specification and maintained in full working order. These armoured cars are the only operational examples of their variant anywhere in the world.

• The ‘Standing With Giants’ Charity will run a mini display of their life size figures at the show. Visitors can walk through the display and explore the short documentary videos on their phones via QR codes spread around the installation.

• Guest Speakers including Bruce Crompton from Amazing War Stories, David Willey former curator at The Tank Museum, Crispin Thomas – The Standup Historian, Rony Rushmer author of SAS Duty Before Glory – a talk on SAS Great Reg Seekings and Tom Petch who is an award winning film director and ex SAS Commander, author of SAS Speed, Aggression, Surprise, the secret origins of the special air service.

The primary objective of the Victory Show is to offer a World War II-themed event that is accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and interests. The event is dedicated to honouring all World War II veterans, recognising their invaluable contributions and acknowledging that our present-day lives have been profoundly shaped by their sacrifices.

The daytime entertainment appeals to families, older adults, and professionals from Leicestershire as well as from across the United Kingdom, Europe, and further afield. First-time attendees can expect a rewarding and engaging experience at the Show. This event provides a comprehensive representation of life during the war years, enhanced by an aircraft display that offers a unique feature unmatched by other events in the country.

This year the popular 1940s-themed dinner dance on Saturday night will feature live entertainment, big band performance and a headline appearance by the nation’s premier wartime act, The D-Day Darlings.

The continued success of the Show is attributed to the diversity of its programme, the dedication and experience of its staff, and the level of publicity and media coverage it receives. The event also provides support to several charities by assisting with fundraising efforts, including SSAFA, The Royal Marines Charity & Historical Society, The Royal British Legion, The Veterans Foundation, Standing with Giants Charity, among others.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A LINE UP OF PARTICIPATING WWII AIRCRAFT VISIT: www.thevictoryshow.co.uk

Shuttleworth Celebrates the Very Best of British Innovation at Best of British Air Show

Celebrate the very best of British innovation at Shuttleworth on Saturday 30 August with the Best of British Air Show. As regular visitors to Shuttleworth will know, the aerodrome near Biggleswade is also home to an internationally renowned Collection of airworthy aircraft (from the oldest airworthy British aircraft – the Blackburn Monoplane – to a genuine Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc), veteran vehicles and more. At the Best of British Air Show later this month, these incredible assets will appear as part of their respective air displays and vehicle parades. Joining them, once again, will be a range of exciting visiting air display acts and vehicles.

Highlights in the air include Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s de Havilland DH.100 Vampire – an exceptional example of an early jet – as well as various helicopters in the form of two Westland Gazelles from the Gazelle Squadron, a Westland Lynx and a Westland Wasp. Unique to this show are some exciting pair formations that see a visiting aircraft team up with their Shuttleworth Collection counterpart. Aircraft Restoration Company’s Westland Lysander will join the Collection’s ‘Lizzie’, and The Fighter Collection’s Gloster Gladiator will fly with Shuttleworth’s Gladiator, before all four appear together in a tribute to the Bristol Mercury engine. There will also be a formation dedicated to the Cambridge and Oxford University Air Squadron’s 100th anniversary.

With Shuttleworth’s new split flying format, visitors can enjoy two air displays for the price of one – the first taking place at 14:00 and the second at 19:00 – where you might get the chance to see the Collection’s Edwardian aircraft airborne (if the weather is kind).

Outside of the air display, there’s a brilliant range of ground attractions that are all included in the price of a ticket. Shuttleworth’s Learning Team will present their ever popular interactive Discovery Zones aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers, pilots and enthusiasts. There will also be free rides for children to enjoy. The Cambridge and Oxford University Air Squadron will be on site with three static aircraft on display: a Grob Tutor, a Scottish Aviation Bulldog and a de Havilland Chipmunk. Visitors can browse a stunning range of British vehicles from both the Collection and invited guests, and you can even hop on a vintage bus to travel the site in style. Up at Shuttleworth House, former home of the Collection’s founder, Richard Shuttleworth, there are more activities for children, grand rooms to explore plus guided tours for a small additional fee.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Shuttleworth is itself a British institution, from the Shuttleworth family’s legacy to the Collection’s fascinating working aircraft and vehicles. What better place to celebrate the remarkable British achievements in aviation and automotive history?”

Tickets are available from shuttleworth.org from just £36.00 and children go free.

Funding Announced to Safeguard the Ultimate ‘Airfix Model’ Instruction Manual

NMRN Barracuda — *Various parts curated for Barracuda Live Credit NMRN*

• The National Museum of the Royal Navy has been awarded Archives Revealed funding.
• The grant—worth nearly £50,000—will support the cataloguing of the Fairey Aviation Company Archive, helping to unlock the story of British naval aviation.
• This archive will play a vital role in Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild—a decade-long project to reconstruct a complete Second World War Fairey Barracuda aircraft to original factory specifications.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) announced on Monday 18th August, that it has been awarded nearly £50,000 from the Archives Revealed programme. The Cataloguing Grant supports organisations in improving access to important historical collections, enabling them to make detailed archival material more widely available to researchers and the public.

The funding will support the cataloguing of the Fairey Aviation Company Archive, a crucial resource underpinning Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild—NMRN’s decade-long project to reconstruct a complete Fairey Barracuda aircraft to original Second World War factory specifications.

Founded in 1915 by Sir Charles Richard Fairey, Fairey Aviation produced several iconic aircraft, including the Barracuda and the Swordfish—both critical to the Royal Navy’s Second World War operations. Later innovations saw the company be the first to break the world air speed record with a speed faster than 1,000mph and design the now-iconic ‘droop snoot’ later used on Concorde.

Led by NMRN with support from the Ministry of Defence, Barracuda Live gathers surviving aircraft parts from crash sites across the British Isles. Each part undergoes a rigorous conservation process to verify authenticity, stabilise condition, and preserve its historical significance. This work is shared through an innovative ‘Live Conservation’ programme at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Somerset.

The grant will allow the team to unlock vital technical drawings, development notes, test reports, and design documents buried deep within the Fairey Aviation archive. Of value are original Barracuda schematics—effectively the aircraft’s instruction manual—which will directly guide the reconstruction effort.

*An example of the historically important documents in the collection Credit NMRN*

Louisa Blight, Head of Collections and Research at NMRN, says: “We are hugely grateful to the Archives Revealed programme for their generous support. For a long time, the Barracuda project has felt like building a life-sized Airfix model—but this funding gives us the instruction manual we’ve been missing. We’re also thankful to our colleagues at the Royal Air Force Museum, whose collaboration has helped us create a unified research collection that honours the pioneers of 20th-century naval aviation.”

Dr Harry?Raffal, Head of Collections and Research at the Royal Air Force Museum who has worked alongside the NMRN team to transfer the archive says: “We are delighted to have worked collaboratively with our fellow service museum to enable this transfer to take place. The successful funding application is such good news. The funds will help to unlock this significant aviation archive so that it can be shared with a wider audience and provide further, vital support for the Barracuda restoration project. Projects like Barracuda Live embody the kind of rigorous scholarship and passionate conservation that define both our museums. Together we’re ensuring that this extraordinary chapter of British naval aviation is not only rebuilt but re-understood and celebrated for generations to come.”

Archives Revealed is a partnership programme between The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund which helps unlock collections across the UK and build the skills needed to care for them into the future.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, says: “This programme is partnership working at its best. We are delighted to see 16 cataloguing grants awarded across the UK through this latest round of the Archives Revealed partnership programme. These awards open up rich and wide-ranging archival collections from different communities, expand access and deepen understanding of the stories they hold. Congratulations to all new grant holders.”

https://www.nmrn.org.uk

The ultimate day out for the whole family!

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at RIAT26, perfect for visitors of all ages. From the thrill of fast jets soaring overhead to the chance to explore cutting-edge aviation technology up close, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

Now is the ideal time to secure your place.

Prices are frozen at 2025 rates for Saturday and Sunday General Admission. Friday and Sunday tickets are currently available at Super Early Bird prices, with Saturday at Early Bird rates. Join us from 17–19 July 2026 for the world’s greatest airshow.

Book Tickets HERE

Watch next year’s arrivals in Park & View

Take in every moment of the excitement from our East and West enclosures, offering fantastic views of all arrivals and departures. Monday 20th July is now SOLD OUT, and tickets for Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th are selling fast – secure yours now to guarantee your spot.

Get your Park & View Tickets HERE

Heritage Open Days at Army Flying Museum

Every September, thousands of volunteers across England organise a wide range of events to celebrate the history and culture of the country, and the volunteer team from the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is no exception.

The Museum is proud to have a number of knowledgeable and experienced volunteer tour guides who regularly take organised groups on tours of the Museum, charting the history of British Army aviation and regaling visitors with stories of intrigue, personal anecdotes and humour.

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days takes place from the 12-21 September, and brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.

To embrace this, the tour guides at the Army Flying Museum have organised two special tours which will run on the 15^th and 20^th September and are included with the normal Museum entry price and available for any visitor to book.

With their wealth of experience, visitors that have a particular interest in military history won’t fail to be astounded by the breadth of knowledge of the guides, all of which are retired military personnel or military historians. The tours will take visitors on a journey of reconnaissance, communication and combat, whilst highlighting the story of British Army aviation amongst the stunning exhibits and aircraft on display at the Hampshire Museum.

In addition, on 15^th September, tour guide Richard Folkes will introduce a recording of ‘Pegasus Bridge – In Their Own Words’. This very special recording contains precious footage of interviews with key participants of this historic era with the audience invited to participate in a Q&A session following the screening.

On 20^th September, visitors will also have the opportunity to watch a special film by military historian, Paul Beaver – ‘Spitfire Gifts of War’. The film reveals the story behind the Spitfire Fund and of the local people desperate to play their part in beating the Luftwaffe.

In England, Heritage Open Days has expanded and diversified from 701 events at its launch to over 5,000 today, providing countless opportunities for more people to come together and enjoy, often surprising, but always interesting, doorstep discoveries.

For more information and to book, visit www.armyflying.com

Have you entered the RIAT25 photography competition?

With RIAT25 slowly becoming a distant yet fantastic memory, we are already working hard to make RIAT26 another spectacular show, and tickets are already selling faster than this time last year.

General admission tickets are currently on offer, with a further discount for multi-day and weekend tickets. Now is the best time to buy tickets and join us at RAF Fairford from 17-19 July 2026.

Book Tickets HERE

Have you taken the photo that perfectly captures the unforgettable energy of RIAT 2025? Don’t miss your chance to enter our RIAT25 Photo Competition –and you could win an epic prize bundle!

Prize bundle includes:

Up to four general admission tickets to RIAT26
A meal on us at next year’s show
A bundle of exclusive RIAT merchandise

How to enter:

Upload your best RIAT25 photo to social media
Tag @airtattoo on Facebook, Instagram or X (links can be found at the bottom of this email)
use #RIATcompetition25
Enter by Sunday 10 August 2025

So share your favourite moments, and good luck! Click here for competition T&C’s.