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.
Aircraft celebrating Slovenia and Canada make up this week’s announcement with debutants and an award-winning display heading to RAF Fairford.
A pair of Pilatus PC-9Ms will be joining us this summer, which includes demo pilot Lt Fiorelli’s popular display which won Best International Flying Demonstration at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2017 and 2015, with the second aircraft on static. Sticking with the static line-up the Slovenians are also providing their C-27J Spartan, which is a first-time visitor to RAF Fairford.
Ahead of their 100th anniversary on Monday we have also announced some aircraft in recognition of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary.
In special liveries, we have a De Havilland Vampire FB.52 and a Canada Chipmunk both on static from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron and Shuttleworth Collection respectively.
Following the arrival of BV Chinook HC.1, ZA717 from RAF Cranwell back in February 2018 Newark Air Museum became the first Accredited Independent museum in the UK to acquire and display a Royal Air Force (RAF) registered Chinook helicopter.
Since its arrival the museum staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to acquire missing airframe panels and structures from many normal disposal sources, including the original manufacturer.
Sadly, these efforts have been to no avail, so the museum’s resourceful volunteers have now started to fabricate missing and damaged items for the nose section and side sponsons on this unique Chinook rebuild project.
The majority of the damage that is being repaired was caused during a non-fatal flying incident on 25th July, 1989 that saw ZA717 ‘written-off’ at RAF Mount Pleasant, in the Falkland Islands. Having been transported back to the UK, ZA717 was later used at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire to train Aircrew Loadmasters in slinging techniques and load securing methods.
These ongoing repair and restoration works will soon be more visible as the museum is planning to reposition the Chinook and nearby Puma XW208 helicopter, to make them both more accessible. This move will also benefit the museum’s long-term plan to use ZA717 as an interactive education space / resource for visiting groups of school children, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets.
The Swedish Air Force will return to RIAT with their SAAB JAS-39C Gripen to perform in the flying display, and in addition they’ll bring a JAS-39D Gripen for the static display.
Another returning aircraft will be the NH90 TTH of the German Army, appearing in both the flying and static displays, as part of our NATO 75th Anniversary theme. Their NH90 has been a popular display item for the last two years with it’s attractive camofluage livery, so we’re pleased to be welcoming them back to RAF Fairford this summer.
A rare addition to the static displays comes in the form of a Bréguet Alizé. Now operated in civilian hands, the type flew with the French Navy for many years in the anti-submarine warfare role. This will be the first time we’ve seen an Alizé at RIAT in over 20 years, and the plan is that the aircraft will arrive on Friday afternoon, then be on static display over the weekend as part of our NATO 75th Anniversary theme.
When the suspended aircraft at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands need a spring clean, it calls for a specialist team of dustbusters with a head for heights to carry out the work!
Suspended from the ceiling, up to 100ft in the air, eight aircraft including a Vulcan bomber, will all be given a light dusting this week as part of the annual clean and inspection. Other aircraft being spruced up include a Canberra, Meteor, Sabre, Hunter, Lightning, Dakota and Javelin.
Strapped into harnesses and with nerves of steel, the specialist cleaning team climb the rafters of the building and abseil down to access the aircraft. No cleaning solutions are used on the aircraft, just a good dusting using large soft fibre mops. In addition to cleaning the aircraft, the team will also be inspecting the suspension cables supporting the aircraft in their flying display positions.
Tom Hopkins, Curator at RAF Museum Midlands said:
‘The Museums commitment to preserving objects within our collection extends beyond mere display. It involves each aircraft and vehicle undergoing a regular inspection by our skilled Technicians and Volunteers. However, when it comes to the aircraft suspended from the ceiling of our National Cold War Exhibition, a unique challenge emerges. These iconic aircraft, reach up to 100 feet in places, and navigating such dizzying heights requires a specialist team equipped with the necessary skills and equipment.’
During the clean the Museum will remain open to visitors who can see the high-flying team from Rappel, industrial rope access specialists, in action.
The Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition features 19 aircraft, tanks, vehicles, models and memorabilia, and is the only place in the world where people can view all three British V-Bombers, the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant, together and under one roof.
The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.
The RAF Cosford Air Show are thrilled to announce that an F35 fighter jet from RAF Marham will perform their brand new ‘role demo’ display for the first time at the RAF Cosford Air Show, held on Sunday 9th June 2024.
A capacity crowd of 55,000 people attended the Air Show in 2023 and organisers are promising more excitement in the air and on the ground for 2024.
The role demo is anticipated to demonstrate the latest operational generation of fighter jet’s capability, including high speed passes and other thrilling manoeuvres, never before performed by an F35 from 617 Squadron.
Marilyn Summers, Commercial Director said: ‘We’re very excited to be welcoming an F35 from 617 Squadron to Cosford once again and seeing their brand new ‘role demo’ display. It is very fitting that the new display will debut at the RAF’s only Air Show
‘In 2023 a static replica F35 gave the next generation a unique opportunity to get up close and even sit in the jet, with a flypast from an F35 proving to be a crowd favourite at the Air Show in 2022 and 2023.
We can’t wait for audiences to experience this exhilarating display for the first time at the Royal Air Force Cosford Air Show.’
It is with huge excitement that we can announce our first Royal Air Force flying display.
Headlining this announcement, we have none other than the Red Arrows.
Back at full strength with a full team of nine jets, they will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a display that will bring in many formations and shapes not seen in years.
In addition to the Red Arrows, we have two fantastic fast jet solo displays. First, the Eurofighter Typhoon. A fan favourite that has a real impact with its high-octane display.
Second is the F-35B, this year performing a full display with a mixture of high-speed passes, tight turns, and its iconic hover.
Pretty great so far, right? Well the RAF aren’t done yet.
Finally, we have the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Friday visitors will be treated to a series of flypasts, whilst on Saturday and Sunday, join us to see a very special display which will see the Lancaster accompanied by four historic fighter aircraft.
Alongside the RAF announcement, we also have a whole host of aircraft from QinetiQ attending the static display. We aim to park these alongside other British flight test aircraft for our
‘Pushing the boundaries’ theme.
Remember that this is your last week to get your hands on some special offers!
On midnight Sunday 10th March, all discounted prices on enclosures will be ending, as well as Super Early Bird Sunday general admission tickets.
