Planning for RIAT25 is already well under way, and we can’t wait to welcome you next year.

Our discounted tickets are flying, with only a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets left. Prices will increase very soon, so don’t delay and buy yours now.

Looking to make your day extra special? Take advantage of our enclosure discounts too and get 15% off…

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

We would love to see you in the Cotswold Club next year. Still 15% off for a limited time only

Why not take advantage of our discounts and book your place now in the Cotswold Club, the quintessential British summer garden party.

Currently on offer at 15% off full price for Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of July next year. Selling fast, with over half the tickets for Saturday already gone and still 10 months to go.

Perks include:

? A stone’s throw from our Take Off Zone, right next to the runway and a great view of the displays
? A delicious lunch, unlimited tea and coffee and an afternoon treat
? Standing photography area located at the front on the crowdline
? Private toilets
? Unreserved informal seating
? A cash bar with additional rolls and bar snacks

Book your spot in the Cotswold Club today before it’s too late!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/cotswold-club/

If you’re making the most of our discounts and planning next year’s trip to RAF Fairford already, why not consider Aviation Club?

Currently on offer at 15% off full price for Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of July next year. Saturday is already selling fast with only 35% available and still 10 months to go.

Perks include:

? A smart yet relaxed experience
? Access to the on-base guest car park
? A light breakfast, morning tea or coffee, two-course lunch, and afternoon tea
? Centrally located, offering easy access to the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying display
? Access to a private marquee, garden and 250 seat grandstand with unallocated seating.
? Private toilets
? Complimentary souvenir programme and a cash bar

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/aviation-club/

October 2024 marks 90 years since the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race, and The Shuttleworth Collection includes none-other than the very race winning aircraft: the de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS. To celebrate the anniversary, Shuttleworth’s upcoming Race Day Air Show (6 October) will feature a mock air race in tribute to this hugely popular aircraft.

The MacRobertson Air Race saw over 20 aircraft set off from RAF Mildenhall on a multistage flight from the United Kingdom to Australia. With a prize of £15,000 – that’s £900,000 in today’s money – on the line, there was huge excitement and media coverage surrounding this racing challenge. Shuttleworth’s very own Comet DH88, piloted by Charles W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black, covered the (approx.) 11,300 miles in 70 hours and 54 minutes, winning them the race and setting a new point-to-point world record. The aircraft itself was designed and built by de Havilland in just 10 months and had a top speed of 227mph.

The Comet is a much-loved part of The Shuttleworth Collection and regularly features in its seasonal air shows. To celebrate the fantastic history of this aircraft, the upcoming Race Day Air Show (6 October) will see a mock air race including as many of the types of aircraft that took part in the original race as possible. In true racing spirit, the aircraft will also cross the finish line following the exact order of the original race, culminating in a solo display from the Comet.

James Butt, Aviation Co-ordinator, said, “We are extremely fortunate to have the very aircraft that won the MacRobertson Air Race in our Collection here at Shuttleworth. This is a big anniversary and so we want to mark it appropriately at our last Air Show of the season where racing is the focus.”

Race Day brings together icons of the aviation and the motor vehicle industry for a dramatic day of action both on Shuttleworth’s grass runway and in the skies above Old Warden Aerodrome.As well as a flying display from 2-6pm, Race Day will feature veteran vehicle and bike sprint demonstrations, and a brilliant range of ground entertainment including the Armed Forces Rally Team, the Jez Avery Stunt Show, the Dakar Rally Team, and our interactive Discovery Zones. Visitors can also browse various trader stalls and pick up delicious food and drink on site.

Join Shuttleworth to mark this 90th anniversary and discover more about the racing past of its patron and Collection. Tickets for Race Day 2024 are available from £32.50 via www.Shuttleworth.org.

Following the huge success of the 2024 season, which has welcomed 27,000 visitors to date, Shuttleworth is excited to announce their 2025 season of air shows. With themes celebrating military history, the best of British engineering, their hugely popular Flying Proms and Festival of Flight events, a relaxed Summer air show, and an action-packed Race Day, Shuttleworth has something to entertain the whole family.

Shuttleworth is continually reviewing their event structure to ensure that their offering appeals to as broad an audience as possible. 2025 will see further exciting format updates with traditional Sunday shows opening and closing the season, and daytime and evening split flying displays over three Saturday events, offering visitors the chance to experience evening flying set against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun – perfect for keen photographers.

The Season Premiere Air Show kicks off the season in a traditional Sunday format on 11 May, with flying taking place between 2pm and 6pm. As with all Shuttleworth displays, you can see their working collection of vintage aircraft take to the skies above Old Warden aerodrome.

On 31 May, Shuttleworth’s first split flying Saturday format takes place through their Military Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). This show specifically celebrates all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.

Festival of Flight returns by popular demand on 28 and 29 June. Shuttleworth’s biggest event of the year offers two fully packed days of family entertainment, including a host of
fantastic ground entertainment around the most spectacular split flying air displays of the season (flying 2-5.30pm and 8-9pm both days).

The second split flying Saturday format of the season takes place on 26 July with the Summer Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). Visitors can soak up the warmth of the summer evening whilst taking in more brilliant aerial displays.

16 August sees the welcome return of Flying Proms, an event that features a stunning aerial display choreographed to live music from a symphony orchestra, and pyrotechnics to boot. Following the display, visitors can enjoy fireworks and music, with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Proms-themed event.

Shuttleworth presents the Best of British Air Show on 30 August – the third split flying Saturday of the season – where visitors can marvel at the incredible achievements of aviation and automation in Great Britain (flying between 2-5.30pm and 7-8pm).

Rounding off the season, with a traditional Sunday format, is the ever-popular Race Day on 5 October (flying 2-6pm). With high-speed sprint demonstrations, both on the ground and in the air, this adrenaline-fuelled event honours the skill and passion of their patron Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a true racing spirit.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Building on the achievements of our 2024 season, we’re excited to announce this new season of air shows for 2025. We are
delighted that our visitors have so warmly embraced our new show formats, and we will continue to provide a visitor experience that is second-to-none in its entertainment offer and affordability. We are proud to often be referred to as the best kept secret in Bedford, but now’s the time to let the secret out!”

While the air displays are not to be missed, Shuttleworth has plenty of other activity going on across the site on air show days. Hop aboard one of their beautiful vintage buses, grab some delicious food and drink, take in fantastic vehicle parades, and make the most of regular fun fairs. Let the kids explore and learn in Discovery Zones or set them loose on an inclusive play area – kids go free to all events(excluding Flying Proms) and all activities are inclusive of entry price.

Early bird tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season are now on sale via www.shuttleworth.org. Kids go free to all events excluding Flying Proms. Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2025.

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the esteemed airline as the Museum’s official airline partner.

The collaboration between the RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic highlights a shared dedication to inspiring everyone with the RAF Story, while preserving and celebrating aviation history, and strengthening transatlantic connections.

The new partnership will see Virgin Atlantic flying Museum representatives between the UK and USA, enabling the team to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation that support the Museum’s fundraising opportunities in the United States.

Edward Sharman, Head of Development at RAF Museum, said:
‘We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honour the legacy of the RAF.’

Virgin Atlantic, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in June, finalised the agreement during a recent visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The Virgin Atlantic Corporate Team received an extensive tour from the Museums volunteers and made use of the Museums meeting facilities. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the RAF Museum sites in London and the Midlands.

Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said:
‘The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Date: 15 September / Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm / Cost: Free

Experience the spirit of the Midlands on Sunday 15 September, as the RAF Museum Midlands throws open its doors for a vibrant, free Community Day in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council.

This exciting event will bring together communities from every corner of the region, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and history that makes the Midlands unique. Expect a day bursting with lively music, dance performances, have-a-go activities, fascinating displays, street food, and so much more!

Throughout the day a spectacular line-up of dance, music, and spoken word performances will light up the stage! Immerse yourself in Dhol drumming, Polish dancing, and live jazz music—guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet. Marvel at the jaw-dropping African acrobatics show that will have you joining in and feast your eyes on the mesmerising Chinese dance and music. Surrounded by aircraft, families will be enthralled by captivating storytelling, inspiring poetry, and energetic rap performances. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!

Join in on a lively assortment of interactive workshops where the whole family can get involved! Get hands-on with Dhol drum classes, unleash your artistic side in art workshops, or learn the energetic moves of Bhangra dance. You can also test your strength, balance, and agility with a thrilling African acrobatic circus skills experience. Plus, have a go at shooting hoops on the pop-up basketball court—there’s something fun for everyone to try!

The Museum will highlight the inspiring stories of local people who have served, or are currently serving, in the RAF. Visitors can explore a range of displays that showcase the deep connections between the RAF and Midlands communities, featuring a special exhibit on the Polish Air Squadrons.

Beyond the Community Day activities, families can explore the Museum’s unique collection, ranging from bi-planes to fast jets, in four vast display hangars. Experience the excitement of flying in the interactive Flight Zone, let the little ones go wild in the aviation themed playground, or try on some of the RAF uniforms and pose for a selfie. The Museum is packed with flying entertainment for the whole family!

Entry to the RAF Museum Midlands and the Community Day is free. For more details and to pre-book your arrival time, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

Our Saturday general admission ticket will increase to the early bird price on Monday, 2nd October.

RIAT24 will return on 19th, 20th and 21st July and will celebrate 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. We’d love to see you all there.

Hurry now and buy your tickets by the end of this week!

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

The date for Newark Air Museum’s Autumn Day-Night Photo Shoot event has been set for Saturday October 28, 2023.

Spaces are still available and booking forms can be downloaded from the museum’s website by following the advice on this page of the museum website: http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Museum-Events

Night-photo shoot activities will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 1700 hours; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 1000 hours onwards on October 28th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.

The event will feature themed ground equipment; uniformed personnel; and illuminated aircraft; alongside the following museum aircraft: MiG-27; T-33; Meteor NF.14; Lightning T.5; Jaguar T.2A; Canberra T.19; Wessex; Vulcan.

Admission cost for Day-Night Photo Shoot event is £40 per person and places will be limited to 50 people. Various payment options are detailed on the booking form, or you can call in at the museum in person; or by telephoning 01636 707170.

Aviation Photography Workshop
(Beginners)

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/events/aviation-photography-workshop-beginners/

07 October 2023 – £85 per person (incl. lunch and parking)

Capture your greatest shots – sign up for the Aviation Photography Workshop at the RAF Museum!

This full-day course is a great opportunity for photographers of every level to enhance your current set of skills. Whether you are just starting out, or you’ve already got some experience – this hands-on course will give you the chance to learn, plan, execute and develop as aviation photographers.

Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum. Get up close to some of our most iconic aircrafts and discover the new layout of our War in The Air and Test Flight Hangar, including the new Bomber Command exhibition. We will also be joined by a period reenactor at your disposal to pose next to some of the aircraft to add an interesting twist. Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum.

Participants will be provided exclusive access to the War in the Air Hangar and the Bomber Command exhibition for one hour after the Museum closes to use their newly acquired photography skills to capture the unique atmosphere of the building and its aircrafts.

Aviation Photography Workshop
(Advanced)

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/events/aviation-photography-workshop-advanced/

08 October 2023 – £85 per person (incl. lunch and parking)

Capture your greatest shots – sign up for the Aviation Photography Workshop at the RAF Museum!

This full-day course is a great opportunity for photographers who have already got some experience or have attended previous photography workshops. This hands-on course will give you the chance to learn, plan, execute and develop as aviation photographers.

Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum. Get up close to some of our most iconic aircrafts and discover the new layout of our War in The Air and Test Flight Hangar, including the new Bomber Command exhibition. We will also be joined by a period reenactor at your disposal to pose next to some of the aircraft to add an interesting twist.

Participants will be provided exclusive access to the Test Flight Hangar for one hour after the Museum closes to use their newly acquired photography skills to capture the unique atmosphere of the building and its aircrafts

Over 33,000 visitors flocked to IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire this weekend (16 and 17 September) for the iconic Battle of Britain Air show, making this year’s event the biggest to take place at Duxford since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The show featured displays from over 60 vintage and contemporary aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows. For the first time in almost three decades, the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe – ‘Sally B’ – flew in formation with the RAF’s Avro Lancaster treating visitors to a show stopping display from two of the most recognisable allied heavy bombers of the Second World War.

The famous Duxford ‘Big Wing’ featured 14 Spitfires and 4 Hurricanes in a moving tribute to the brave service men and women who risked their lives to defend Britain in the summer of 1940.
On the ground, crowds soaked up the sights and sounds with the help of living history groups, live performances from vintage musical acts, an historic fairground, and the opportunity to get close to original vintage warbirds on the Flight Line Walk.

Air Show Event Manager, Phil Hood, says: “We’re thrilled to have welcomed so many visitors to the Battle of Britain Air Show this weekend as we continue to celebrate 50 years of flying displays at Duxford. We’ve had a stand-out line-up this year, with an array of crowd favourites, from original vintage warbirds – including a mass flypast of Spitfires and Hurricanes – to the daring aerobatic displays of the world-famous Red Arrows. Seeing the Avro Lancaster and ‘Sally B’ fly together for the first time in almost 30 years was a truly unforgettable moment and we hope to bring more of these unmissable experiences to visitors for many years to come.”

The Battle of Britain Air Show is the second major event of Duxford’s 50th anniversary Flying Season, which concludes with the Flying Finale on 14 October, marking 50 years to the day since the very first air day took place at Duxford in 1973.