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.
