Old Warden, 27 August 2026 – The Shuttleworth Trust is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle with its insurers that will allow the detailed assessment and repair of the DH.88 Comet Racer, G-ACSS, to begin.
The Shuttleworth Trust is committed to maintaining the long-term future of this unique and historic aircraft in flying condition. While insurance funding will cover the essential works necessary to return the Comet to the air, there are additional steps Shuttleworth wants to take to preserve the long-term operability of this very special aircraft. The Shuttleworth Trust is also mindful of the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Mildenhall to Australia air race of 1934 – an event won by G-ACSS.
Shuttleworth is therefore launching a dedicated fundraising appeal to support acceleration of the repair works, together with an additional programme of related restoration and preservation work. This will include the overhaul to zero-time standard of the aircraft’s engines, propellers, and accessories, together with the inspection, refurbishment and preservation of components that have not been damaged. Where new parts are required, Shuttleworth will seek wherever possible to manufacture additional spares at the same time, helping to safeguard the future operation of the aircraft for decades to come.
Funds raised will also help meet costs not covered by insurance, including the policy excess and other essential expenses associated with restoring the aircraft to the highest possible standard.
Shuttleworth’s aim is to raise £250,000 over the next 18 months to ensure that G-ACSS not only flies again but emerges from this restoration with a more extensive spares holding to support its long-term operation for future generations to experience and enjoy.
With the public’s support, Shuttleworth will not only return this iconic aircraft to full flying condition, but will also ensure that it is ready in good time for the 100th Anniversary of the race in which it made history in 1934.
80th anniversary of US Air Force to be celebrated at Summer Air Show
Brand-new Season Finale Air Show for September 2027
Old Warden, 20 August 2026 – Shuttleworth, visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft, is excited to announce its 2027 air show season. The launch follows the success of the 2026 season which – with still two shows left to go – has seen the sell-out success of Summer Air Show and record-breaking attendance numbers for Festival of Flight. The 2027 air show season, which is now on sale, features seven air shows, with the new addition of Season Finale Air Show on Saturday 25 September 2027.
The season kicks off with Season Premiere Air Show on Sunday 9 May 2027, the first opportunity for visitors to experience all a Shuttleworth air show has to offer in 2027. Later, on Saturday 29 May 2027, Military Air Show returns, bringing together military aircraft, vehicles and history in a tribute to all those who have served their nations.
Flagship air show, Festival of Flight, returns
Shuttleworth’s flagship air show will return on 26 and 27 June 2027, following the success of the 2026 iteration of the event, described in Vintage Aviation News as “probably the best airshow anywhere in the world this year”.
The festival will feature a programme of flying displays showcasing aircraft from Shuttleworth’s internationally renowned Collection, alongside a range of visiting aircraft from across the UK and overseas. In addition to the flying displays, visitors will be able to explore a variety of ground attractions and family activities located throughout the Shuttleworth site. Interactive experiences and entertainment will be available for visitors of all ages, and on-site camping will once again be offered for those wishing to enjoy the full festival experience.
80th anniversary of US Air Force celebrated
Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show will return, but this time with an American theme to mark the 80th anniversary of the US Air Force. Visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of flying displays featuring classic American aircraft plus another thrilling gathering of aircraft (more news to come soon). The event will also offer a variety of themed attractions on the ground, including American-inspired food, a free fun fair and interactive STEM-focused Discovery Zone activities.
For its second iteration, Wings & Wheels Air Show will return on Saturday 14 August 2027, celebrating motoring and aviation in equal measure. Flying Proms Air Show, a staple in the Shuttleworth calendar, will be on Saturday 28 August 2027, with the National Symphony Orchestra performing live alongside beautifully choreographed aerobatic displays.
A brand-new air show for September
The 2027 air show season will end in spectacular style with a brand-new air show, Season Finale Air Show, featuring breathtaking flying displays from Shuttleworth’s own Collection alongside visiting aircraft. In the evening, visitors will be treated to a fireworks and pyrotechnics finale, providing a memorable end to a season of aviation excitement.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The 2026 air show season exceeded all our expectations, and we’re already looking ahead to an exciting 2027. Preparations are well underway, with Summer Air Show set to be a particular highlight. Following a sell-out event in 2026, the show will return with another major theme, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the US Air Force. We’re also thrilled to launch a brand-new event, Season Finale Air Show, in September 2027, bringing the season to a spectacular close.”
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.
Here at Shuttleworth, we’re keen to welcome the next generation of engineers into the industry. Our rolling apprenticeship scheme offers those with a passion for aviation the chance to work on our unique Collection.
Beginning over 50 years ago, we have seen many apprentices pass through our workshop, with many of them staying at Shuttleworth following their four-year programme.
The scheme is always heavily subscribed due to the diverse selection of aircraft within our Collection, but we’d love to ensure this opportunity reaches as far and wide as possible to ensure that candidates from a range of backgrounds can apply.
Applications for our next apprenticeship placement (starting September 2026) are now open. Apply by 2 March 2026.
On 26 November 2025, pilot Dave Harvey flew Hawker Hurricane G-HURI into Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, where the aircraft will now reside amongst Shuttleworth’s own Collection aircraft. Staff were thrilled to welcome another Hurricane into the Collection hangars – with their own Hawker Sea Hurricane being a firm favourite with visitors.
Acquired by Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002, Hawker Hurricane G-HURI was one of the first civilian Hurricanes flying in 1989. Over the years, it has worn many schemes – including 71, 126 and 303 Squadrons – and now wears the 302 (City of Poznan) Squadron colour scheme. The squadron codes depicted are also significant in representing two Polish pilots who were scrambled out of RAF Duxford during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Flying Officer J Kowalski and Flight Lieutenant T Chlopik left the base on 15 September 1940 with only Kowalski going on to survive the war – Chlopik was killed in action later that day.
The aircraft was part of the 2005 ‘Merlins Over Malta’ project that saw it fly with Spitfire VB BM597 over Malta in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, and is due to take part of Polish Heritage Flight’s upcoming commemorative flight to Poland.
Pilot Dave Harvey, said, “We are delighted to begin this new chapter for Hawker Hurricane G-HURI at Old Warden, surrounded by the remarkable aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection. We look forward with great anticipation to our first air show season at one of the UK’s premier airshow venues.”
John Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, said, “We are thrilled to now house this fantastic aircraft amongst our own Collection. With two Hurricanes now residing at Old Warden, we’re even more excited for the air show season ahead.”
Hawker Hurricane G-HURI is now on display in Hangar 4 of the Shuttleworth Collection – aptly named ‘Dangerous Skies’ for its celebration of iconic military aircraft. To see the aircraft, you can purchase 30-day return tickets to Shuttleworth Collection and Garden or look out for which of Shuttleworth’s 2026 air shows will feature a display from the aircraft (once confirmed) via www.shuttleworth.org.
Shuttleworth is highly regarded for its spectacular annual season of air shows, but if you were under the impression that air shows were where the events stopped, you’d be missing out. Today Shuttleworth have announced their 2026 ‘Events & More’ season – basically, any and all events outside of their air shows – and boy are there some exciting things going on at the Biggleswade based estate.
2026 will see 20 (yes, you heard right, 20!) non-air show events taking place across the year – and that’s before you even consider their annual Shuttleworth in Lights winter trail and festive offering. Of those 20, there will be six brand new events specifically focused on letting the general public into Shuttleworth House on a more regular basis. The Jacobean style mansion house is primarily an award-winning wedding and private hire space.
So, what are the new events? On 9 January, the inaugural Comedy Night at Shuttleworth House will take place with more to be announced throughout the year. Also kicking off a new series will be the String Quartet: Spring Sessions on 24 April. Whether is live comedy or live classical music, these events promise world-class entertainment in an opulent yet intimate setting. Continuing the theme of glamour and decadence, visitors are invited to take inspiration from Bond and dress up for a Casino Royale night at Shuttleworth House on 28 March. You can walk the red carpet, enjoy something “shaken, not stirred” from the bar and use fun-money to place your bets! For 2026, Shuttleworth is also introducing new themed tribute music nights. At their ABBA night (11 April) and Blues Brothers night (28 August) you can enjoy all your favourite hits performed live by fantastic tribute artists before dancing the night away with an after party. Then, for the very first time, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 air show season with a Season Premiere Pre-Show Party on 9 May.
2026 will see the welcome return of some audience favourites too. For the last weekend of the February half term (21 & 22 February) Shuttleworth throws open it’s engineering hangar doors for Engineering Open Workshop. Last year’s event saw record attendance and you can expect a fantastic introduction to how the Shuttleworth team restore and maintain their remarkably unique Collection of aircraft, vehicles and wider exhibits – complete with interactive activities for the whole family. As spring makes a welcome return, 4 & 5 April will see the Easter Bunny flying into a classic Shuttleworth event. Packed with family entertainment, an egg hunt and so much more, if you’re looking to change things up this Easter, look no further. Then, following the huge success of the past two years, Shuttleworth’s Summer Fete Open Weekend returns on 4 & 5 July. For just £7.50 per adult with kids going free, you can enjoy a massive array of activity across the entire Shuttleworth site. From live music to a craft and gift market, fun fair, demonstrations from the Shuttleworth Fire Service, a showcase of models plus full access to the Collection hangars and nine-acre Swiss Garden there’s plenty to explore across the weekend. All this for just £7.50!
But that’s not all, you’ve then got the ever-popular Murder Mystery events to enjoy, a world record attempt, the 150th anniversary of Shuttleworth House itself, Wedding Shows and some brilliant third-party events to boot.
Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said, “We’re so excited to be dramatically expanding our wider events offering for 2026, particularly with our exciting new events at Shuttleworth House. We can’t wait to welcome even more to experience what we do so well at Shuttleworth next year.”
On Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, the de Havilland Moth Club present their DH.60 Centenary Fly In event at Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden).
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the prototype DH.60 Moth, the aeroplane conceived and developed by Captain Geoffrey de Havilland which, together with its Cirrus and later Gipsy engine, revolutionised the concept of the light aeroplane around the world, as well as establishing the practicalities for Club flying and private ownership.
Across two days, visitors can enjoy seeing what is anticipated to be the largest gathering of DH.60 Moths since the Second World War, including several flying in from bases overseas. Marvelling at a fantastic array of de Havilland Moths flying into the iconic home of Richard Shuttleworth, a well-known de Havilland enthusiast, visitors can also take in a short bespoke flying display, featuring de Havilland aircraft from Shuttleworth’s Collection, including the oldest flying DH.60 Moth in the world, the Tiger 9 Display Team and more to be announced on Friday 1 August.
Outside of the airborne action, guests can enjoy an open airfield area, allowing them to get as close as possible to these stunning aircraft. Then there are all six of Shuttleworth’s Collection hangars to explore, and the calm idyl of the nine-acre Regency Garden to relax in before refuelling at the popular on-site Runway Café.
Stuart McKay, Secretary of the de Havilland Moth Club, said, “We have waited 100 years for this unique opportunity to salute the inspiration of Captain Geoffrey de Havilland who, against all the accepted beliefs of the day independently proceeded with the design and construction of a suitable engine and airframe which, in 1925, were agreed to be the most practical solution to providing standard equipment for the emerging light aeroplane clubs being promoted, encouraged and subsidised by the British Government under a scheme soon to be copied by the governments of Australia and Canada.”
Jean Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth said, “We are delighted to be hosting the de Havilland Moth Club for their DH.60 centenary celebration, an aircraft that our founder Richard Shuttleworth was so very fond of. We hope to see the aviation community turn out to support this fantastic occasion.”
Tickets for the DH.60 Centenary Fly In event, presented by the de Havilland Moth Club, start from £18 and children attend for free. Tickets can be purchased via www.shuttleworth.org
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.
In addition to yet another year of successful events, Shuttleworth saw a record number of passengers aboard the Collection’s fleet of vintage buses. Taking part in all seven of the 2024 air shows, making regular trips for general admission visitors, and operating during the site’s regular wider events season, the three buses have a combined a total of over 200 hours ferrying over 11,000 visitors around Shuttleworth. The fleet is a firm favourite with visiting school children and has also participated in no less than seven weddings so far this year.
A group of 11 dedicated volunteers make up the team who operate the buses. Driving is just a small aspect of the work the team undertake. Each member is closely involved in the maintenance, polishing and cleaning of the vehicles, as well as regularly taking the buses out into the local community in Biggleswade.
Shuttleworth’s bus fleet includes the Leyland Bus ST ‘Wellingborough’ from 1913, which is one of only three surviving second-generation double decker buses outside of London. It was rescued from the grounds of the Wellingborough Sewage works where it was being used as a store shed. The ‘White Rose’ Leyland SG7 was the outright winner of the London to Brighton Veteran run in 2002 and is widely considered the visitor favourite. The Charabus lived a varied life ferrying passengers between Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire and even spent some time as a static shop that was plumbed in for water, gas and electric before being restored and bought by Shuttleworth. It is now the sole survivor of its kind.
Visitors are invited to ride the buses for free but can offer a donation of their choice, if they should wish to do so. This year’s introduction of a ‘Good Box’ contactless donation scheme has resulted in an increase of 133% in public donations, all of which are used to help maintain the Collection’s wider fleet of vehicles – including the buses themselves. Donations from previous years have allowed the team to expand maintaining and operating the Collection’s 1913 Studebaker alongside the buses during the events. This has already proved to be a big hit with the public, and the team hope to expand this activity into 2025 and beyond.
Peter Hanlon, Vehicle Events Co-ordinator and Bus Manager, said “We are delighted that 2024 has seen record passengers aboard the three buses. The team take great pride in knowing that our ‘Hangar runs’ bring so much joy to our visitors, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2025.’
Visitors can enjoy a vintage bus ride at any of Shuttleworth’s 2025 air shows and at wider events across the site (please check the website for further details). Subject to weather and availability. Get your tickets for Shuttleworth Air Shows at: www.shuttleworth.org/book-your-tickets (Early Bird pricing ends on 31st January)
Shuttleworth is excited to announce its Events & More season of wider events set to take place in 2025. From their hugely popular seasonal markets and wedding shows to a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering workshop, and an all-important Easter Bunny airborne arrival, there really is something for all the family to enjoy. These events follow the previously announced 2025 air show season.
One of the Shuttleworth Collection’s most keenly anticipated annual events is the Engineering Open Workshop. This February weekend offers visitors a chance to get a look behind-the-scenes at what it takes to restore, rebuild, maintain and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and aircraft from the earliest days of flight. With exhibits allowing visitors to look under the surface at some of these incredible machines, demonstrations, talks, and STEM activities for all ages, it promises to be an activity-packed weekend.
For a unique way to enjoy Easter weekend, families can catch the Easter Bunny flying into Shuttleworth in a fantastically quirky event. Let the children watch their favourite furry friend arrive in style before heading off on an Easter egg hunt through Swiss Garden,rounding off their visit with a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. And there will, of course, be chocolate.
For Father’s Day, the Collection gives lucky ticket holders the opportunity to take a seat in Shuttleworth’s very own Spitfire. As part of the experience, visitors can find out more about the history of this specific aircraft and get a great photo too.
Shuttleworth’s annual Scale Model Exhibition also returns for 2025, with plenty of keen modellers showcasing their work in the hope of taking home one of the many awards up for grabs.
Over at Shuttleworth House, 2025 starts off with the January Wedding Show. Whether they’re just starting their planning journey, or grabbing those last finishing touches for the big day, visitors can meet Shuttleworth’s trusted industry traders, take a tour of the venue hire possibilities on site, and make the most of the knowledge and experience of the Shuttleworth wedding team.
In February and April, Shuttleworth House opens its doors for a look back to when the Shuttleworth family lived there. Through guided tours, volunteers will help visitors to explore the space and explain what the House may have been like in its previous life. The ever-growing seasonal markets also return to Shuttleworth House. The Mother’s Day Market gives visitors plenty of ways to treat Mum while spending some much-deserved quality time together – who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? Then, the Summer Fete (including scale model elements as a new feature for 2025) offers visitors a vibrant summer day out with plenty of traders, catering and activities for all the family.
As part of the Events & More season, Shuttleworth proudly hosts external events from a range of organisations. Following the huge success of the first Murder at the Mansion event in 2024, RAW Theatre Productions will be back with another vintage murder mystery dining experience in February. For petrol heads, stretching over Shuttleworth’s sweeping parkland, the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals are back in August. And then, for those who prefer steam power, in September, local favourites, Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre, return to the parkland with a huge exhibition event celebrating life at the turn of the 20th Century when steam was in its heyday.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Shuttleworth has such a fantastic breadth of offer – from Weddings to our beautiful Swiss Garden, the House and Parkland – and it’s great to be able to showcase that through our Events & More season. For 2025, we’re excited to see some Shuttleworth staples, like the Engineering Open Workshop and Easter Bunny flying in, but also to see us building on the success of some of our other events, like our popular seasonal markets and Wedding Show. We hope that these events inspire new visitors to see what Shuttleworth has to offer, as well as encouraging our regular visitors to try something new on site. You’ll also need to watch this space for a few more exciting events that are yet to be announced.”
The Events & More season accompanies the previously announced 2025 Air Show season. To find out more about any upcoming events at http://www.shuttleworth.org/eventsShuttleworth, visit www.shuttleworth.org/events
