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New to UK Airshows?

Airshow Venues
New to UK Airshows?

Shuttleworth Airshows
If your interest lies in pioneering aircraft including WWI, inter-war, up to WWII aircraft then the ideal Airshow venue has to be Shuttleworth (Old Warden), in Bedfordshire. This are several Air Shows throughout the season which are held in the lovely Bedfordshire countryside which houses the Shuttleworth Collection which contains aircraft such as the Bleriot Type XI (1909), Deperdussin (1910), Bristol Boxkite (1910), Blackburn Monoplane (1912), Sopwith Pup (1916), S.E.5a (1917), right up to the Spitfire Mk.Vc (1941) and many more. All of these aircraft are airworthy and many of the Shuttleworth collection are original but it needs to be a calm day to display the early Edwardian examples. There are several full airshows, and evening flying events throughout the season.

Duxford Airshows
Duxford in Cambridgeshire is a very popular venue for warbird enthusiasts. There is an extensive museum which is free to look around during an Airshow and includes many WWII examples. Duxford is home to the Imperial War Museum Collection (IWM), The Fighter Collection (TFC), The Old Flying Machine Company (OFMC), The Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC), Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC), B-17 Preservation Society etc. The airfield itself is an historic site dating back to 1918. In the second world war it was home to the first operational Spitfire squadron. Duxford's fighters were frequently scrambled against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Duxford have several Airshows/Flying Days during the season including 'The Summer Air Show' and 'Battle of Britain Air Show. There are also several Flying Days which are free to IWM members. This is one of the best places to vist in the UK if you are interested in WW2 aircraft and warbirds.

Flying Legends Airshow
The popular Flying Legends Airshow was previously held at Duxford in July each year. On the 25th August 2020 it was announced that the 'Flying Legends' airshow, which is run by 'The Fighter Collection' (TFC), would no longer be taking place at Duxford and a new venue would be found to host this show. The first Flying Legends Airshow, away from Duxford, was to be held at Sywell Aerodrome, Northants, on 10th - 11th July 2021, however this was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This airshow features many Second World War aircraft including the 'The Fighter Collection' aircraft. The Flying Legends Airshow returned on the 15th & 16th July 2023 at Leeds East Airport however the airshow will not take place in 2024.

Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is possibly the largest military airshow in the world containing hundreds of modern military aircraft in the static line-up and air display from many different nations around the world. This popular Air Show is usually held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire which is a large base used infrequently by USAF deployments which makes it an ideal venue for such a large Airshow. RIAT usually takes place over a weekend in July, with a shorter display now on the Friday. You can also view the aircraft on arrival days and departure day. As with most large airshows it is advisable to get to this event early to avoid traffic congestion.

Farnborough Airshow
Farnborough in Hampshire has a biennial commercial airshow. The Farnborough Airshow usually takes place just after the Royal International Air Tattoo so they can share aircraft with this event. There is a mixture of modern civilian and military aircraft from around the world. Farnborough is the oldest active airfield in the UK and is home to the head office of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. From 2020, the Airshow will run from Monday until Friday as normal but the public weekend will no longer take place. The trade days are in the week days (Monday to Friday) while the public can also attend on Friday.

RAF Cosford Airshow
RAF Cosford in Shropshire hosts a popular air display in the Midlands, usually in June. This is the only Royal Air Force Air Show now that the RAF Waddington Air Show has come to an end. The display usually includes modern RAF aircraft, sometimes foreign participation, display teams, and historic aircraft. It is also home to the Aerospace museum which is an extension to the main museum at Hendon and includes the new Cold War museum which is well worth a visit and the museum is free on airshow days. The runway is fairly short which means that modern jets are usually operated from nearby RAF Shawbury as they can't land at RAF Cosford. It is advisable to get to the Cosford airshow very early and stay for an hour or so after the show to avoid the usual traffic congestion.

Royal Navy International Air Day
RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset is home to the Royal Navy Wildcat HMA2 and Army Air Corps Wildcat AH1 helicopters as well as the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force Merlin and Wildcat AH1 helicopters. There is usually an Airshow held here in July which features many Royal Navy aircraft as well as RAF and Army participation and usually ends with an exciting Commando Assault Demonstration. Yeovilton is also home to the Fleet Air Arm Museum which has more than 40 aircraft on display with as many again in storage or refurbishment. Unfortunately there has not been an air show here since 2019.

Abingdon Air & Country Show
Abingdon Fayre first started in 2000 as a small fete. In the years since then the show has grown in stature. Attendances have increased, and at the 2009 show there were over 10,000 people. For many years the show was known simply as the Abingdon Fayre, but in 2007 the show's title changed to Abingdon Air & Country Show to more accurately reflect the show's content. Although held on a military establishment, the show is a civilian event and is organised entirely by volunteers, with proceeds being donated to a local charity. There is usually a good mix of display aircraft and plenty of other activities on the ground.

Midlands Air Festival
This is a spectacular new aviation event for the Midlands which began in 2018. This Air Show takes place in the historic grounds of the famous Ragley Hall estate. Which is close to Alcester in Warwickshire. The Air Show takes place over the weekend with a Nightfire show on the Friday which includes aircraft streaming pyrotechnics from their wings and a choreographed hot air balloon nightglow in which you will see balloons light up like giant lightbulbs in time to music ending with a musical firework finale. This air Show features a good mix of aircraft as well as many hot air balloons and is held in the stunning grounds of the Ragley Hall Estate.

Little Gransden Airshow
First put on in 1992 with just a handful of cars and single flying act, the show has gone from strength to strength over the years, with show gradually increasing to its current size - with over 300 vehicle exhibitors and a flying display lasting more than 3.5 hours plus numerous other ground-based attractions. Superb air displays and on the ground everything from classic cars to craft shows, all set in the beautiful open countryside, at Little Gransden Airfield, near Sandy, in Bedfordshire.

Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow
The 2022 Battle of Britain Airshow will be the 7th event, exquisitely blending choreographed Battle-of-Britain era aircraft displays with family friendly attractions and re-enactments. You will see engines roaring and crowds cheering for 12 one-of-a-kind air displays in the very airspace where the Battle of Britain took place over 80 years ago. Headcorn Aerodrome, formerly RAF Lashenden, is in Kent and houses a small museum of aviation relics which was established on the site at Lashenden Air Warfare Museum.

Old Buckenham Airshow
The Old Buckenham Airshow is a popular two-day event which takes place in Norfolk at the end of July or beginning of August each year. It has a 4 hour display each day and includes several warbirds such as Spitfires, Mustangs, B-17, as well as display teams and RAF aircraft such as the Typhoon. Old Buckenham Airfield is a former Royal Air Force Station which was built in 1942-1943 and used during the Second World War by the United States for the strategic bombing campaign against Germany.

East Kirkby Airshow
East Kirkby Airshow is Lincolnshire's biggest independent air show and usually takes place at the beginning of August each year. The air show helps to raise funds for the on-going restoration of Avro Lancaster (NX611) 'Just Jane' which can be seen making taxi runs at the show as well as many other taxi-run days from May to November. As well as the air display there will be trade stalls, vintage cars, Military vehicles, re-enactors and much more to give you an excellent family day out. East Kirkby is also home to a de Havilland Mosquito NF.11 (HJ711) which is the only existing version of this variant in the world.

Welsh Airshows
Wales currently has two major displays including the Wales National Air Show in Swansea and the Rhyl Air Show.

Scottish Airshows
South Ayrshire Council have announced that The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr, Scotland in 2023.

Northern Ireland Airshows
Northern Ireland is hoping to replace the Northern Ireland International Airshow at Portrush in County Antrim with a new show called the 'International Causeway Airshow' which is to be held at Portstewart, Coleraine. If funding can be found then this show will take place every other year.

Channel Islands
The Jersey International Air Display and the Guernsey Air Display takes place in September each year, on the same day however the Guernsey Air Display will take place in June 2024 as the Red Arrows are expected to tour in North America from mid-July onwards in 2024. The Jersey International Air Display usually includes some very interesting aircraft as well as international participants.

Airbourne (Eastbourne) Airshow
The Eastbourne International Airshow, also called Airbourne, is now one of the the world's biggest free seafront airshows which attracts nearly a million people over the four days from Thursday to Sunday in August. Participating aircraft include the Royal Air Force, Army, Navy, Civilian, Display teams, Warbirds, and International aircraft. There are also many ground attractions including a funfair, stalls, exhibits, arena displays, helicopter rides, and plenty of entertainment for the kids including giant inflatables, and trampolining on two designated beach areas.

Southport Airshow
The Southport Seafront Air Show is recognised as the North West's largest Airshow attracting up to 150,000 spectators over two days. Combining a spectacular air display with a host of ground activities, the Southport Airshow is an exhilarating and fun-filled experience that the whole family can enjoy. The flying programme includes a good mixture of military and civilian aircraft, classic jets, warbirds, helicopters, aerobatics and parachute displays. The show features a whole host of trade stands, interactive and educational displays, simulators and children's activities. In previous years Southport Airshow has included a Military Display including a dramatic simulated battle on the beach involving Army reserve forces complete with explosions and military vehicles. Many of the aircraft that display at Southport operate out of nearby Blackpool Airport.

Clacton Airshow
The Clacton Airshow takes place on the sea front at Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. The show usually takes place on a Thursday and Friday in August and is expected to attract 90,000 spectators. This free, two-day event, includes a good mixture in the flying display including RAF participation along with display teams, aerobatic aircraft, and historic aircraft. On the ground there will be exhibits from the Army and RAF, children's activities, simulator, climbing and entertainment areas along the Clacton seafront. A wide range of trade stands and a food court with a sumptuous selection of refreshments will be on hand. After the show there will be a chance to do some late night shopping with many of the retail stores staying open late.

Bournemouth Air Festival
The The Bournemouth Air Festival takes place over four days in August. The FREE four day spectacular is set against the backdrop of Bournemouth's seven miles of award-winning beaches, beautiful bay and glorious gardens. The Festival includes amazing air displays (from classic flying machines to modern day speed machines!), Sea Displays, Interactive Static Displays, Fireworks, Familiy Fun Attractions, and Music & Live Entertainment. The festival takes place between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and in the Lower Gardens and the number of visitors are anticipated to be in excess of up to 200,000 per day.

Blackpool Airshow
Blackpool Airshow is a free two-day event which takes place in August. Blackpool air display takes place over the famous Blackpool promenade between North and Central piers. The air display is usually about three hours long each day and there are also trade stands and simulators etc.

English Riviera Airshow
The first Torbay Airshow took place in 2016 and it was a free two-day event. The stunning bay and unique curvature make for a superb backdrop to the air display. The name of this airshow changed from the 'Torbay Airshow' to the 'English Riviera Airshow' in 2020. The air display usually include RAF participation such as the Red Arrows, as well as classic jets, warbirds and civilian display teams.

Teignmouth Airshow
The first Teignmouth Airshow took place in July 2019. This event actually took place over three days (Friday to Sunday) with the air display taking place on Saturday. Live music and entertainment was ongoing between each display. Friday evening had live music and there was a family fun day on Sunday.

Sidmouth Airshow
The Sidmouth Airshow usually takes place in August each year and usually includes a small airshow featuring the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Sywell Airshow
The Sywell 2024 Airshow will take in June 2024 and will be a quite remarkable airshow combined with ground attractions including classic cars and much more. Showcasing multiple classic aircraft from across Europe alongside modern jets, the flying line-up will include formation and unique display acts, some of which will be UK firsts.


Flypasts/Display Team Schedules/Airshow Tips
New to UK Airshows?

Flypasts
This website also contains detailed information on any special flypasts such as the King's Coronation Flypast or the King's Birthday Flypast.

UK Military Display Teams 2024
The following pages include the Royal Air Force, Army Air Corps and Royal Navy Display Teams Schedules. The dates and venues of each display team are usually announced in late March, or early April. The Red Arrows & BBMF Schedules usually include timings as well as a Google route map of Red Arrows transits.

Red Arrows Display Schedule 2024
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Schedule 2024
RAF Typhoon Display Schedule 2024
RAF Chinook Role Demo Schedule 2024
RAF Tutor Display Schedule 2024
RAF Falcons Display Schedule 2024
RN Wildcat Demo Schedule 2024

Event Listings:
Airshow Calendar 2024
RC Model Aircraft Shows 2024
RAF Families Days 2024

Note that RAF Family Days are not open to the general public.

UK Military Display Teams and RAF Family Days will include dates & venues from March/April each year.

Airshow Tips & using this website
UK weather is extremely unpredictable and it is difficult to know what the weather will be like on an Airshow day so it is best to be prepared for any eventuality.

A fold-up umbrella and/or fold-up waterproof mac takes up little room but is very useful if you find yourself quite a distance from the car or any shelter during a heavy shower.

On a hot sunny day it is a good idea to keep drinking plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Some of the larger Airshows charge an excessive amount for cold drinks so ensure that you bring plenty of your own. You will be surprised how much you drink on a very hot day. Cold bottled water is recommended.

A hat is also advisable on a hot sunny day especially for children.

Also use plenty of sun tan lotion even if it is not a hot sunny day.

Fold up chairs are recommended to watch the air display in comfort.

Earplugs are also recommended at Airshows that feature modern military jets especially for young children.

If you arrive by car at a large Airshow then make a note of where you have parked.

Put litter in the provided bins or take it home with you because litter is a hazard to aircraft.

Don't take dogs to an airshow and leave them in cars as not only is it very cruel but at major Airshows, animal welfare officers will patrol the carpark, and police will be called to break into locked cars that contain dogs.

Stay outside of roped-off areas and do not touch the aircraft.

Do not set your car alarm especially if loud jets are displaying

If you lose someone or get lost then select a meet up point such as the control tower before the show starts.

Barbecues and fires are usually prohibited on an airfield because of the fire risk.

The use of radio transmission including CB radios are strictly prohibited.

Do not smoke in the vicinity of aircraft, museums, or hangars.

Photographing aircraft and using scanners etc are usually allowed at UK airshows.

If you arrive by car then it is best to set out as early as possible to avoid the traffic jams. Also on leaving the Airshow it is sometimes advisable to either wait for an hour after the air display has finished or leave early to avoid traffic congestion.

Some of the larger airshows such as the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have off-site car-parking in the fields outside the base due to increased security. It is a good idea to carry everything that you will need with you into the base to avoid having to come back to the car.

There will sometimes be security checks at the larger shows like RIAT where your belongings will be searched before you are allowed inside the base.

New to UK Airshows?
Taking photographs at an Airshow
Photography is usually allowed at all UK Airshows and while any camera will do to take photos of static aircraft it is advisable to use a 35mm SLR camera with suitable zoom lens for taking pictures of aircraft in the air. A lens of at least 300mm or preferably 400mm is required for Airshow photography with a wide-angled lens for the static aircraft. Camcorders are also popular as well as various digital cameras. Advice on camera equipment, operating Digital SLR cameras and post processing airshow photos can be found on the website.

Airband Scanners
Many people like to take Airband scanners to listen to the tower and hear what aircraft are about to be displayed as well as listening to display teams etc. It is usually acceptable to use a scanner at a UK Airshow even though it is officially illegal to do so. You can find information about handheld Airband Scanners as well as Airshow Frequencies, and Airport Frequencies on this site.

Using this Website
Firstly, please be aware that www.military-airshows.co.uk is an airshow/aviation enthusiast website and has no connections with any of the UK airshows that it promotes. Also www.military-airshows.co.uk does not operate any aircraft. Please read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page before contacting us.

If you are interested in going to a UK Airshow then the first place to look is on the Airshow Calendar which includes many UK Airshows ranging from the smaller events which include a flying display up to the large military UK Airshows. The UK Airshow Calendar includes links to the official airshow website, additional information on this website, Sat Nav postcodes, maps, hotel accommodation, local 5-day weather forecast, scanner frequencies, and sometimes photos or a review of the event. You can usually find contact details for the organiser by clicking on the name of the event on the Airshow Calendar page.

You can find UK Airshow News and the latest UK Airshow Press Releases in the News section, or the very latest on the Homepage. More UK Airshow information can be found on the Facebook page.

Detailed information on the larger or more popular UK Airshows can be found in the Venues section which includes maps showing location, travel information, hotel accommodation, general & local weather forecasts, photos of previous events, scanner frequencies, history of the Airshow, and related links such as the official Airshow website and social media. Participating aircraft are also included when known including Ticket prices and any relevant information.

There is also a Message Board where you can discuss anything aviation/airshow related or post/view airshow photographs. A Military Airshows Facebook page and Twitter page is also available which contains up-to-date airshow news, aircraft participation, and various interesting snippets.

Many thousands of Airshow photographs taken at UK Airshows, over the years, can be viewed in the Gallery section (Photos and Reviews), along with Airshow reviews, articles, video clips, youtube videos, and wallpapers.

Various competitions and quizzes can be found on the website where you can win airshow tickets to some of the major events or enter a photograph that you have taken at an Airshow into the monthly Aviation Photograph Competition. Each month will have a particular aviation theme and the winning photo will be placed on the Homepage as well as the Photograph Competition page.

If you are interested in the Supermarine Spitfire then a Spitfire Page can be found on the website which links to many photographs as well as the Airworthy Spitfire Page which gives a fairly detailed history of all the world's airworthy Spitfires including photographs.

A Live Aviation page contains information and links for live Air Traffic Control (ATC), Airport webcams, NOTAMS, UK Airport arrival and departure times, and track aircraft in realtime on a map which includes information such as height, speed, aircraft type, and its destination.

Information on International Display Teams, such as the Red Arrows, and Civilian Display Teams, along with Royal Air Force display aircraft can be found in the Display Teams section.

New to UK Airshows?

There is a section on UK Airports which lists the major UK Airports and where you can find details on scanner frequencies, arrivals, departures, airline trackers, location (maps), history of the airport, how to get there, satnav postcodes, weather forecast, and hotel accommodation. You can also send in your UK Airport photographs to be included on the website.

UK Airports
UK Airport photographs
Airlines & Callsigns
UK Airports:
Aberdeen Airport
Belfast Airport
Belfast City Airport
Birmingham Airport
Bournemouth Airport
Bristol Airport
Cardiff Airport
City of Derry Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport
East Midlands Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Exeter Airport
Glasgow Airport
Guernsey Airport
Humberside Airport
Inverness Airport
Isle of Man Airport
Jersey Airport
Kirkwall Airport
Leeds-Bradford Airport
Liverpool Airport
London City Airport
London Gatwick Airport
London Heathrow Airport
London Luton Airport
London Southend Airport
London Stansted Airport
Manchester Airport
Newcastle Airport
Newquay Airport
Norwich Airport
Prestwick Airport
Southampton Airport
Stornoway Airport
Sumburgh Airport
Teesside International Airport




Airshow Map/Museums/Bases


You can click on the Google Map above to see the location of all these airshows.

Clicking on a marker on the map with reveal the airshow and provide a link to more information on this event.

UK Aviation Museums
There is a detailed list of over 40 UK Aviation museums on this website which includes information on their location, history, opening times, travel, maps, photographs and a list of exhibits.

England:
Aerospace Bristol
Army Flying Museum
Avro Heritage Museum
BBMF Visitor Centre
Bentwaters Cold War Museum
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Brooklands Museum
City of Norwich Aviation Museum
Cold War Jets Collection
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
de Havilland Aircraft Museum
East Midlands Aeropark
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Jet Age Museum
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Midland Air Museum
Museum of Berkshire Aviation
Newark Air Museum
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
North East Aircraft Museum
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Royal Air Force Museum London (Hendon)
Shoreham Aircraft Museum
Shuttleworth Collection
Solent Sky Museum
Solway Aviation Museum
South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum - AeroVenture
Sywell Aviation Museum
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
The Helicopter Museum
Wattisham Station Heritage
Wellesbourne Wartime Museum
Wings Museum
Yorkshire Air Museum
Wales:
Caernarfon Airworld Museum
Scotland:
Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
National Museum of Flight
Northern Ireland:
Ulster Aviation Society
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum



Military Bases:
Here you will find information on many UK Military bases including Royal Air Force, United States Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army Air Corps. There are details on current aircraft & Squadrons, history of the base, maps, scanner frequencies, trackers, and photos of the aircraft for each base.

UK Military bases
UK Military base photographs

RAF Bases
RAF Benson
RAF Brize Norton
RAF Coningsby
RAF Cranwell
RAF Leeming
RAF Linton-on-Ouse
RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Marham
RAF Odiham
RAF Scampton
RAF Shawbury
RAF Valley
RAF Waddington

RAF Bases operated by USAF
RAF Fairford
RAF Lakenheath
RAF Mildenhall

Fleet Air Arm Bases
RNAS Culdrose
RNAS Yeovilton

Army Air Corps
Aldergrove
Dishforth
Middle Wallop
Wattisham

Accommodation:


This website is updated regularly with all the latest UK Airshow news, press releases, updates, and participating aircraft at UK Airshows.

If you find this website useful then why not take part in the various competitions or quizzes or send in your Airshow or Airport photographs. You can also post your Airshow photographs on the Message Board or Facebook page, Twitter page or just make a comment. It would also be appreciated if you would 'like' us on the Facebook page, and Twitter page.





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