By DrSoda 
Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, the airshow curcuit in the UK isn’t as large as it used to be, but those that are still running really do put on a spectacular show and for that, they should all be thanks for us aviation fans.
Deciding which ones to go though can be quite the task, however, we here at Hangar617 will give our recommendations to help you get the best out of a day or weekend out to get that fix that you need.
Shuttleworth Festival of Flight – 27th & 28th June
The Shuttleworth Collection at the Old Warden Aerodrome in it’s self is a must see for any aviation enthusiast at some point in their life time. A collection of early flight flying machines, all the way up to their post war Chipmunks, Shuttleworth pride themselves on keeping most of their collection in flying condition and this is where the Festival of Flight really comes alive.
Celebrating flight from the early days all the way to what the RAF have up to offer, there really is something for everyone but what really sets it apart from other airshows, is the smaller 2 hour flying slow in the evening. When the conditions are just right, the Edwardians planes come out to play along with some other exciting displays in the fanastic evening light. I’d hugely recommend this airshow to anyone and it’s one I will look to attend every year going forward.
Royal International Air Tattoo – 17th – 19th July
The Holy Grail of airshows in the UK, the Royal International Air Tattoo returns with the main theme being Tiger Meet and a sub theme celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Royal status of the Air Tattoo. A true pilgrimage for aviation fans and a chance to see an incredible range of aircraft from a large variation of nations. With the build up of RIAT being just as exciting as the airshow with the weekly Thursday updates announcing new aircraft you are truly in for a mega day out.
With the airshow days starting with a shorter air display on Friday the 17th and then a longer more packed display days on the Saturday and Sunday, RIAT also has the unofficial arrival and departure days sandwiching the weekend allowing spotters and photographers alike to see the aircraft flying one way or another, even those arriving for static display for the weekend. Talking of the static display, this is massive. You will certainly get your steps in trying to get round and see all the exhibits, aircraft and stalls. If you’re into patch collecting, make sure you save up your pocket money as the different air forces bring their special RIAT merch. It’s just a looked forward to event for the attending pilots and crew than it is for the visitors.
IWM Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow – 12th & 13th September
The Battle of Britain is the warbird airshow of warbird airshows in the UK. Spitfires and Hurricanes at every turn along with a sprinking of the resident American warbirds and special guests and you have an afternoon of fantastic sights, and AVgas in the air. Held at the incredibly historic RAF Duxford, now operated by the Imperial War Museum, you will truly have a great day out.
Gates open at 8am with flying starting around 1pm. You get full access to the museums hangars, including a couple of opportunities to see the British Airliner Society droop their very special Concordes nose in the Air and Space hall. There’s also a large amount of stalls, reenactors, food stands and entertainment. One of the highlights of the show is the mid-morning flight line walk, where you can walk down the taxi way seeing all the aircrat parked up. Great for photographers who want to get up close with some unique angles.
Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow – 13th – 16th August
Seaside airshows have been in decline for a while now but Airbourne is now going into it’s 31st year and for the handsome price tag of being absolutely free, it’s a great show to get too. Generally, the weather is good and the Eastbourne atmosphere is calm and restful and is fully aimed at families, especially those with young children.
In the terms of the Air display, Thursday is generally the quietest of the 4 days, closely followed by Friday. I think there is a good case to be a made for the Thursday to be dropped in favour for a more expanse on the Friday or Saturday. Even picking up a dusk display slot lost from the now cancelled Bournemouth Airshow would draw the crowds in to Eastbourne and the businesses who really flourish because of the airshow. There’s also been an introduction to a mid display break in proceedings for up to an hour. Disguised as a way for people to get refreshments and use the facilities, it really comes down to the fewer participants generally at these kind of shows, they do always some how manage to pull a rabbit out a hat though! The break however, does allow for some more time in the military village, meeting and talking to the different RAF and Army sections that have turned up, especially the Catering Flight from RAF Odiham who put on some food and drink throughout the day.
Overall I would recommend Airbourne not just for the Air Show, but for a day/weekend out, themed around aviation but with the heart of restaurants and bars you can attend afterwards.
IWM Duxford Flying Evening – 22nd August
I attended the Flying Evening for the first time in 2025, and it was up there as one of my favourite airshows to date. Now I love wards. This will become apparent as this website takes off, but warbirds is in Golden Hour light? Yes. Please.
As a keen aviation photographer, I have a love hate relationship with Duxford. Generally, because of the south facing layout of where you view from, the light is never in the right place, especially on clear blue sky days. You get a bit more slack on bright overcast days, but this issue doesn’t exist at the Flying Evening, the sun is low and generally now behind you, and the aircraft really do pop.
A good selection of aircraft from the Fighter Collection and visitors, but a real different, calm vibe and atmosphere compared to the other Duxford airshows and Flying Days ending with a fanastic ballet of pyrotechnic aerobatics, this is a great family event for those that would enjoy a beautiful evening out.
