Home | Airshows | The Hangar | Nostalgia | Links

   
   
   
   
   
  2008 Airshows  
  2007 Airshows  
  2006 Airshows  
  2005 Airshows  
  2004 Airshows  
  2003 Airshows  
   
   
   
   

UK air events calendar 2008

Click on the logo to check out each airshow DVD
Sponsored by
  All dates in italics are provisional. If your event isn't listed, please contact us with all the details.
 
July
26 East Fortune, Edinburgh: National Museum of Flight Airshow. The National Museum of Flight’s only air display. In the afternoon there will be more than two hours of breathtaking, high octane aerial displays, ranging from historic warbirds to contemporary military jets.
26
Middle Wallop, Hants: Wallop '08: Music in the Air. A popular event attracting lovers of aircraft and music to Middle Wallop since its inception in 1996. After a break for a year a new version of Music in the Air returns in 2008 as a daytime event. Doors will open at 10.00am and close at 6.00pm. The flying displays set to music will take place in the afternoon and there is plenty for the audience to see and do for the rest of the day.
26-27 Sunderland, Tyne & Wear: Sunderland International Airshow. Another one by the sea, and will have RAF Priority 1 status, including the first offshore Role Demonstration! Check out the 2007 event here.
26-27 Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria: Windermere Airshow. Perhaps the most fabulous setting for an airshow in the UK?
30
RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall: International Air Day. Usually a good line-up, if the weather co-operates.... Check out the 2007 event here.
 
August
2-3 London: Red Bull Air Race. The UK's round of the F1 of the air.
3
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Military Pageant Air Display. Costumes and a garden party atmosphere at Old Warden.
3 Elvington, North Yorks: Thunder Day. See the Victor & Buccaneer strut their stuff on Elvington's loooooong runway.
3 Eastleigh, Hants: Helimeet. In 1948, the Cierva Skeeter was designed and built in Eastleigh in Hampshire and made her maiden flight here. The Cierva company moved on and became Saro and eventually Westlands. The Skeeter meanwhile, was the first British designed and built helicopter to enter service and several 'parts' were subsequently used in the Wasp and Scout. The design team can trace its lineage from the 1948 designs through to the modern day. This will be a free event for members of the public to attend.
9
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Original Flying Proms Concert. Music and machines in harmony.
9-10 Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorks: Sherburn Aero Club LAA (PFA) Regional Rally. This event is part of a series the Light Aircraft Association are now running. Co-sponsored with Breighton's Real Aeroplane Company.

14 RAF Valley, Anglesey: Charity Photocall. Details soon. Check out the 2007 event here.
14
Dawlish, Devon: Dawlish Carnival Airshow. Thanks to organiser Kev Wills, this seaside show goes from strength to strength. Part of the week long Dawlish Carnival week, the Air Show takes place along the Sea Front between 13:00 and 17:30. This year's flying display is bigger and better than ever and includes the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, Typhoon, Tucano and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A Search and Rescue demonstration will be provided by 771 Naval Air Squadron, together the Exmouth and Teignmouth RNLI Lifeboats. The Army Air Corps Historic Flight fixed wing aircraft will entertain once again, along with, hopefully the Royal Navy Historic Flight and Hunter XE601. 2008 sees international participation for the first time in the form of the Royal Jordanian Falcons and the USAF have promised to support the event, details to be confirmed nearer the time. Entry to this unique event is free, although donations are encouraged if the show is to continue. There will also be static helicopters, in the form of an RAF Merlin and Griffin and a RN Sea King for the public to view and photograph. Dawlish is a spectacular venue that provides some unrivalled photographic opportunities.
14-17
Eastbourne, Sussex: Airbourne 2008. The South Coast's biggest free four day airshow. Over 80 flying displays featuring the Red Arrows, RAF displays, international military jets, historic aircraft, helicopter displays and freefall parachutists. Also includes RAF ground display, arena displays, vintage vehicles, helicopter rides, children's entertainment, simulators, exhibitors and food village. Bandstand concerts each evening and firework finale. Check out the 2007 event here.
16
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Evening Air Display. Fourth evening bash of the year.
16-17
Rougham, Suffolk: Rougham Air Display & Classic Car Show 2008. Rougham's main event of the year - check out the 2007 event here.
20 Llanbedr, Gwynedd: Llanbedr Air Day. A new event at this ex-military airfield, recently acquired by the owners of Kemble. More news soon...
21-22 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex: Clacton Airshow. Another regular seafront venue, head to the Martello tower for the best vantage point.
22 Duxford, Cambs: American Air Day. Following a successful first event in '07, the American Forces from RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath will be demonstrating aircraft and equipment.
24 Dunsfold, Surrey: Wings & Wheels 2008. Traditionally a Hawker aircraft themed show, check out the 2007 event here.
24
Sywell, Northants: Sywell Airshow 2008. Confirmed for '08, this biennial show deserves to succeed - check out the 2006 event here.
28-31
Bournemouth, Dorset: Bournemouth Air Festival. The inaugural Bournemouth Air Festival is set to dazzle crowds in 2008. The FREE four-day spectacular is set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s seven miles of award-winning beaches, beautiful bay and glorious gardens. Celebrating the history of aviation, embracing the nostalgia of the early flying machines combined with the energy and excitement of flying right through to the modern day, the Air Festival is packed full of breathtaking air displays, interactive static displays, fun attractions, demonstrations and stalls, fireworks, music and live entertainment for all the family.
30-31
Shoreham, Sussex: Shoreham Airshow 2008. A growing event, turning into one of the South's more important ones - check out the 2007 show here.
31
CANCELLED Cornbury Park, Oxon: Fly to the Past. Maybe back in 2009 - check out the 2003 event here.
31
Little Gransden, Cambs: Families Day out Air and Vintage Vehicle show. Definitely the longest title of the year, the BBMF should be supporting this growing event held once again for Children in Need and other charities. Check out the 2007 show here.
 
September
6-7
Duxford, Cambs: 90th Anniversary Airshow. IWM's main event of the year. Check out the 2007 show here.
6-7
Southport, Lancs: Airshow 2008. One of the North-west's top attractions, RAF participation should be high on the agenda. Check out the 2007 show here.
7
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Pageant Air Display. Main airshow of the year, if you haven't been yet, there's no excuse...
7 Seething, Norfolk: Charity Air Day. A mix of aircraft displays, vintage vehicles, stalls and entertainment.
11
Guernsey, Channel Islands: RAFA Guernsey Battle of Britain Air Display 2007. Location: off St. Peter Port. Offshore free-to-view air display, organised as part of RAFA Guernsey's Battle of Britain Week. The event is supported by a consortium of local businesses, and 100% the donations received during the week pass to the RAFA. The display arena is one of the most picturesque in Britain, with the smaller islands of Sark and Herm as a backdrop. Why not combine a short break in Guernsey with the display?
11
Jersey, Channel Islands: Jersey International Air Display. A free event comprising of both fixed and rotary static displays and a four hour concentrated flying display over the Bay of St Aubin adjacent to the Island capital St Helier. Check out the 2007 show here.
13
RAF Leuchars, Fife: Leuchars International Airshow. Back after a break in '07, let's hope it's as good as the 2006 event - check it out here.
13-14 Newark, Notts: Newark Air Museum Battle of Britain Open Cockpits - special opening & viewing of some of the museum’s cockpits and a range of visiting displays.
14 Kemble, Glos: Battle of Britain Open Day. Kemble Airport will be opening its hangar doors and will try to recreate the atmosphere of the old RAF 'At Home' Days that were common on most service stations up until the 1970s. To commemorate Battle of Britain Day there will be a small afternoon flying display and pleasure flying will be available in vintage aircraft.
20
Elmsett, Suffolk: Elmsett Open Day 2008. Many activities both on the ground and in the air, bringing back the "Barnstorming" feel to the air-side with a big emphasis on participation for all pilots. There'll be competitions such as the now infamous "breakfast patrol", flour bombing, spot landing, balloon bursting, navigation competition, defect spotting, and then there's attractions such as streamer cutting, limbo, the "Ted Devils" (parachuting Teddy Bears), and a whole host more!
20
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Twilight Sunset Air Display. Last evening show of the year.
 
October
4-5
Rougham, Suffolk: Ploughs to Propellers 1940s weekend. Warbirds and period dress.
5
Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Autumn Air Display. Last chance to catch those flimsy biplanes.
5
Duxford, Cambs: Autumn Air Show. Some early autumn sun can make this a fine event to attend - check out the 2007 show here.
19 Elvington, North Yorks: Air Power & Thunder 100 Day. The Centenary of British Powered Flight with the power and thunder of the museum's jets. With flypasts and other exciting displays and activities.
     
  2009  
7 June RAF Cosford, West Mids: At Home Day 2009. One of the RAF's main airshows this year, expect it to be busy. As usual, the museum will still be open. RAF Cosford Air Show is one of the biggest outdoor events in the Midlands' summer calendar and regularly attracts an attendance of more than 50,000. Two RAF charities are the main beneficiaries - the Royal Air Force Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Check out the 2007 show here.  
21 June Kemble, Glos: Kemble Air Day. Now one of the established airshows on the calendar, check out the 2007 show here.  
27-28 June Biggin Hill, Kent: Biggin Hill International Air Fair. One of the airshow circuit's oldest events now moves to a late June slot. Check out the 2007 show here.  
4-5 July RAF Waddington, Lincs: RAF Waddington 2009. The RAF's main event of the year. Check out the 2007 show here.  
11 July RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset: International Air Day. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Naval Aviation in 1909, the Fleet Air Arm will be joined by other nations. There'll be plenty of entertainment on the ground, too, for all the family. A large display of static aircraft is planned with arena displays from the Royal Marines Band and HMS Heron's Field Gun Crew. The day will also include side shows, funfair, vintage, classic and military vehicles, service demonstrations, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much more. Check out the 2007 show here.  
11-12 July Duxford, Cambs: Flying Legends Air Show. Organised by The Fighter Collection, this is the premier warbird airshow in Europe. Flying Legends features a matchless selection of classic American and European fighters - the veterans, the pilots, the aircraft and the atmosphere are all her in this wonderful two-day action and entertainment experience. Check out the 2007 show here.  
18-19 July RAF Fairford, Glos: Royal International Air Tattoo. The 'biggy' of the year, expect the airshow world to revolve around Gloucestershire this weekend. Check out the 2007 show here.  
     

Home | Airshows | The Hangar | Nostalgia | Links