Tattoos, Military and Air Shows
Treat your group to a visual spectacle this coming year with the plentitude of military events, air shows and tattoos taking place throughout the UK. Luke Dodd provides a round up of what’s on offer.
If your group wishes to learn about our nation’s military and aviation history and experience flying displays and military re-enactments, visit a miltiary event, air show or tattoo. With the wide array of events taking place during the year, your group will be spoilt for choice.
One day I’ll fly away
GTOs can take their group for a day of aerial acrobatics at one of the various air shows occuring this year.
Starting in East Sussex, Eastbourne will be playing host to Airbourne, a four day event taking place from 16th until 19th August, which will see a plentitude of flying displays and live entertainment for your group’s enjoyment. The RAF Falcon’s parachute display team will perform at the event and flying teams representing European countries will also be present. Admission is free and coach drop-off points are located at the site with parking nearby.
Staying in the county, groups will also be able to visit the Lydd Airshow taking place on 1st and 2nd September at London Ashford Airport in Lydd. A variety of air displays will take place at the Airshow as well as ground displays. Groups of 10 or more will receive a discount on admission.
In the neighbouring county of Kent, The Biggin Hill Air Fair will be taking place on 2nd and 3rd June at Biggin Hill Airport. At the event, there will be craft tents, approximately 200 exhibitors of aviation memorabilia, classic and military vehicles, beer tents, food courts and flying displays. Groups of 15 or more will receive a discount on admission to the event.
Offering a large number of air shows throughout this year, the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire is a highlight for any group outing. The Museum holds its first show of the year on 20th May with its May Air Show. This will mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War through a variety of displays. Later on in the season is the Flying Legends Air Show, which will take place on 7th and 8th July. The Show will feature propeller-driven combat air-craft from both World Wars and will see American and European fighters perform choreographed air routines for the grand finale. Groups of 20 or more will receive a discount on admission to both events. Other air shows taking place at the Imperial war Museum Duxford will be the September Air Show on 8th and 9th September and the Autumn Air Show on 14th October.
To the west, on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire, RAF Cosford hosts its RAF Cosford Air Show on Saturday 10th June this year. Two popular display teams will be returning once again; the Red Arrows – the RAF’s aerobatic team – and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which will see aerial performances from a Lancaster Bomber, a Spitfire and Hurricane fighters. The five-hour flying display will feature performances from pre-World War II aircraft like the Fairy Swordfish and jets like the Hawker Hunter, through to current RAF combat aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Additional attractions at the event will include live music bands, a craft fair, a fun fair and gift stands. Coach groups receive a discount on admission.
Moving to Southport, the Southport Air and Military Show is taking place on 22nd and 23rd September along the Southport seafront and offers groups the chance to enjoy aerial displays. Groups of 12 or more will receive a discount on admission with GTOs offered free entry. Additionally, pre-booked coaches receive a free parking space.
Although not including aerial demonstrations, Cockpit-Fest and Aeroboot, taking place on the 16th and 17th June at the Newark Air Museum’s showground in Nottinghamshire, will feature several aircrafts on display on the ground. Groups will have the chance to climb inside the cockpits and can purchase aviation memoribilia in the Aeroboot section of the event. Groups receive a discount on admission.
Army life
Military shows taking place in the UK offer a variety of costumed characters and re-enactments.
Beginning in Kent, The Hop Farm Country Park boasts its KM War and Peace Show this summer running from 18th until 22nd July. This year, the event marks its 25th anniversary and will be offering tank displays, living history displays, battle re-enactments, a model marquee featuring a wide collection of model military vehicles, an entertainment marquee with live music and fashion shows displaying 1940s fashion. Groups of 15 or more are offered a discount on admission.
Staying in the county, the Kent County Showground in Detling will play host to Military Odyssey from 25th until 27th August. Groups will be able to enjoy re-enactments of battle scenes from World War II and other past conflicts. Groups receive a discount on admission.
Moving to the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire, groups will be able to enjoy a variety of military shows throughout the 2007 season including the Army and Military Vehicle Show taking place on 17th June. At this event, groups will be able to see Duxford’s collection of tanks in action, alongside 400 or more privately owned military vehicles. Groups will be offered a discount on admission.
In Gloucestershire, The Royal International Tattoo will be taking place on 14th and 15th July at RAF Fairford. A highlight at the event will be the appearance of the United States Air Force’s Thunderbirds, which comprise of six F-16 Fighting Falcons. Groups of 25 or more will receive a discount on admission.
To the north, at the NIA in Birmingham, groups can visit the 19th Birmingham Tattoo on 24th and 25th November. At the event, groups will be able to enjoy military displays, marching bands, parades and live music. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount on admission.
Moving to Scotland, the Inverness Military Tattoo will take place from 25th until 28th July at Fort George in Inverness. The Tattoo will include pipe bands, as well as other traditional Highland entertainment such as Scottish dancing. There will also be demonstrations of fire skills, dog parades and air displays.
Unfortunately, tickets have already sold out for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year.
For details on these events please visit Tattoos, Military and Air Shows listings