Tattoos, Military Displays and Air Shows
Featuring displays on land, sea and air, a visit to an air show, military event or tattoo makes a great day out for groups. Carrie Drage reports on a number of options in the UK.
Groups wishing to learn more about our country’s military and aviation history can pay a visit to one of the many air shows, military events or tattoos taking place across the UK.
Take flight
This year, a highlight for many groups wanting to visit an air show will be the return of the Vulcan Bomber, which was recently restored to flying order following a 14-year absence from the skies. It will take centre stage at numerous air shows.
Kicking off the season in May is the annual Spring Air Show at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. This year, favourites such as the P51 Mustang will return to the show. There will also be a further assortment of jets, aerobatics and classic combat aircraft. Later in the year, the Museum will be staging three more air shows; the Flying Legends Air Show in July, the Duxford 90th Anniversary Air Show in September and the Autumn Air Show in October.
Taking place over the Fathers Day weekend, in June, is the Kemble Air Day at Kemble Airfield. This year marks the Airfield’s 70th anniversary, which will form one of the themes for the event. The flying display will feature vintage jets, World War II aircraft, modern military jets, helicopters and aerobatics by the Red Arrows.
Also in June, the RAF Cosford Air Show will be staging a five-hour flying display featuring the Red Arrows, the Typhoon Display Team, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Another event for aviation enthusiasts is Cockpit-Fest and Aeroboot, again in June, which gives you a chance to step inside the cockpits of a range of aircraft, from Hornets to Harriers. Taking place at the Newark Air Museum, in Nottinghamshire, the event is also known for its aviation sale, Aeroboot, where you can purchase aviation memorabilia such as books and videos. Groups of 15 or more get discounted admission.
Taking place in July is the RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day, in Somerset, which will be centred around the theme ‘maritime air’. The five-hour flying display will feature Commando Sea King and Lynx helicopters. Discounts are available for 12 or more people.
In the same month, groups can attend the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, which attracts more than 300 aircraft. This year, the event will celebrate the RAF’s 90th anniversary with a look at its service history, from the Great War to current operations in the Middle East. Groups can also attend the free open air evening concert by the RAF’s bands. Discounts are offered for groups of 25 or more.
Meanwhile, in Hampshire, the Farnborough International Airshow will also take to the skies in July with its four-and-a-half hour flying spectacular. This year, the event will celebrate two important milestones; 100 years since Samuel Cody’s first powered flight from Farnborough Aerodrome and the 60th anniversary of the Airshow. A 5 per cent discount is available for groups of 20 or more.
In Lincolnshire, the RAF Waddington International Air Show is also set to take place in July. More than 100 military and civilian aircraft will be on show, alongside aviation exhibitions and model aircraft displays.
Returning in August to Eastbourne seafront is Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow. In addition to its flying displays – featuring helicopters, military and civilian aircraft – this free four-day event is also known for its Arena displays, held on the Western Lawns. This year’s performers include parachutists from the RAF and Royal Navy.
In the north-west, groups can enjoy the Southport Airshow where jets, helicopters and parachutists will be putting on a packed programme of aerial displays. Entry to the event, which takes place along Southport Beach in September, is discounted for groups of 12 or more. GTOs are offered complimentary admission and pre-booked coach parking is free.
Do battle
The UK also offers a number of tattoos and military events that groups can attend.
Beginning in Berkshire, the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo, which will take place for the first time in May, aims to raise public awareness of the sacrifices made by soldiers. In addition to ceremonial displays and bands from regiments including the Household Mounted Cavalry, there will be a live satellite link to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Discounts are available on tickets for groups of more than 10 people.
Moving to Hampshire, Beaulieu will be hosting Trucks & Troops – Military Vehicle Show, in May. The Show, now in its second year, will see the gathering of hundreds of military vehicles, ranging from pre-World War II transport to Gulf War combat vehicles. There will also be arena displays featuring battle re-enactments and marching bands. Discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more.
At the Imperial War Museum Duxford, the Military Vehicle Show, in June, will showcase the Museum’s own collection of tanks and military vehicles, alongside more than 400 privately-owned vehicles.
In Kent, meanwhile, the War and Peace Show will be returning to The Hop Farm at the Kent Oast Village this July. Featuring a collection of military vehicles and hardware from WWII, the Show will also include exhibitions looking at wartime fashions and cosmetics. Discounts are available for groups of more than 15 people.
Also in July, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be joining forces with the Royal Navy for an event called Meet Your Navy. Groups will be able to board modern navy ships and meet the crew to learn all about its role in the 21st century. The Royal Navy’s past will also be brought to life with costumed re-enactors of 1830s Royal Marines and sailors from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. There will also be Royal Navy displays and a Royal Marines Band. Discounts will be available for 15 or more people.
Moving east to the Kent Showground, August will see the return of Military Odyssey. The event recreates 2,000 years of military history using aircraft, weaponry, military vehicles and costumed re-enactors. This year, the event will showcase a replica of the Bayeaux Tapestry. Discounts are offered to groups of 15 or more.
Also in August, Edinburgh Castle will once more provide the backdrop for the traditional Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This exhilarating show will see the return of popular acts such as the all-girl Lochiel Champion Drill Team from New Zealand, alongside new performers including the 150-piece Golden Eagles marching band from the USA.
Finally, in November, groups will be able to attend the Birmingham International Tattoo. Performers from across the world will take to the floor – at Birmingham’s NIA – comprising massed bands, pipers, dancers, gymnasts and a dog display team. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts.