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 UK airshow calendar 2004
Stars of the year of 2003?
  May
29th Blackpool, Lancs: Red Arrows and special guests. The RAF Red Arrows perform a spectacular flying display over the Promenade at Blackpool. Also features the Utterly Butterly wingwalkers, RAF Dakota - part of the Battle of Britain memorial flights, Jaguar and Hawk. And it's all free!
30/31st Southend-on-Sea, Essex: Southend Airshow. Not really one for the enthusiast, but a chance to soak up the early summer sun by the sea and catch some entertaining flying. Check out the 2003 show here.

June
2nd CANCELLED Chivenor, Devon: The Allied Memorial Service and D-Day Air Day. Due to 'operational commitments'. Click here for full details of what else is going on in the area that week.
5th Dunsfold, Surrey: 60th Anniversary D-Day Concert. The Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust is holding a very special 60th Anniversary D-Day Concert this summer to raise funds for its proposed new hospital. The D-day Spitfire fly past, music and fireworks will be held at Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Guildford. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of wartime classics and national anthems, conducted by Carl Davis and with vocals by Mary Carewe. Gates will open for picnics and viewing of WW2 aircraft at 16:00 with the main performance beginning at 19:30 - 22:30. There will be a Spitfire flypast and a ground display of WW2 aircraft and vehicles. The concert will culminate in a stunning fireworks display accompanied by
nostalgic live music from the era. Tickets are now on sale at £25.00 each from Wayahead 0871 220 0260, JEM 0871 062 5708 or online at www.cranleighhospital.org
5/6th Sandown, Isle of Wight: D-Day 60th Anniversary Airshow. A welcome new venue for airshow action.
6th Duxford, Cambs: D-Day 60th anniversary airshow. First major show of the year for Duxford, many old favourites are sure to be on show.
6th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth D-Day Anniversary Military Pageant Air Display. Another clash of dates with Duxford - make your mind up time!
12th Donington Park, Leics: Wings & Strings 2004. Enjoy a picnic at sunset in the Park’s grounds, whilst the Royal Navy’s mesmerising, historic aircraft parade gloriously across the sky in time with the uplifting music of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the renowned Anthony Inglis. Let the music captivate you as it builds up to the grand finale – a breathtaking firework display – providing the perfect end to a dramatic, moving evening. Many RAF displays are scheduled to appear plus warbirds.
12/13th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth DH Moth Club Charity Flying Weekend. If you like Moths, get down to Old Warden this weekend.
12/13th Newark, Notts: Newark Air Museum 'Mega-Fest 2004'. With a display of 65 aircraft and cockpit sections from the 30s to date, including Vulcan, Hastings, Shackleton, Meteors, MiGs & Canberras. A new Lottery funded building is due to open early this summer. Shop and Café. Open everyday except December 24, 25 & 26; November to February daily 1000 – 1600 hours; October to March daily 1000 – 1700 hours (including weekends & Bank Holidays). Admission: Adults £4.75, Over 60s £4.00, Children £3.00 and Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £13.50. Appointments are preferred for Group visits, although not essential and party rate data is available on application.
13th RAF Cosford, West Mids: At Home Day 2004. Another victim of the Middle East crisis in 2003, the show should be back on this year - but not as a rumoured two-day event, sadly. As usual, the museum will still be open. Check out the 2002 show here.
13th Waltham, North East Lincs: RAF Open Day. First held in 2000 at the Waltham Windmill, North East Lincolnshire, in 2004 will be entering its fifth year at the same location. The reason behind this day is to show the people of North Lincolnshire a visible representation of the Royal Air Force, past & present through an air display and ground stalls, and various guest appearances from men & women who have served a span of over 65 years of the RAF's 86 year history. The day has a charge to enter which helps cover costs, and to make a well needed contribution to the Waltham Windmill Rural Life Museum, which houses the RAF Grimsby Exhibition, and to make a donation to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. The fantastic sum of £3470 has been raised over the last four years!
 

This years Open Day looks to be a bigger a better show with a larger request going out for a more larger air display with the added attraction of requesting the presence of the USAF contributing with a number of flypasts from a variety of their front line aircraft and helicopters. As of Monday 9 February, confirmed are a Spitfire & Dakota flypast from the BBMF, a Full Display from Steve Carver in his Extra 260 (G-EXTR), a Full Display from Nick Riddin in an Isaac's Fury (G-PFAR) and a Full Display from the Search & Rescue Sea King HAR3, and another three displays to be announced within the next month. If you would be able to help or bring a stall then please do not hesitate to contact Jon on Vrafopenday@aol.com
19th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Evening Air Display. First evening bash of the year - check out the 2002 event here.
20th

Kemble, Glos: Kemble Air Day. This year Kemble Air Day pays tribute to the world famous RAF Aerobatic Team "The Red Arrows", who are celebrating "40 years of excellence". Formed in 1964, this will be their 40th display season and we will be hosting a major reunion of members of the team. RAF Kemble was of course home to the team from 1968 - 1983. Kemble Airfield is proud of its links with the Red Arrows and we are very honoured to be selected as one of only six shows in the UK that will officially celebrate their anniversary. The Kemble Air Day aims to bring the very best examples of vintage jets and warbirds together at one airfield to display for you along with modern RAF types and of course the Red Arrows themselves. This year's show will include a display by a Fouga Magister aircraft especially sent to display at Kemble by the Belgian Air Force. Visitors will be able to watch the sheer vibrance and skill of the current RAF fast jets displays (Harrier, Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk and Tucano). The sleek polished style of vintage jets like the Hunter, Gnat and Jet Provost. The daring aerobatic brilliance of the Extreme Team and the world famous "Utterly Butterly" barnstormers. Also the history of the Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a unique World War 2, American P51 Mustang. The RAF Falcons parachute team will also be dropping in from their base at Brize Norton to help celebrate this unique occasion. Check out the 2003 show here.
26/27th Gatwick, Surrey: Gatwick Aviation Museum Open days. This Aviation Museum has a unique collection of British Aircraft from the "golden age" of British aircraft manufacture. From the end of WWII until the 1970s British aircraft designers produced some of the most innovative and advanced aircraft of the day. In this collection there are examples from the major manufacturers of this period. Amongst the list are classic names, English Electric, Avro, de Havilland, Hawker, Fairey, Blackburn, Percival.
26/27th RAF Waddington, Lincs: RAF Waddington 2004. The RAF's main event of the year. The theme this year is the 40th anniversary of locally-based Red Arrows - all the top aerobatic teams in Europe will be invited to the party! Check out the 2003 show here.
27th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Royal Aeronautical Society & Rolls Royce Garden Party - Air Display. Rolls on show, not just those in the hampers.

July
3rd Arbroath, Angus: Seafront Spectacular 2004. First year for this new event, star billing are the Red Arrows and locally-based 56(R) Squadron's Tornado F3. And it's all free!
4th Salthill, Galway, Ireland: Salthill Airshow 2004. Entry price: FREE!
4th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth 1930's Air Display. A garden party atmosphere is sure to abound, just pray for the weather.
10/11th

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 entertainment experience. Both days culminate with a mass flypast with airshow favourites such as Spitfires, Mustangs, Corsair and Tigercat all taking to the air. Check out the 2003 show here.
11th Bruntingthorpe, Leics: Lightning 50th anniversary LPG Open Day. High speed taxi runs are expected from (subject to serviceability) the Lightnings, plus other aircraft. More details soon.
14th RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall: International Air Day. Usually a good line-up, this year may feature aircraft destined for Farnborough. Check out the 2000 event here.
17th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Summer Evening Air Display. Second evening bash of the year.
17/18th RAF Fairford, Glos: Royal International Air Tattoo. A return to form in 2003, give your support otherwise this could be the last Air Tattoo following losses incurred last year. Check out the 2003 show here.
19-25th Farnborough, Hants: Farnborough International 2004. Let's hope for some mighty military action this year - sadly lacking in the recent past. Check out the 2002 show here.
23-25th Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset: The 14th Weston-super-HELiDAYS. Plenty of foreign military participation normally happens at this promenade location - you don't get much closer to the action!
24/25th Breighton, North Yorks: 15th Anniversary Summer Fly-in and Hangar Bash. Breighton's main event of the year, expect plenty of warbirds.
24/25th Sunderland, Tyne & Wear: Sunderland International Airshow. Another one by the sea.
29/30th Lowestoft, Suffolk: Seafront Air Festival. Says it all, really. The sun is usually right behind at this time of year giving superb photo opportunities from the cliffs. Check out the 2003 event here.
31st Middle Wallop, Hants: Music in the Air. Featuring The London Pro Arte Orchestra,
the Wayneflete Singers and the band of the Army Air Corps. Aerial performers include the B-17 Flying Fortress, Massed Helicopters, Blue Eagles, Spitfire, Vol des Oiseaux, Apache, Hurricane, Balloon Bugler, Aerostars, Matadors, K21 Glider, Para mania, Silver Eagles free fall.
 

August
1st Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Military Pageant Air Display. Planes, vehicles and costumes in abundance.
7/8th Chailey, East Sussex: Chailey Airshow. A new event, centred around the history of RAF Chailey and the Second World War. Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 at the gate, children, half price so buy early to avoid disappointment as numbers will be limited daily due to parking requirements. This will be a superb show for getting really close to the aircraft and the atmosphere will be more like a garden party! Massive vintage Harris Bros Fayre..yes, all the Matadors, Scammell, old time carousels, swing boats, a full fun day out for the family!
12th RAF Valley, Anglesey: Charity Photocall. To run from 0800 until 1600. Tickets will go on sale from the end of February. At this stage invitations have been extended to USAFE, German, Italian, Dutch, Belgian, French, Turkish and Irish Air Forces. The RAF and AAC are also assisting and it is hoped to encourage the Royal Navy as well. Theme this year is 30 years of the Hawk at what has become the Home of the HAWK. Entry will be strictly by advance ticket only available from the Society. More details will be forwarded in due course, and enquiries can be sent to Dick Thomas at valleyaviationsociety@supanet.co.uk. Check out the 2003 event here.
12-15th Eastbourne, Sussex: Airbourne 2004. The South Coast's biggest free four day airshow, 10am to 6pm daily. 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 display during event. Public enquiries to the Eastbourne Information Centre on 01323 411400 or e-mail Events@eastbourne.gov.uk. Check out the 2003 show here.
14th Southend-on-Sea, Essex: Vulcan taxi run. XL426's only taxi-runs of 2004 at the airport will be on Saturday 14 August when it will be taxiing twice - around noon and again later in the afternoon. The VRT's engineering team are undertaking some extensive undercarriage and braking system maintenance during the spring and early summer which therefore precludes any taxi-runs during this time.
19th Dawlish, Devon: Dawlish Carnival Airshow. The Dawlish Carnival Airshow, now the only airshow in Devon is one of the newest airshows to develop in recent years. Last year's line up included the Reds, Utterly Butterly Wing Walkers and the RAF Falcons along with solo display from a Hercules, an RAF Hawk and a Hunter Jet from Exeter Hunter Club and a demonstration by the RNLI and HM Coastguard SAR Sea King. The event, which is free to watch, takes place along the 2,5km Dawlish Sea front and surrounding cliffs and forms part of Dawlish Carnival, a week-long series of events and competitions and a attractions that aims to raise money for local good causes. 2004 will see a static display area as well as an extended programme of air display acts. Following the show is the Carnival Procession and late night entertainment in the Carnival Arena. Carnival Week starts on Saturday 14th August and runs through to Saturday 21st August 2004.
21st Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Evening Air Display. Third evening bash of the year.
21/22nd Elvington, North Yorks: Yorkshire Air Show. It is planned to bring together the best collection of vintage and contemporary strike and bomber aircraft together at Elvington - the well-known 4 Bomber Group airfield by re-uniting the three greatest bombers of WW2, Lancaster, Halifax and Flying Fortress, last seen together at Elvington in 1998. In addition, bombers never before seen at Elvington, such as the Skyraider, and the first bomber - the Avro 504. Other aircraft not previously seen at Elvington are under negotiation at this time. One of the last V-Bombers Victor XL231 will be taxying on the runway again, and it is also expected to have the first privately funded manned Space-craft "Starchaser" on display in the main arena.
  For the first time members of the Public are invited to become "Friends of Elvington" - this special ticket will include VIP PARKING facility, and access to the VIP enclosure. This year's show has been moved away from the Bank Holiday in order to help visitors to overcome many of the Traffic problems which occur on the nearby A64 Leeds to Scarborough Rd., and to bring greater interest from the business community. A unique feature of Elvington airfield's private ownership means it is possible to offer camping facilities on the airfield, next to the display line - a very special attraction for families.
  Ticket Prices for 2004: (Advance prices) Family £35 (£30), Adult £13.00 (£11), OAPs £10 (£8), Child under 16 £6 (£5), Under 5s free. Special "Friends" Ticket £30 per head (no concessions). Tickets will be available from June onwards through the show Hotline 01759 305851, or from Air Supply. Check out the 2003 event here.
21/22nd Newark, Notts: Newark Air Museum 'Rescue 2004'. With a display of 65 aircraft and cockpit sections from the 30s to date, including Vulcan, Hastings, Shackleton, Meteors, MiGs & Canberras. A new Lottery funded building is due to open early this summer. Shop and Café. Open everyday except December 24, 25 & 26; November to February daily 1000 – 1600 hours; October to March daily 1000 – 1700 hours (including weekends & Bank Holidays). Admission: Adults £4.75, Over 60s £4.00, Children £3.00 and Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £13.50. Appointments are preferred for Group visits, although not essential and party rate data is available on application.
22nd Alscot Park, Stratford-upon-Avon: Spirit of the 40s. Featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra (UK), plus full supporting cast of 40s entertainers including tributes to George Formby,Vera Lynn and Marlene Dietrich, Grace Spitfire and Yak 50 aerial displays, WW2 living history, civilian and military vehicles. Benefits The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Ticketline 08712 200 260. Infoline 01789 459150 (office hours). Advance Tickets: Adults £19.50*, Children (5-14) £15.50*, Under 5s FREE. *Plus Booking Fee where Applicable. On the Gate: Adults £24.00, children (5-14) £19.00, under 5s FREE.
22nd Rougham, Suffolk: Rougham Air Display. An event growing in stature, check out the 2003 event here. A fly-in will be held on Saturday 21st.
26/27th Clacton-on-Sea, Essex: Clacton Air Show. Normally well supported by the RAF, but can be a bit spread out over the afternoon. Head for the Martello tower for the best vantage point.
28/29th Shoreham, Sussex: Shoreham Airshow 2004. A growing event, turning into one of the South's more important ones - check out the 2003 show here.
29th 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 2002 show here.
29/30th Boxted, Essex: Boxted Airfield Open Day and Fly-in. The P-47 Thunderbolt, of The Fighter Collection, Duxford, will be dedicated to this event. The P-47 will display on both days and the rest of the time she will be on static display for the public to view. The theme of the event will be D-Day. P-47 Thunderbolts of the famous 56th FG (Zempke's wolfpack) were based at Boxted and played a significant role in the events of D-Day. This will be the first time that a P-47 has flown from Boxted since WW2.

September
4/5th Duxford, Cambs: September Airshow. IWM's main event of the year, now firmly established as a two-day show. Check out the 2003 show here.
5th

Breighton, North Yorks: Real Aeroplane Company and Club 'At Home' Day. Breighton 'At Home' Days will feature a small and informal flying demonstration by all available home based aircraft, subject to weather.
5th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Pageant Air Display. Main airshow of the year, but another clash with Duxford.
5th Bruntingthorpe, Leics: JetsPlus 04. Not only high-speed taxi runs from (subject to serviceability) the Lightnings plus other aircraft, but also a proper flying display too! More details soon.
9th 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. The display is a mixture of modern military aircraft, warbirds, civil transports, aerobatic teams and solo performers, wing walkers, and parachutists.
11th RAF Leuchars, Fife: International Airshow. One of the major airshows left still organised by the RAF. Check out the 2003 show here.
11th Old Warden, Beds: Shuttleworth Aeromodelling & Twilight Sunset Air Display. A new event for this year.
11/12th Southport, Lancs: Airshow 2004. One of the North-west's top attractions, RAF participation should be high on the agenda. Check out the 2002 show here.
12th

Kemble, Glos: Kemble Open Day. A chance to see the Delta Jets fleet in action, plus plenty of visiting acts too.
18th RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset: International Air Day. Firmly back on the calendar, a fine flying display is usually offered. Check out the 2003 show here.
18/19th Biggin Hill, Kent: Battle of Britain airshow. No International Air Fair this year, but a welcome return for the September event last held in 2000. Check out the 2003 International Air Fair here.

October
3rd

Breighton, North Yorks: Pre-Hibernation Fly-in & Real Aeroplane Company 'At Home' Day. Breighton 'At Home' Days will feature a small and informal flying demonstration by all available home based aircraft, subject to weather.
10th Duxford, Cambs: Autumn Air Show. Some early autumn sun can make this a fine event to attend - check out the 2003 show here.

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