Air Tattoo’s cleared for take-off once again after two-year lay off
AFTER a two-year hiatus, the Royal International Air Tattoo is back in Gloucestershire, but if you’re thinking of going, you’d better get your wings on – tickets are selling fast.
For three days next month, RAF Fairford will be buzzing with 170,000 visitors and echoing to the thrilling sights and sounds of several hundred aircraft from all eras flying overhead.
For the first time since the pandemic hit, this unique, adrenalinefuelled occasion takes to the Gloucestershire skies, which this year is also a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force.
Tickets for the weekend event that runs from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 are selling fast, with Saturday’s allocation already sold out, but there are still some remaining for Friday’s preview and for general admission on Sunday.
Although adult tickets will set you back from £44 for Friday and £62 for Sunday, the good news is that entry for anyone under the age of 18 is free, making it a great family day out.
To celebrate the air show’s return, both weekend days will feature more than eight hours of awe-inspiring flying from the world’s best display teams, while Friday’s exclusive preview day showcases the highlights of the weekend.
On the ground, visitors will be able to get up close and personal to an incredible range of static aircraft, immersive experiences, and exhibits.
To date, 56 nations from across the world have participated at the Air Tattoo during its 50 years of operation, and this year is no exception, with aircraft from countries including Brazil, Canada, Jordan, Korea, USA and all over Europe, to name but a few.
Latest news is that the programme will include craft from Joint Helicopter Command, including the Chinook Display Team, a pair of Pumas, Commando Wildcat and Commando Merlin.
Another addition to the static display comes from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, who will be sending one of their new Hawk training jets, currently based at RAF Leeming.
Of course, it’s not all about the flying. You can visit the Techno Zone, the RAF Experience or the Vintage Village, get onboard a huge selection of aircraft of all shapes and sizes from all eras and meet the people who fly them and keep them in the sky.
There will also be shops selling all sorts of memorabilia and mementos and a range of other exhibits, not to mention food and drink stalls.
And if you’ve been dragged along by a plane enthusiast but none of that rocks your boat, there’s plenty of other activities to keep young and old happy, including electric go karts, a silent disco, and the Fairford Eye, a giant big wheel to give you the best view of proceedings.