Author: Alex Bradley
Alex Bradley
Alex Bradley is a UK-based aviation writer and airshow circuit regular who has spent years attending displays from RIAT at Fairford and the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight to small fly-ins that drew two hundred people and a hot dog van, and values both for entirely different reasons. He is not a pilot. He is not a PR man for the aviation industry. He is the person in the crowd who has been coming long enough to notice when something has quietly changed, when an organiser is papering over a problem, and when a display is genuinely worth the drive. His writing on Redhill Airshow covers the British airshow circuit, safety, display team politics, CAA regulations, and the quiet contraction of grass airfield culture that nobody in the industry wants to discuss plainly. He has stood at Redhill Aerodrome in every kind of English summer weather, watched Tiger Moths bank low over Surrey farmland, and carries strong opinions about what this country is slowly losing one cancelled event at a time.
The Manston International Airshow 2026 is cancelled. Organisers confirmed the June 6–7, 2026 event at Manston Airport, Kent, will not proceed. This marks the 2nd consecutive year the show has been called off, following unresolved airspace disputes with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see British Airshow Review: 6 Top UK Events, Aircraft, Costs, and Visitor Ratings Compared.What Is the Manston International Airshow?The Manston International Airshow is a major aviation event held at Manston Airport in Kent, southeast England. It features military and civilian aircraft, historic…
British airshows are annual aviation events featuring live flying displays, static aircraft exhibitions, and aerobatic performances. The UK hosts over 20 airshows each year, attracting more than 3 million domestic visitors across England, Scotland, and Wales.For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see English Riviera Airshow 2026: 10th Anniversary, 12 Aircraft Teams, and 3 Days of Free Coastal Aviation in Torbay.What Is a British Airshow?A British airshow is a public aviation event that showcases military and civilian aircraft through live displays, aerobatic sequences, and ground exhibitions. Events range from free…
The English Riviera Airshow 2026 runs from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May at Paignton, Devon. It is a free 3-day aerial and ground entertainment event celebrating its 10th anniversary. The airshow attracts nearly 200,000 visitors annually and features both military and civilian display teams.What Is the English Riviera Airshow?The English Riviera Airshow is a free annual aviation event held at Paignton seafront, Torbay, Devon. It is organised by Torbay Council and the English Riviera BID Company. Display teams include military jets, classic warbirds, and aerobatic aircraft performing over Torbay’s natural coastal amphitheatre. For the previous guide in this series, see…
The RAF Cosford Airshow 2026 takes place on Sunday, 14th June 2026, at RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, WV7 3EX. It is the only airshow in the United Kingdom organised by the Royal Air Force. The 2026 theme is “Engineering the Future of the Royal Air Force,” celebrating innovation, STEM, and aerospace engineering excellence.What Is the RAF Cosford Airshow?The RAF Cosford Airshow is an annual aviation event held at RAF Cosford in Shropshire, England. It is the only Royal Air Force airshow remaining in the UK, now that RAF Leuchars has become an Army base and RAF Waddington has cancelled its airshow.…
The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 (FIA2026) is a 5-day global aerospace, defence, and space trade exhibition held from 20–24 July 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, United Kingdom.What Is the Farnborough International Airshow?The Farnborough International Airshow is the second-largest aerospace trade show in the world, after the Paris Air Show. It is held biennially in even-numbered years at Farnborough Airport, approximately 50 kilometres southwest of London. For the previous guide in this series, see Old Buckenham Airshow: Norfolk’s Biggest 2-Day Aviation Event and 8 Key Facts for 2026.Established in 1948, FIA has served as the global platform for…
Old Buckenham Airshow is the largest aviation event in Norfolk and Suffolk. Held annually at Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk, England, it attracts sell-out audiences each year. Post-pandemic, it has grown significantly to become one of the UK’s biggest airfield-based events, with a flying display lasting more than 5 hours. The 2026 edition takes place on 25 and 26 July at Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road, Old Buckenham, NR17 1PU.For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see Southport Airshow 2026: Dates, Aircraft, Tickets, and 5 Key Facts.What Is the Old Buckenham…
Southport Airshow 2026: Dates, Aircraft, Tickets, and 5 Key FactsThe Southport Airshow 2026 takes place on 29–30 August 2026 at Southport Seafront, Lancashire. It is the biggest air display in the North West, featuring military and civilian acts. The show has run annually since 1991 and attracts tens of thousands of spectators, making it the North West’s largest airshow. For the previous guide in this series, see Blackpool Airshow 2026: Dates, Aircraft Lineup, and 5 Essential Facts for Aviation Fans.What Is the Southport Airshow?The Southport Airshow is an annual event held in Southport, Merseyside, England. It combines a flying display with…
The Blackpool Airshow 2026 takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026 along Blackpool Promenade. It is a free, 2-day aerial display event featuring military and civilian aircraft over the Irish Sea. It is one of the longest-running seafront airshows in the world.For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see Cleethorpes Airshow 2026: Dates, Aircraft, Armed Forces Weekend, and 4 Key Facts.What Is the Blackpool Airshow 2026?The Blackpool Airshow is a free annual aviation event held on Blackpool’s seafront. It showcases military jets, historic warbirds, and precision aerobatic…
The Cleethorpes Airshow 2026 forms part of the North East Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day Weekend (AFD26) – a free 3-day event held from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June 2026 on Cleethorpes seafront, Lincolnshire, DN35 8YA. Confirmed aircraft include the RAF Typhoon and RAF Tutor Display Team, with the Red Arrows expected to perform. The event attracts approximately 250,000 visitors per year and is free to attend.For official aviation safety context, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority. For the previous guide in this series, see Camping at Fairford Airshow 2026: Sites, Prices, Rules, and 3 Key Options.What Is the Cleethorpes Airshow 2026?The Cleethorpes…
Camping at Fairford Airshow 2026 is available at 3 main sites – the Official RIAT Campsite, Townsend Farm (Fairford Airshow Camping), and Fairford Town FC at Cinder Lane. Prices range from £25 per night to £30 per night depending on the site. The Official RIAT Campsite is already sold out for 2026.What Camping Options Are Available at Fairford Airshow 2026?3 campsite options serve the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford:Official RIAT Campsite – located on the former Green Car Park, directly adjacent to the showgroundTownsend Farm (Fairford Airshow Camping) – an independent family-run campsite at Whelford, directly under the flight pathFairford Town FC (Cinder…