Top air shows taking place this summer

• Old Buckenham Airshow - Norfolk (27th - 28th July)

Visitors to the Old Buckenham Airshow are in for treat as the only airworthy B17 Flying Fortress in Europe and the only Fury in existence, one of the most powerful bi-planes ever created will take to the skies. The weekend also includes displays from some of World War Two’s classics, including the Spitfire and Hurricane as well as a heap of other activities on the ground to look forward too. A host of classic cars will be on display too, including James Bond’s Aston DB5 (used in Spectre) through to modern classics like the Mazda MX5. The great thing about the display is that groups booking their spot don’t even have to turn up together if they don’t want, as long as each member of the your group has a copy of the email confirmation, you can check in as and when you arrive.

• Shuttleworth Family Airshow - Bedfordshire (4th August)

Shuttleworth is renowned for hosting a range of air displays across the summer season, including its popular Family Airshow. This year, the event is promising a great line up of activities to look forward too, including live music, a free ride on vintage buses, the chance to explore the Swiss Garden and The House, free aircraft model making with Airfix & IPMS Brampton Make & Paint, and a vintage vehicle parade. Groups of ten or more will receive discounted entry if booked in advance. 

• Southport Airshow - Merseyside (6th - 8th September)

Whether it’s chatting to the Armed Forces in the Military Village, testing yourself on the climbing walls and paintball range or experiencing the next best thing to flying a jet in one of the flight simulators provided, the Southport Airshow is quite the spectacle. The weekend involves daring aerobatics, historical aircrafts and beach explosions, promising its visitors a ‘fantastic day out’. Early bird discounts apply if bought in the specified window, as well as group discounts for ten or more and free coach parking. 

On a budget? There are a selection of free air shows to consider, here are just a few…

• Blackpool Airshow - Lancashire (10th - 11th August)

Breitling Jet Team will perform over the Blackpool seafront on both days of the free airshow, compromising six Albatross jets in distinctive dark blue and yellow colours, delivering a display of brilliant formation flying. To complement the aerial programme, there will be stalls, attractions and an Air Show Village on the Tower Festival Headland. A VisitBlackpool spokesperson commented: “This year’s line-up of planes and stunt teams looks brilliant and with the Breitling Jet Team making their Blackpool debut, it promises to deliver a fantastic two days of free entertainment

• Clacton Airshow - Essex (22nd - 23rd August)

Now in its 28th year, the Clacton Airshow will welcomes in the region of 250,000 people to Clacton, treating its visitors to impressive aerobatic displays whilst displaying a whole range of exhibition stands and on-site entertainment. Groups looking to visit the air show can organise their trip around a convenient coach drop off point in Martello Coach Park. More information and enquiries surrounding groups travelling by coach can be made by contacting the airshow’s Parking Service Team. 

• Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow - East Sussex (15th - 18th August)

This free air show stretches across two miles of coastline, meaning groups can find the perfect spot to stand and watch some splendid air displays. This four day event welcomes visitors from all over the country to Eastbourne, boasting some brilliant beaches just waiting to be explored. Airbourne has previously featured military and civilian aviation display teams and regularly includes RAF Typhoon, Chinook, The Blades, Wingwalkers and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, plus many more.