Midlands Air Festival 2024 ready for take off
The Midlands Air Festival 2024 is ready for takeoff with a jam-packed lineup of aircraft and teams that are sure to amaze and delight aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Taking place from Friday, 31 May, to Sunday, 2 June, this three-day extravaganza promises to be a feast for the eyes and ears, with thrilling aerobatic displays, pyrotechnic aircraft performances, and even special-shaped hot air balloon displays.
The Midlands Air Festival is an annual event that celebrates the thrill and excitement of aviation, featuring a spectacular lineup of aircraft displays, aerobatics, and entertainment for aviation enthusiasts and families. The festival is held at the stunning Ragley Hall, a historic stately home located in Alcester, Warwickshire, England. Ragley Hall provides a picturesque backdrop for the festival, with its sprawling grounds and beautiful architecture adding to the charm of the event.
The Midlands Air Festival at Ragley Hall offers a unique experience for attendees, with a diverse range of aerial displays and ground activities to enjoy. From the thrilling performances of iconic aircraft such as the RAF Red Arrows, BBMF Lancaster, and Spitfire to the mesmerizing sight of special shape hot air balloons taking flight, the festival showcases the best of aviation in a breathtaking setting.
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers one of the stars of this year’s show
Midlands Air Festival 2024
The 2024 edition of the Midlands Air Festival 2024 will be one the biggest yet. Kicking off the festival on Friday, 31 May, is the NIGHTFIRE, featuring the first Red Arrows display in the UK and the first public display of the RAF Typhoon this season. In addition to these iconic displays, spectators will be treated to a number of special shape hot air balloons, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Action Man, the 100ft Swiss cow, and Dolly the sheep. Over 150 colourful round hot air balloons will also take to the skies, creating a breathtaking sight.
The NIGHTFIRE will also feature pyrotechnic aircraft displays from the Extra 300S flown by Chris Burkett, 2 x Grob 109b motor gliders flown by the father-son duo Tim and Tom Dews of Airborne Pyrotechnics, and the Fournier RF4 flown by Bob Grimstead. The evening will culminate in a fire glow with balloons and flames burning in the dark, followed by a giant firework spectacular finale. A model aircraft pyrotechnic airfield battle will also take place, adding an extra element of excitement to the evening.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can look forward to a six-hour air display featuring a stellar lineup of aircraft and teams. Highlights include the RAF Red Arrows, BBMF Lancaster/Hurricane/Spitfire, Team Raven, F86 Sabre flown by Frederic Akary, Vampire T11, Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, and the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire & Mustang. The Flying Bulls will also be making an appearance with their North American B-25J, DC-6B, P38, and BO 105 C aerobatic Helicopter.
Other displays to watch out for include the Calidus Autogyro flown by Pete Davis, the Turbulent Display Team, the Mono Display Team (Friday and Saturday only), the Stampe Display Team, and the Saab 35 Draken (Sunday only). With over 100 exhibitors, children’s entertainment, and a wide range of food and drink options, the Midlands Air Festival 2024 promises to be a weekend of high-flying fun for the whole family.
Don’t miss your chance to witness these incredible displays and experience the thrill of aviation up close at the Midlands Air Festival 2024. Get your tickets now by clicking here and prepare for a weekend of aerial excitement that you won’t soon forget!
French Based F-86 will be making his Midlands Air Festival debut this year
Full Line-up
RAF Red Arrows: The Royal Air Force Red Arrows are renowned for their precision aerobatic displays. Flying nine Hawk T1 jets, the team consists of highly skilled pilots who perform thrilling manoeuvres with impeccable timing and coordination, leaving spectators in awe of their expertise.
BBMF Lancaster/Hurricane/Spitfire: The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) showcases iconic World War II aircraft, including the Lancaster bomber, Hurricane fighter, and Spitfire fighter. These historic aircraft pay tribute to the bravery of past generations and provide a poignant reminder of aviation history.
RAF Tutor Display Team: The RAF Tutor Display Team features the Grob 115E Tutor training aircraft, which the Royal Air Force uses to train future pilots. The team’s display showcases the Tutor aircraft's agility and capabilities, demonstrating its manoeuvrability and performance in the hands of skilled RAF pilots.
RAF Typhoon Display Team: The RAF Typhoon Display Team features the Eurofighter Typhoon, a multi-role combat aircraft used by the Royal Air Force. The team’s display on Friday showcases the Typhoon's power and agility, demonstrating its impressive capabilities in the hands of a skilled RAF pilot.
Fournier RF4: The Fournier RF4 is a German motor glider known for its sleek design and excellent soaring capabilities. Piloted by Bob Grimstead, the Fournier RF4 combines the efficiency of a glider with the power of a motorized aircraft, making it a versatile and impressive performer in the skies.
SIAI Marchetti SF260: The SIAI Marchetti SF260 is an Italian aerobatic trainer aircraft renowned for its agility and manoeuvrability.
Team Raven: Team Raven is a dynamic aerobatic display team consisting of skilled pilots flying six RV-8 aircraft. Known for their precision formation flying and daring manoeuvres, Team Raven’s performances are a crowd favourite, showcasing the pilots’ skill and coordination in the air.
Extra 300S: The Extra 300S is a high-performance aerobatic aircraft favoured by airshow performers for its agility and manoeuvring capabilities. Pilots push the limits of the Extra 300S, executing thrilling aerobatic routines that demonstrate the aircraft’s power and precision.
F86 Sabre: The F86 Sabre is a classic American fighter jet known for its swept-wing design and speed. Piloted by Frederic Akary, the F86 Sabre’s sleek appearance and impressive performance make it a standout aircraft in airshow displays.
Vampire T11: The Vampire T11 is a British jet fighter aircraft with a distinctive twin-boom tail design. It is a vintage aircraft that harkens back to the early days of jet aviation, captivating audiences with its unique appearance and historical significance.
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers: The Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers thrill audiences with their daring aerial performances on the wings of biplanes. The team’s skilled wingwalkers perform breathtaking stunts while strapped to the aircraft's wings, showcasing incredible bravery and showmanship in the air.
Flying Bulls North American B-25J, DC-6B & P38: The Flying Bulls present a lineup of historic aircraft, including the North American B-25J Mitchell bomber, DC-6B transport aircraft, and P38 Lightning fighter. These beautifully restored vintage aircraft pay homage to aviation history and demonstrate the power and grace of classic warbirds.
Flying Bulls BO 105 C aerobatic Helicopter: The Flying Bulls’ BO 105 C aerobatic helicopter is a versatile rotorcraft known for its agility and aerobatic capabilities. Piloted by skilled aviators, the BO 105 C performs thrilling manoeuvres and stunts, showcasing the precision and skill of helicopter pilots.
Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire & Mustang: The Rolls Royce Heritage Flight features iconic World War II aircraft, including the Spitfire and Mustang, powered by Rolls Royce engines. These legendary aircraft, with their distinctive designs and historical significance, pay tribute to Rolls Royce's engineering excellence and the bravery of wartime pilots.
Calidus Autogyro: The Calidus Autogyro is a unique rotorcraft that combines elements of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Piloted by Pete Davis, it showcases the versatility and agility of gyroplanes, performing graceful maneuvers in the sky.
Turbulent Display Team: The Turbulent Display Team showcases low-level displays on several tiny Turbulent aircraft. The team’s skilled pilots perform formation passes, limbo flying, balloon busting, and flour bombing.
Mono Display Team: The youngest display team on the UK Airshow circuit, the Mono Display Team, performs on Friday and Saturday only. It showcases the Mono aircraft’s precision and agility in the air. With young but skilled pilots at the controls, the Mono Display Team demonstrates the aircraft’s capabilities through a dynamic and engaging aerial display.
Stampe Display Team: The Stampe Display Team features the classic Stampe SV4 aircraft, known for its graceful flight characteristics and vintage charm. The team’s pilots demonstrate the agility and beauty of the Stampe SV4 through a captivating formation display and solo aerobatics highlighting the aircraft’s heritage and performance.
Saab 35 Draken: The Saab 35 Draken is a Swedish supersonic fighter aircraft renowned for its advanced design and impressive performance. Flown on Sunday only, it showcases its speed, agility, and striking appearance as it takes to the skies, leaving spectators in awe of its capabilities.
Airborne Pyrotechnics: The 2 x Grob 109b motor gliders flown by the father-son duo Tim and Tom Dews of Airborne Pyrotechnics add a thrilling element to the air display with spectacular pyrotechnic effects. Flying in close formation, the team creates dazzling visual displays with fireworks and special effects, enhancing the excitement and spectacle of the aerial performances. During the day the team uses colourful wingtip smokes painting the sky.
