The Midlands Air Festival made a triumphant return to the scenic Ragley Hall in 2024, marking the sixth edition of this much-anticipated event. The festival’s public area was strategically situated on the south side of Ragley Hall, offering a splendid view of the temporary airfield nestled within the grounds of the historic 17th-century mansion, which is surrounded by 400 acres of meticulously landscaped parkland, woodland, and gardens. This idyllic setting provided a perfect backdrop for the diverse array of aviation spectacles that the Midlands Air Festival is renowned for.

The 2024 edition of the Midlands Air Festival spanned three days and featured a captivating blend of aviation displays, including RC models, air displays, and the always mesmerizing mass launches of hot air balloons. The festival has a rich history, having first been held in 2018 at Ragley Hall before moving to Arbury Hall in 2019. Plans to return to Ragley Hall in 2020 were thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic, but the organizers were quick to announce their return in 2021.

Unfortunately, the 2024 edition faced several significant cancellations. The BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane, which were scheduled to perform, were grounded following a fatal Spitfire crash just a week prior to the event. Additionally, the Vampire was cancelled due to engine problems. Adverse weather conditions in mainland Europe prevented some of the festival’s star attractions, such as the F-86 Sabre, Flying Bulls’ P-38 Lightning, and Bo 105, from making it to the UK for their displays at both Duxford and the Midlands Air Festival. Bob Grimstead’s Fournier RF4D Motorglider and the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Mustang also had to be cancelled. Despite these setbacks, many of which occurred just days or even hours before the airshow was set to begin, the organizers demonstrated remarkable resilience by securing a number of replacement acts.

The festival commenced on Friday, May 31. The day began windy and cloudy but remained dry, with the weather improving towards the evening as the wind subsided and the skies cleared. Despite forecasts suggesting that the balloon launch would be impossible, a number of balloons managed to take to the skies that evening. Throughout the weekend, several mass balloon launches took place in the mornings and evenings, with over 150 balloons participating. Friday also featured the spectacular Nightfire display, which included night pyro displays by Chris Burkett in the Extra 300SC and Tim and Tom Dews in their Grob 109b motor gliders. The evening concluded with a breathtaking hot air balloon nightglow and a dazzling fireworks display. The weather continued to improve over the weekend, with Saturday remaining cloudy but dry and Sunday turning into a hot, cloudless day, ideal for aerial displays.

The air displays boasted a diverse range of performances. The renowned RAF Tutor Display Team, flown by Flt Lt Bob Dewes in the vibrant yellow experimental colour scheme Tutor T1, affectionately known as the bumblebee, enthralled the audience with their flawlessly executed graceful aerobatics throughout the entire three days of the event. Peter Davies also mesmerized spectators with his captivating Calidus autogyro routine, captivating attendees for the duration of the show. Additionally, the popular Turbulent Display Team, well-loved at the Midlands Air Festival, engaged the crowd with an array of formation flypasts (including a tied-together routine on Saturday), captivating them with their signature limbo flying, flour bombing, and balloon-popping stunts.

The Mono Display Team, initially advertised for Friday and Saturday only, ended up performing on all three days. This exceptional group featured two remarkably young yet highly experienced pilots in their early twenties. Typically, the team performs with two compact Taylor monoplanes; however, due to the unavailability of one of the monoplanes, they incorporated a single Taylor monoplane alongside a Steen Skybolt, a home-built aerobatic biplane. The juxtaposition of these two vastly different aircraft was particularly fascinating, with the Skybolt operating at near-idle speeds and the monoplane at full throttle to maintain formation, adding a unique and compelling dimension to the performance.

The Rolls Royce Heritage Flight brought their Spitfire MK.XIX, which performed graceful aerobatics and was another captivating highlight of the event, dazzled spectators with its breathtaking manoeuvers on all three days of the airshow. On Friday, the RAF Typhoon Display Team made a special appearance, although they did not perform their full display. Instead, they honoured the memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long with a special reduced flying display, marking their inaugural performance of the 2024 season. The formation, led by Flight Lieutenant Ryan Lawton, the 2017 Typhoon display pilot who succeeded Squadron Leader Mark Long, executed two poignant flypasts. Subsequently, Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, the 2024 display pilot, dramatically exited the formation with full afterburner, executing the missing man formation in a solemn tribute to Squadron Leader Mark Long.

The festival was truly enriched by the stellar performance of the Red Arrows across all three days. Their debut UK display of the season on Friday was an exceptional highlight, commemorating their remarkable 60th anniversary. Spectators were treated to a nine-ship display, a first in three years, showcasing an array of dazzling formations and exhilarating manoeuvres that had not been witnessed in over a decade. The Red Arrows also added special touches to their routine, making the celebrations of this significant milestone even more memorable for all in attendance.

The Flying Bulls, an aviation team based in Salzburg, Austria, made a remarkable impact with their iconic aircraft, the Douglas DC-6B and B-25J Mitchell Bomber. These classic planes, meticulously maintained by the devoted team, took the spectators on a journey through aviation history with their breathtaking flyovers. The Douglas DC-6, a powerful piston airliner from the late 1940s, has been lovingly restored to its original glory by The Flying Bulls. Alongside this beauty, the North American B-25 Mitchell twin-engine bomber, famous for its role in World War II, showcased its might in the skies, offering a rare glimpse of history in action. The sight of these historic planes in flight was truly a highlight of the weekend for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Adding to the excitement was the display by the Saab J-35J Draken supersonic fighter aircraft from the Cold War era, presented by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight. Pilot Lars Martinsson skillfully flew the aircraft, quickly becoming a crowd favourite. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the team generously performed on Saturday as well, filling in for cancelled acts. Their mesmerizing show, consisting of flypasts showcasing afterburner turns, high-speed passes, and elegant top-side manoeuvres, left photographers delighted with unique shots.

Paul Freeland’s graceful aerobatics in his SIAI-Marchetti SF260 were a delight on Saturday and Sunday of the show. His precision and fluidity in executing aerobatic manoeuvres captivated the audience, demonstrating both his skill and the capabilities of the SF260, a renowned Italian military trainer aircraft. Each performance was a testament to Freeland’s extensive experience and deep understanding of aerial dynamics, leaving spectators in awe of the seamless blend of artistry and technical prowess.

Chris Burkett, a distinguished aviator and a member of the esteemed Global Stars aerobatic team, added another layer of excitement to the event. On Saturday and Sunday, Burkett showcased his mastery of unlimited aerobatics in the Extra 330SC, a high-performance aerobatic aircraft known for its agility and responsiveness. His performances were marked by a series of breathtaking manoeuvres, including snap rolls, hammerheads, and lomcevaks, executed with impeccable precision and timing.

In addition to his daytime displays, Burkett also performed a mesmerizing night pyro display, illuminating the sky with a dazzling array of lights and pyrotechnics. This performance not only highlighted his versatility as a pilot but also provided a unique and visually stunning experience for the audience.

Notably, Burkett was flying Mark Jefferies’ Extra 330SC during the show, as his own Extra 300S was in transit from the Philippines, where he had recently performed. This seamless transition between aircraft underscores the high level of skill and adaptability that Burkett possesses, allowing him to deliver consistently outstanding performances regardless of the equipment at hand.

Both Freeland and Burkett’s displays were a highlight of the show, offering a thrilling combination of technical skill, artistic expression, and sheer aerial brilliance. Their performances not only entertained but also inspired, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of their aircraft and the exceptional talent of the pilots who fly them.

On Sunday, Europe’s only airworthy 1945-built Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, affectionately known as ‘Sally B,’ took to the skies, standing in for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster. This rare and historic aircraft captivated the audience with its graceful and elegant display, underscoring its status as one of the most iconic aircraft ever created. The B-17 prototype first flew on July 28, 1935, marking the beginning of a storied legacy. Although only a few B-17s were operational by the time of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, the onset of World War II spurred a rapid increase in production. The B-17 became renowned for its crucial role in the daylight strategic bombing campaigns against German industrial targets, playing a significant part in the Allied war effort across all major combat zones.

Production of the B-17 concluded in May 1945, with a total of 12,726 units manufactured. This prolific production run ensured the B-17’s place in aviation history as a symbol of American air power and engineering prowess. The aircraft’s enduring legacy is preserved through ‘Sally B,’ which continues to inspire and educate new generations about the pivotal role of the B-17 during the war.

‘Sally B’ was originally scheduled to perform a demonstration on Friday; however, it was grounded due to challenging crosswinds that exceeded safe operational parameters at its home base, Duxford Airfield. The B-17’s distinctive tail-dragger configuration and prominent vertical fin make it particularly sensitive to wind conditions, necessitating a high degree of caution during flight operations. This sensitivity is a testament to the aircraft’s design, which was optimized for the triangular runway layouts common at wartime airfields, allowing for takeoffs into prevailing winds and showcasing the engineering ingenuity of its era.

In addition to ‘Sally B’s’ awe-inspiring performance, the event featured a thrilling display by Team Raven. Known for their exceptional aerobatic skills, Team Raven captivated the audience with a high-energy performance of formation aerobatics. Their six Vans RV-8 aircraft moved in perfect unison, demonstrating seamless coordination and precision. The display was not only visually stunning but also a testament to the pilots’ mastery of the skies, leaving spectators in awe of their skill and dedication.

The father and son duo Tim and Tom Dews from the Airborne Pyrotechnics, in addition to their renowned night pyro display, performed an impressive daytime display in their Grob 109b motor gliders. This performance was particularly notable for its use of colourful wingtip smoke, which added a vibrant visual element to their routine. In a poignant tribute to Ukraine, the team incorporated blue and yellow smoke, creating a striking and meaningful display of solidarity.

Adding to the excitement, the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers marked their 40th anniversary with a series of breathtaking performances. Over the course of three days, they executed five displays at the Midlands Air Festival and Duxford Summer Airshow, each one a testament to the wing walkers' incredible stamina and skill. The daring manoeuvres and coordinated formations left audiences in awe, celebrating four decades of aerial artistry.

The Stampe Formation Team provided a nostalgic touch to the event, flying three Stampe SV4s in graceful formation flypasts. Their performances were accompanied by classical solo aerobatics and set to the backdrop of classical music, creating an elegant and timeless atmosphere. The vintage aircraft and precise flying evoked memories of a bygone era, delighting both young and old spectators.

Mark Hooton stepped in to fill the gap left by the cancelled Vampire, bringing the Jet Provost Mk 3 to the skies over the weekend. His display was a highlight for aviation photographers, featuring numerous top-side passes that showcased the aircraft’s sleek lines and dynamic capabilities. Hooton’s adept handling of the Jet Provost provided an exhilarating experience for all attendees, ensuring that the spirit of the Vampire was well represented.

A last-minute addition to the show was the OV-10B Bronco from the Bronco Demo Team, piloted by Tony de Bruyn. The Bronco’s dynamic and versatile performance on both Saturday and Sunday was a crowd-pleaser, showcasing its unique capabilities and adding another layer of excitement to the event. Known for its rugged design and multifaceted operational history, the OV-10B Bronco demonstrated its agility and versatility through a series of manoeuvres that captivated the audience. The Bronco’s performance underscored its historical significance as a light attack and observation aircraft, originally designed for counter-insurgency operations and forward air control.

The Folland Gnat T.1 XS104, painted in Red Arrows colours but never having flown with the team, was another replacement aircraft that added a unique touch to the event. This Gnat, from the Gnat Display Team and flown by Edwin Brenninkmeyer, performed a short display featuring flypasts and smoke trails before departing. The display’s brevity was due to the aircraft’s low fuel capacity and the relatively long transit flight from its base at North Weald. This rare appearance marked the first Gnat display in five years, making it a significant highlight for aviation enthusiasts.

The Taylorcraft Auster AOP9 also made an appearance, adding a touch of historical aviation to the festival. This aircraft, known for its role in aerial observation and reconnaissance, performed a series of flypasts that highlighted its agility and historical significance. The Auster AOP9, originally designed for military use, was extensively employed for artillery spotting and liaison duties, particularly during the post-World War II era. Its participation in the festival served as a poignant reminder of the critical roles such aircraft played in military history.

Together, these aircraft brought a rich tapestry of historical and modern aviation to the event. The OV-10B Bronco’s dynamic display illustrated the evolution of military aviation capabilities, while the Folland Gnat T.1 highlighted the advancements in jet-powered training aircraft. The Taylorcraft Auster AOP9 provided a glimpse into the essential reconnaissance and observation roles that were pivotal during and after World War II.

The event, therefore, was not merely a showcase of aerial acrobatics but also an educational journey through the annals of aviation history. Each aircraft, from the rugged Bronco to the sleek Gnat and the venerable Auster, contributed to a comprehensive narrative that celebrated both past and present achievements in aviation. Spectators were treated to a multifaceted experience that honoured the technological advancements and historical significance of these remarkable flying machines.

In conclusion, despite the challenges and cancellations, the 2024 Midlands Air Festival at Ragley Hall was a resounding success. The organizers’ ability to adapt and secure replacement acts ensured that the festival maintained its high standards and delivered a captivating experience. The diverse range of aerial displays, coupled with the stunning setting and improved weather, made for an unforgettable event. The Midlands Air Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a premier aviation event, delighting audiences with its blend of history, innovation, and aerial artistry.

For a Full photo gallery from Midlands Air Festival 2024, click Here