The aircraft on display are the undoubted stars of the show, but there’s a lot more to the RAF Cosford Air Show than that! Whether you’re looking to inspire and entertain the whole family or you’re an avid aviation enthusiast, you’ve got a non-stop day of excitement ahead of you.
This year, the RAF Cosford Air Show will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and host “Fighter Meet 2020”.
The exciting theme of Fighter Meet 2020 will demonstrate the evolution of air defence aircraft over the last century. This will include commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – bringing to life the legendary story with emotive flying displays and interactive ground exhibitions – as well as looking to the future, showcasing the very best of today’s Air Supremacy.
The VE Day theme will focus on displaying historic aircraft from World War II, both in the air and across the iconic Vintage Village on the showground, combining re-enactment groups with a VE Day street party, a Vintage Fayre, classic vehicles & period entertainment.
Aircraft Displays
The RAF Cosford Air Show will include an action-packed six-hour flying display, including powerful demonstrations of modern military aircraft from the Royal Air Force and international military partners. There will be captivating appearances from iconic vintage aircraft from throughout the history of aviation and adrenaline pumping aerobatic displays. Ground-based pyrotechnics will also add to the excitement of some of the flying displays! On the ground, there will be a huge assortment on static display for you to view up close, including some which you will be able to sit inside.
Showground Attractions
Throughout the airfield, there will be a huge assortment of fascinating things to see and do at the RAF Cosford Air Show. There really is something for all the family to enjoy and you are guaranteed to be entertained and inspired.
Vintage Village
The Vintage Village is one of the most popular displays on the showground. This year’s Village focusses on World War II – with the sights, sounds and smells of the era transporting you back in time. Historical figures mingle amongst the vintage aircraft and vehicles, both military and civilian, while live music is provided throughout the day with a variety of acts performing on the bandstand. Inside the marquee, visitors can enjoy a pot of tea and a slice of cake or even a spam sandwich at ‘Thyme for Tea’ Vintage Tea Room and then browse the authentic items for sale in ‘Tina-Lou’s Vintage Fair’. Wandering back outside, you can join in with our VE Day street party, have a pint in the Village Pub and challenge your friends and family to a game of Helter Skelter Hoopla at the Church Fete.
RAF Zone
The RAF Zone will showcase the very best of today’s Royal Air Force. As well as hands on displays and exhibitions from all aspects of the Royal Air Force – including a mock-up Chinook helicopter! A number of Royal Air Force display teams will have a ground presence in the RAF Village, with great opportunities for you to meet the pilots. You’ll also be able to explore the range of RAF Careers available as both a Regular or Reservist.
RAF Hangar Displays
Our hangar displays allow you to see behind the scenes at RAF Cosford and discover what training to become qualified RAF Technicians and Engineers looks like! With a number of military units based at RAF Cosford, this is your opportunity to get hands-on and find out what life in the Royal Air Force is really all about. There will be displays from the Defence School of Aeronautic Engineering, No.1 Radio School, Defence School of Photography, RAF School of Physical Education and many more.
STEM Hangars
Our two STEM Hangars have grown to become must-visit attractions at the Air Show, full of interactive activities for all of the family, such as fun physics experiments, model building and coding with a BBC Microbit or Raspberry Pi. Showcasing the best that the RAF, Industry and Academia have to offer in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, the STEM Hangars are an ideal chance to get real hands-on experience of what it is like to be in some of the most diverse and exciting jobs around.
Helicopter Pleasure Flights
To make your visit to the Air Show extra special, why not enjoy the spectacular views that a helicopter flight offers? Operated by Adventure001, their fleet of helicopters operate throughout the day, giving you the chance to enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Air Show and surrounding Shropshire countryside.
RAF Museum
All of the RAF Museum’s world-class facilities are open for Air Show visitors to enjoy. Their unrivalled collection of historic aircraft is a must see! For more details about the RAF Museum visit their website.
Traders & Exhibitors
With over a kilometre of trade stands, the Air Show hosts a huge variety of traders and exhibitors to see. There’s something for everyone from aviation artists, charitable organisations, military merchandise, book stalls and much more!
