Organisers of the world’s largest military air show have described its 40th year as a great success.
Despite heavy showers, thousands of aviation enthusiasts packed into RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the Royal International Air Tattoo.
Determined not to let the weather dampen visitors’ spirits, organisers treated them to a wealth of entertainment both in the air and on the ground, with a special appearance from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Displays by the only Cold War Vulcan bomber still flying, a BAE Systems’ Typhoon, a US Air Force A-10 and some spectacular flying drew large crowds, with around 138,000 people attending over the weekend. Air Tattoo chief executive officer Tim Prince said: “I’m so pleased that the great British public, and our overseas visitors, came to support us.
“They came determined to have a good time and, in response, the Air Tattoo team – whether volunteers, sponsors, supporting military units, aircrew or our paid staff – battled through the challenges the weather gave us to do what Britain does best, put on a superb air show.
“Our grateful thanks go to everyone for supporting us in our 40th anniversary year.”
The event started with the christening of the A330 Voyager – the RAF’s new air-to-air refuelling aircraft – by Defence Secretary Liam Fox. Organisers said saw participants “pulling out all the stops” to entertain with some “superb flying”.
One of the highlights was the Hawker Hunter 60th Anniversary flypast, with the veteran aircraft turning out to mark the 40th anniversary.
The Red Arrows continued to be a favourite with new competition from the Saudi Hawks display team, who were making their UK debut. In total, 219 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo, from 27 air arms representing 17 nations. With the weather improving during the afternoon on both days, the air show closed in sunshine with a finale by the Breitling Jet Team, performing a flypast with their fellow Breitling Wingwalking Team.
First time Air Tattoo visitor Liz Clark, from Stanford-in-the-Vale, Oxfordshire, said: “It’s a long time since I’ve been to an air show and this has reminded me what I’ve been missing.
“It’s been amazing, and I got quite sentimental seeing the Spitfire and Vulcan.”
John Thompson, from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, added: “I was very impressed with the flying displays and the Chinook which I’d never seen perform before. I liked the Rafale best, it got closest to the crowd and was the noisiest, and it was great to see the Vulcan which did much more than I expected. I enjoyed it all.”
Ms Burke thrilled fans as she took to the concert stage performing a selection of her hits including Broken Heels, Don’t Start Without Me and Hallelujah.
As the Saudi Hawks aerobatics display team took to the skies, the concert stage atmosphere built up with fans chanting Ms Burke’s name.