RAF Red Arrows Confirmed for Midlands Air Festival Platinum Jubilee

The RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will be headlining the 2022 Air Festival, bringing two full sensational displays to the Platinum Jubilee special show this year. This thrilling three-day event takes place at the Ragley Hall Estate on 2nd – 4th June.

The RAF Red Arrows are one of the most respected jet aerobatic teams in the world and a national favorite whenever they display. The team’s nail biting and exhilarating performances, showcasing precise formations with their wingtips just a few feet apart, are always a huge attraction. Their high-speed opposition passes and spectacular breaks make for a heart stopping show. Confirmed for two full displays at the event, the Midlands Air Festival will be one of the very first Red Arrows displays of the season and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Making its first appearance at the Midlands Air Festival this year, is the mighty Avro Lancaster four engined bomber of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The only flying example in Europe, this magnificent giant will be accompanied by an escort of a Spitfire and Hurricane, both key fighters in the Battle of Britain. Listen out for the magical sound of six Rolls Royce Merlin engines roaring across the Warwickshire sky.

Also confirmed to appear in this fantastic line up is the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team. The Falcons are the UK’s premier military parachute display team. Plummeting to earth at speeds up to 195kmh, the world’s most accomplished military skydivers will leap from their aircraft, trailing smoke to make them easier to spot. Once they deploy their canopies, they will carry out a series of maneuvres and set pieces, including their famous non-contact canopy stacking and relative work. They will land right in front of the audience, providing a unique opportunity for people to chat to the team and ask questions.

Rounding up the contribution from the RAF is the Grob Tutor. This aircraft is used to provide air experience flights and elementary flight training for University Squadrons, RAF Cadets and entry level pilots. Creating the display for an air show is a big challenge for the pilot in this lightweight aircraft. It is a study in energy management as the pilot only has 180hp to play with, so will start his display at maximum height. The Tutor is welcomed to the show to emphasise the Midlands Air Festival’s commitment to its STEM activities, which is also highlighted by the Rolls Royce STEM unit on site.

Alongside the coveted RAF line up, the dazzling air display programme for the 2022 Midlands Air Festival will include formation aerobatics from Team Raven in their new six aircraft routine, the mighty B17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’, the Rolls Royce Heritage flight Spitfire And Mustang, Strikemaster classic jet pair, Jet Provost, the amazing Gyroplane, the Turbulent flying circus team, aerial ballet and still more.

In addition, the festival will stage a display of 200 giant multi-coloured hot air balloons and rare airships. These will include the largest collection of special shape character balloons in Europe. Look out for star attraction from Germany, Tropsy, the friendly dinosaur, the two liquorice allsorts Bertie Bassetts, Action Man, the massive Scottish Piper, The Guardsman and many more, all standing well over 100ft high! This will be the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the UK.

Trevor Graham, Midlands Air Festival Director of Aviation, said;
“We are thrilled to be supported by the RAF Red Arrows and the stunning BBMF Lancaster for this year’s Platinum Jubilee Festival. When you add all of the other fabulous items we have attending, it all adds up to a tremendous day out for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. If you have never been to an air show, this is the one to start with.”

Tickets are available, in advance only, through the www.midlandsairfestival.com website, along with options for camping, caravaning and glamping, for those wishing to stay on site and make the most of the event. Tickets are still free for children under 13 years old when accompanied by a paying adult.