The RAF Cosford Air Show saw record attendance on Sunday 9th June. The highlights of the show included an appearance by the Vulcan XH558 accompanied by the two Rv8s, the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Typhoon display.

On the ground a whole range of new exhibits and interactive displays provided entertainment for all the family.

An appearance by Captain Wales (Prince Harry) flying the Apache took the crowd by surprise and was a first for the Air Show circuit. On the ground a visit from Carol Vorderman helped launch the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics area and her visit and the programme signing session by the Red Arrows both proved popular with the public.

Unfortunately the large crowd numbers led to congestion on the roads and many people were delayed getting to the show. On the day organisers introduced contingency parking spaces and everybody who arrived at the show was able to get in. Air Show Spokesman Amanda Butcher said “We worked hard with the Civilian Police and the Highways Agency to try to manage the huge volume of traffic trying to get to the show and we thank the vast majority of the members of the public for their patience. We did ask those without tickets not to come but many did still travel and that added to the volume of traffic.”

Anybody who was unable to get to RAF Cosford and wishes to apply for a refund should visit the Air Show website for further information on how to do so. Applications will be addressed on an individual basis.

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking records, the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show looks ready to provide an excellent day out this Sunday 9th June.

The advance ticket sales from the website, the 24 hour telephone hotline and the various outlets across the West Midlands are already more than double the figure sold in 2012 with still 4 days to go until the event.

Organisers are therefore expecting a mammoth turnout and car parks could reach capacity. People that have purchased tickets in advance are advised to make their way to RAF Cosford early to minimise the possibility of disappointment later in the day.

Members of the public are reminded that rail travel is extremely convenient to the Shropshire base with Cosford railway station situated right next to the airfield, dropping passengers off just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance.

Those travelling on Arriva Trains Wales can also benefit from the discounted ‘advance’ ticket price, even on tickets purchased on the day, when purchased alongside their rail ticket. Arriva Trains Wales have also placed more services in their timetable for the 9th June to cater for the expected increase in numbers.

The RAF Cosford Air Show team have implemented a robust traffic management plan which aims to ease any congestion and have also put together contingency plans should more car parking space be required.

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher says “With the great British weather finally emerging this week, we are preparing for potentially the largest Air Show we’ve held over recent years and therefore encourage members of the public to exploit the extra services on offer from Arriva Trains Wales. We hope that the weather forecast stays in our favour and that everybody attending this year has a truly splendid family day out.”

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

Anybody with a query relating to the Air Show are prompted to check out the FAQ on the website before contacting the Air Show Office due to the incredibly high volume of calls currently being received.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

With just a few weeks remaining until the 2013 RAF Cosford Air Show, organisers confirm the complete line-up of flying displays ready to thrill the crowds on Sunday 9th June.

Despite boasting an already impressive schedule, the event organisers are hinting that the roster of aircraft in attendance might still grow in the weeks leading up to the show and suggest that visitors will be treated to more than they bargained for.

One of the key themes to this year’s Air Show is the celebration of RAF Cosford’s 75th Anniversary, with the flying display kicking off with a special flypast of aircraft associated with the history of the West Midlands base.

In a similar light to last year’s surprise visit by an RAF VC10 tanker aircraft, the organisers have managed to secure an exclusive fly-through by a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The presence of the Brize Norton based C-130 currently makes Cosford the only RAF Air Show this year to offer the aircraft in its flying display.

The extensive collection of airborne displays on offer this year includes some of the greatest aircraft ever to take to the skies. Since its appearance was confirmed a few weeks ago, Avro Vulcan XH558 from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust has become one of the most hotly anticipated displays on the day. What’s more, the support from the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe, known affectionately as ‘Sally B’, also helped stir interest for the family day out as the list of well-known vintage aircraft has grown.

As one of only three remaining RAF sponsored Air Shows across the country, the military presence will be strong over the Shropshire station of RAF Cosford including the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft. RAF display aircraft will be in abundance and highlighted by the Eurofighter Typhoon providing an unforgettable display, alongside the World famous RAF Red Arrows performing their unique demonstration of professional excellence that promises to wow the crowd.

Military rotary aircraft will also provide a number of key displays, with an RAF Sea King helicopter providing a role demonstration of the vital work they carry out 24 hours a day. Members of the public will be able to enjoy displays flown by an RAF Chinook and an Army Air Corps Apache both individually and combined as they complete their own displays followed by a Medical Evacuation demonstration to provide an insight into one of their key tasks on deployed operations.

Aerobatic displays will be sure to get the adrenaline pumping as a number of teams, including the popular RV8tors and The Blades, show off their dare-devil flying skills and demonstrate the ultimate example of accuracy and agility.

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “The RAF Cosford Air Show has developed one of the most promising line-ups for a number of years and we are thrilled to be able to offer members of the public such a spectacular day out. Combined with a unique and diverse selection of activities and exhibits on the ground, this year’s event looks set to be one of the best on offer nationwide and we hope that members of the public will join us for what promises to be a fun-filled family day out.”

Other confirmations for Sunday 9th June include the Breitling Wing Walkers, O’Briens Flying Circus, the SWIP Team, Aerostars, an F-86 Sabre and a privately-owned Supermarine Spitfire. Additional military displays include the RAF Grob Tutor and Shorts Tucano training aircraft, as well as the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, an Army Air Corps Lynx helicopter and the Royal Navy Historic Flight with their Sea Fury aircraft.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

Visitors looking to make the most of their day at RAF Cosford and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable which provides extra services throughout the day. For those further afield, see our website for coach companies operating excursions near you www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/coachtravel.html.

The RAF Cosford Air Show has always prided itself on not just being the Midlands’ premier aviation event, but also a fun-filled family day out that provides a wide range of interactive and engaging activities on the ground this Sunday 9th June.

This year the event will focus on celebrating the 75th Anniversary of RAF Cosford itself and this will be reflected in a number of displays by the various schools and training establishments currently based at the Shropshire station. Together they will provide an insight into the rich heritage of first class technical and engineering operations that RAF Cosford has become known for. These will include a demonstration of radar and computer equipment from No 1 Radio School and a display of armed aircraft & escape equipment from the Weapons & Survival Equipment Training Squadron. An array of activities will also be on offer from the School of Physical Training, a demonstration of hydraulic principles provided by the Avionic & Mechanical Training Squadron and an interactive opportunity for visitors to attempt various hand skills with the Trade Foundation Training Squadron. 238 Squadron will be opening the cockpits of their fast jets to allow people the rare opportunity to sit in the aircraft and experience what it’s like for the pilots of the RAF.

In addition to the anniversary celebrations, a wide variety of other exhibitors, stands, arena displays, bands and charities will also attend the show. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy everything from the Cosford Military Wives Choir and a fair ground, to aviation artwork specialists and a host of conservation and wildlife groups.

Free Radio this year will sponsor a demonstration arena to be known as ‘The Free Radio Arena’ and will play host to some exciting spectacles such as a Field Gun competition and performances from the Royal Air Force College Band. You may even get the opportunity to meet Free Radio’s own HumFree the Hamster too!

The RAF Air Cadets will have a large exhibition manned by various Air Cadet Squadrons there to discuss the opportunities available to you and your little ones. For those old enough to think about joining, the RAF Careers recruitment team will be on hand to inform those that also want to ‘Rise Above The Rest’ in the Royal Air Force.

Air Show spokesman Marilyn Summers says “Not only will the Air Show provide a thrilling flying display, but we also aim to keep the whole family entertained with a wide and varied selection of activities on the ground. From the fun fair, the RAF Museum, static aircraft displays, military exhibitions and a craft fair. A number of stands by Nikon, who sponsor our exclusive ‘The Cosford Club’, will be available to display some of the very latest photography equipment, so we are sure that visitors will find something here to suit everyone’s interests.”

The ground exhibits help make the Air Show a unique day out, coupled with an incredible 5½ hour flying display on offer. Aircraft confirmations include Vulcan XH558 from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ and a number of RAF aircraft including the Typhoon & Tucano display teams, a medical evacuation demonstration including Chinook & Apache helicopters and the world famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk, by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min plus network charges), or at various other outlets details of which can be found on the website. Advance adult tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20% discount on tickets bought on the day and FREE admission for children under-16 accompanied by an adult as well as FREE car parking.

With a fascinating selection of Jaguars on display, RAF Cosford’s 75th Anniversary Air Show is offering a big cat line-up that will be seen nowhere else this summer.

As well as celebrating the 75th anniversary of both RAF Cosford and the entry into RAF service of the Spitfire aircraft, this year’s Air Show also looks to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jaguar aircraft. Whilst no longer on front line duty with the RAF, the Jaguar jets are still used at RAF Cosford to help train the next generation of aircraft technicians and engineers. RAF Cosford is now the only Royal Air Force station operating these aircraft.

Last year as an exclusive treat, the Air Show gave its visitors a rare glimpse of the Jaguar in action as it was started up and taxied down the runway, providing a rare photo opportunity. This display was so well received that the organisers are keen to demonstrate the aircraft again this year and have decided this time to show off two aircraft simultaneously. The plan includes a rare opportunity to see “Spotty”, the Jaguar with a big cat paint scheme, on the runway.

In addition to the aircraft, Jaguar Land Rover will also be attending this year’s Air Show and bringing along with them a selection of their finest cars. The brand new Jaguar F-Type Convertible will be on display, as well as some famous vehicles including the XKR model used as James Bond’s car in the 2002 hit ‘Die Another Day’. David Moore from Jaguar Landrover says “Having worked with 6 Squadron Jaguars for many years I’m really excited about seeing the ‘Spotty Jag’ again as both myself and Joe Buck from Jaguar Styling painted the aircraft when they were based at Coningsby.”

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is pleased to offer our visitors the rare opportunity to witness this jet in action. We were blown away last year with the warm reception that the Jaguars received and are more than happy to offer twice as much noise and excitement to open this year’s show. We are also happy to welcome Jaguar Land Rover to the event who will not only be strengthening our superb ground display line up, but also contributing significantly to our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) exhibit.”

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk, by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min plus network charges), or at various other outlets details of which can be found on the website. Advance adult tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20% discount on tickets bought on the day and FREE admission for children under-16 accompanied by an adult as well as FREE car parking.