The International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford Gloucestershire is the largest event of it's kind and is held annually each year in July at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire not far from Cheltenham. This years Air Tattoo takes place on the 16th &17th July 2011 celebrationg 40 years of the Air Tattoo. Two F-16s, a C-5B Galaxy and a B-52H  will be  among more than a dozen US Air Force and Navy aircraft participating in this summer's Air Tattoo. The F-16Cs come from 52 Fighter Wing at RAF Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and will be on static display.

The Cotswolds hosts two air shows annually the Cotswold Airshow held annually at Kemble in June and the larger Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July. The International Air Tattoo first started in 1971, and has become a popular event ever since and attracts visitors from across the globe to it's world renowned flying displays and 2 miles of static displays and corporated hospitality.

Accommodation is always in high demand during the air show as many people arrive early for the rehearsal days leading upto the air show and the air craft fanatics also stay to watch the air craft leave, many make it part of their holiday in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Many local residents rent rooms and even their own properties out during the airshow, and others with land open fields up for camping and for pay and view sites, for those who want to view without great expence. The local tourist board provide a list of local accommodation and camp sites specially opened during the airshow.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, is  the world's largest military airshow, and  has gained the  reputation as  one of the UK's top outdoor family events. This year's highlights include the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Air Tattoo with over two miles of static aircraft to be seen, some can be explored, there are also interactiv activities and exhibitions for both the young and old. On sunday there is the exclusive Performance by Alexandra Burke. Admission is FREE for under 16's with a fee paying adult and car parking is FREE. Tickets have to be bought pre the airshow for a designated day.

Participating aircraft for this years 40th airshow celebration  include the Stars of the 2011 International Air Tattoo -

The  Red Arrows - The RAF's legendary Red Arrows acrobatic team heads the spectacular aerobatic display teams.

Frecce Tricolori

The Italian  colourful and flamboyant  aerobatics display team, the Frecce Tricolori, are hard to beat. and are regular visitors to the air show, at this summer's visit they will mark their 50th anniversary.
 
Sukhoi Su-27

One of the world's outstanding Soviet jet fighters, rarely seen in the UK, will demonstrate it's ability at this year's Air Tattoo. The  fighters were last seen  12 years ago at the Air Tattoo, having made their debut at the airshow in 1996. The aircraft will be accompanied by a large Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft.
 
Avro Vulcan

The legendary Vulcan bomber will be demonstrating its grace and immense power once again at this year's Air Tattoo. The Vulcan, one of the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, remains one of the most popular flying displays during the UK airshow season, and was seen only recently at the Cotswold Airshow at Kemble in June.
 
Team Viper

Flying Supersonic Hawker Hunter jets, Team Viper convey classical elegance which is totally unique. Team Viper are the only Hunter display team in the world and will be making its Air Tattoo debut, flying as a five-ship formation.
 
The Breitling Jets

This will be the  only UK appearance  at the Fairford Air Tattoo. with synchronized manoeuvres  fine-tuned down to the smallest details and you capture the breathtaking performance of a Breitling Jet Team display.
 
Airbus A400M

After making its spectacular airshow debut last year, the RAF's future airlifter will again demonstrate its incredible manoeuvrability and elegance for such a large aircraft captained by the  Airbus chief test pilot, Ed Strongman.
 
Veteran Warbirds

These will include a Mustang, a Venom,  Vampires,  Hawker Hunters, Meteors and Spitfire MH434, which  flew at the first International Air Tattoo which took place in 1971, 40 years ago. These aircraft will take part in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, recreating the sights and sounds of the war years, a memorial flight which brings the crowds to a fixation of the skies.
 
Breitling Wingwalkers

The world's only aerobatic formation wingwalking team. Hold on to your hats, this unique display takes place against wind speeds of up to 150mph. 

Other aircraft at theInternational Air Tattoo include the ever graceful appearance of the lancaster, spitfire,  apache, dekota, hurrican, galaxy, stratofortress.

This is a truely exciting event for all the family!  With a unique performace on Sunday by Alexandra Burke, who is performing at this years air show, and can also be seen at Cheltenham Racecourse.  Few airshows can match size and excitement as aircraft and aircrews from across the world descend on RAF Fairford Gloucestershire each July, waking up the sleepy Cotswold villages which surround the air base. 

Accommodation  For information on Hotels in Cheltenham or to book a Hotel online

Park & View Meysey Hampton Playing field Cars £5 Motor bikes £2 (Charity to raise funds for the Meysey Hampton Playing fields) Great pup The Masons Arms opposite the playing field. Who stole the banner for 2011?

During your visit you may consider making a vist to Cheltenham and exploring Cheltenham Shopping areas.

Getting to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford Gloucestershire

 By Air

Coming from Cheltenham and the M5 Follow the 419 dual carriageway down to the Stow and Lechlade turn off and follow the 417 in the direction of Fairford and Lechlade where you can follow the colour coded signs.

The nearest international airports to RAF Fairford are London Heathrow, Bristol and Birmingham.

For flights to these airports please contact:
London Heathrow www.heathrowairport.com +44 (0) 870 000 0123
Bristol www.bristolairport.com +44 (0) 870 121 2747
Birmingham www.bhx.co.uk +44 (0) 870 733 5511

Due to the operational requirements of the Air Tattoo RIAT will no longer be able to accept Charter or Day Visitor commercial flights. VIP flights will continue and will be subject to the normal rules and regulations.

By Rail

Direct rail services to Swindon from London, Oxford, Wales and the West, to the Air Tattoo is to catch a train to Cheltenham or Swindon and then transfer to an express shuttle bus bound for RAF Fairford which goes from Swindon at regular intervals. 

 
By Shuttle Buses
Frequent shuttle buses will leave Swindon Bus Station (close to the train station) for RAF Fairford, these buses travel along a specially designated route thus giving passengers a fast-track entry to the Airshow. Return tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Direct rail services to Swindon from London, Oxford, Wales and the West, to the Air Tattoo is to catch a train to Cheltenham or Swindon and then transfer to an express shuttle bus bound for RAF Fairford which goes from Swindon at regular intervals.

By Car Important Information Travel information

Motorists are asked to follow the 'colour-coded' signs to and from RAF Fairford to ensure quicker access to and from the Air Tattoo.  Road signs will direct traffic to the main designated entry routes via the A417 and A419.

Airshow Camping

The Royal International Air Tattoo 16 - 17 July 2011 - RAF Fairford, Nr Cheltenham

Air Tattoo general admission tickets MUST be purchased in advance.

Purchase tickets online or call  ticket hotline 0800 107 1940.

To book Tickets online visit:  http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/Airshow-Tickets

General Ticket Prices:

Radio wings brings you live commentry throughout the 2 days of the International Air Tattoo.