The latest news on the 2009 Royal International Air Tattoo

A rare appearance by the legendary Vulcan bomber plus one of the largest aerial displays of Royal Navy airpower are among the highlights of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

Air Tattoo organisers are promising a vintage airshow on July 18-19 to make up for the disappointment of 2008 when the event had to be cancelled at the last minute following torrential downpours that waterlogged the car parks. Since then, more than £100,000 has been spent on a range of initiatives designed to minimise the risk of this happening again.

Other highlights include the UK debut of a French Air Force’s delta-winged, highly agile Rafale fighter; the hugely popular RAF Red Arrows, the colourful Italian team Frecce Tricolori and a rare appearance by the Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 aerobatics display team.

From historic warbirds such as the Lancaster and Spitfire to the latest fast jets, helicopters and heavyweight aircraft, the 7 hour flying display will have something for everyone.

On the ground, visitors will have the opportunity to see many aircraft up close and meet crews from countries including Denmark, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Portugal and the US.

There will also be the opportunity to see an aircraft from the newest nation to join the Air Tattoo family, when a C-130 Hercules from the Algerian Air Force touches down in the Cotswolds for the first time – making the African country the 51st nation to have taken part in the Air Tattoo since it began in 1971.

But there’s so much more to the Air Tattoo than just aircraft!

Rivalling all the excitement in the air is the Air Tattoo’s very own interactive and action-packed Tri@RIAT area featuring an Armed Forces village, a smash ‘em up Robot Zone plus characters from Star Wars and Dr Who. In the Tri@RIAT arena, there’s a full programme of entertainment including dramatic stunt car action and an Air Cadets’ kit car demo.

Throughout the day, the Air Tattoo’s concert stage will feature a full programme of free entertainment, from the Band of the Irish Guards to the Cirencester-based Tigz theatre group production ‘Summer Rocks’ - featuring hits from the teen-smash High School Musical.

At lunchtime, there will be the opportunity to go Mamma Mia mad as popular Abba tribute band Fabbagirls performs a free sing-along concert. And when the flying display’s over, it will be time to enjoy the legendary sounds of the Royal Air Force Squadronaires, performing their popular blend of swing and jazz standards in a free, outdoor concert.

With no tickets being sold on the day at the gate this year, organisers are urging people to buy early so as not to miss out.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “People seem determined to be at this year’s airshow having missed out last year. With free parking, free entry to under-16s, a free concert and a free showground shuttle bus, people recognise they are getting great value for money. As a result of this, and because of the Vulcan’s popularity, we have seen a big surge in ticket sales. For the first time, there’s a real possibility the Air Tattoo could be a sell-out!”

• Event: RIAT 2009
• Date: Saturday 18 - Sunday19 July 2009
• Time: Gates open at 7.30am. Flying display starts at 10.00am
• Tickets: Advance sales £34.95 - £39.95; UUnder 16s FREE accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets are available on the gates.
  Ticket Line: 0800 107 1040 or on-line
• Where: Fairford, Glos.

Explore Gloucestershire
15 June 2009

• Also see : RIAT 2009

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