Air Show 2022

On Sunday 12 June, RAF Cosford held its annual air show. It was the first time it had been held since 2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the globe.

The decision to go ahead was announced later than usual which meant that many planning timelines were constricted. Despite this, tickets sold out quickly with over 51,000 people attending an air show that was much-missed and much-anticipated.

The main themes of the air show were Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the 80^th Anniversary of the Formation of the RAF Regiment and the 40^th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. As well as extensive displays from across the RAF, the RAF Museum also opened its doors and moved some aircraft from their hangars to contribute to what was on the airfield.

Additional activities included a Coronation Village and funfair, simulators, and inflatables for the children. The RAF Air Cadets also brought an extensive collection of simulators with them which proved to be extremely popular with everyone.

In the air we were lucky to have the RAF Falcons open the show, and see the RAF Typhoon, Chinook and Tutor displays as well as the Red Arrows who once again captured everyone with their brilliant display. Unfortunately, at the last minute, due to a technical issue, the Lancaster was unable to display but a Spitfire and Hurricane performed brilliantly. The Typhoon and Spitfire also performed a brand-new synchro arrival which proved to be a big hit. For the first time ever at the Shropshire base, an RAF F35 Lightning performed a couple of flypasts and an extremely noisy hover which brought the show to a thrilling climax. Among our foreign guests were the Belgian F16 and French Rafale, which both delivered thrilling routines.

RAF Cosford is the home of RAF engineering, and we are passionate about promoting the range of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths – STEM. The STEM Hangar was full of interactive activities for all the family, The RAF hangars gave visitors a taste of life in the RAF with sports challenges, STEM exhibits and opportunities to meet people from across the Service.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is the only remaining RAF-organised air show. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the RAF, as well as an exciting summer day out for the whole family.