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3 Must-See UK Air Shows Happening This June.

Posted by Air Force Gift Shop on 1st Jun 2026

3 Must-See UK Air Shows Happening This June.

June is officially here, and the 2026 UK flying season is shifting into high gear. While May got the engines warming up, June is bringing the heavy metal and heritage icons to the forefront. From the legendary runways of Duxford to the high-energy displays at RAF Cosford, the skies are about to get a lot louder.

If you’ve been following our social channels, you’ve seen the teasers—now here is the deep dive into where you need to be this month.

1. Duxford Flying Day: 81st Anniversary of D-Day (6 June)

  • The Vibe: Emotional, historic, and deeply atmospheric. Held on the anniversary of the Normandy landings, this isn't just an airshow; it’s a tribute.

  • Key Displays: Expect a heavy presence of C-47 Dakotas and a "bevy" of Spitfires and Hurricanes taking off from the hallowed ground of this former RAF fighter station.

  • Why Go: Duxford is the home of aviation history. Standing on the flight line as a Merlin engine starts up on June 6th is a "goosebumps" moment that every enthusiast needs to experience at least once.

Want to look the part and show appreciation to those who showed great bravery in extremely difficult situations on that day, 81 years ago? There's no better way to do so than by shopping our D-Day range ahead of the important day.

2. RAF Cosford Air Show (14 June)

The Vibe: The big one. As the RAF’s only official remaining airshow, this is a high-octane, polished masterclass in aerial power.

  • The Heavy Hitters: The Red Arrows will be out in force, alongside the ear-splitting RAF Typhoon FGR4 and a huge array of international military participants.

  • Why Go: It’s famous for its diverse static park (where you can get up close to the planes) and the incredible "Combat Power" demos that show exactly what the modern RAF can do.

     

3. Shuttleworth Festival of Flight (27 – 28 June)

  • The Vibe: A weekend-long celebration of "stick and string" aviation at the beautiful Old Warden Aerodrome.

  • Key Displays: The world-famous Shuttleworth Collection will be flying its rarest gems. If the weather is calm, you might even see the "Edwardians"—aircraft that look like they’re made of window frames and hope—take to the air.

  • Why Go: It’s a garden party atmosphere. There are no barriers, just a low rope between you and some of the rarest flying aircraft in the world. It’s arguably the best spot for photographers in the entire country.

Pro-Tips for Your June Airshow Trip

  • Stay Hydrated: June can be a scorcher on the airfield. Most shows now have water refill stations—bring a reusable bottle and keep those fluids up.

  • Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: On an open airfield, there is zero shade. Even on a cloudy day, the "propeller burn" is real.

  • Arrive Early, Stay Late: For Cosford in particular, traffic can be heavy. Arrive at gates-open to snag a spot on the crowd line, and wait 30 minutes after the final display to let the car park rush subside.

  • Look the part: Represent the Royal Air Force and The Red Arrows with our wide range of Officially Licensed Merchandise, there's no better place to shop for Air Show Season!

Share the fun with us!

Which show are you heading to? Tag us in your photos from the flight line @airforcegiftshop on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok!