Royal International Air Tattoo to explore ‘Eyes in the Skies’ next summer

By Barrie Hudson - 18 October 2024

AttractionsFamily

Next Summer's Royal International Air Tattoo is set to highlight specialised aircraft.

The crowds will see machines used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance at next year’s show, with a theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ having just been announced.  

Despite there still being over 250 days until next summer’s event, more than 20,000 tickets have been sold as people secure their spot at RAF Fairford ahead of any participating aircraft being revealed with organisers also stating aircraft announcements are set to begin early next year. 

By welcoming 248 aircraft from almost 30 different countries, a sell-out crowd of 168,000 visitors and making a record donation of £2.6m to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, this year’s instalment was the most successful in the show’s history. 

Paul Atherton, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “This year’s show was a huge success and we are thrilled to see people are already booking tickets for next year. 

“Planning is well underway and announcing our theme marks the start of the event cycle for RIAT25. 

“Our event provides a special opportunity for people to see and interact with aircraft of all shapes and sizes. 

“Next year’s theme means visitors should be able to get up close and personal with specialist aircraft that usually operate out of sight given the nature of their missions. 

“We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months.” 

RIAT25 is set to take place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July, with 2025 also marking 40 years since the world-renowned show made its way to RAF Fairford after being established at North Weald and then taking place at Greenham Common. 

In recognition of this, the event also plans to celebrate its history with a presence on the showground looking back at four decades in Gloucestershire. 

“RAF Fairford has been our home for the past four decades and in that time, we have seen some incredible aircraft at RIAT,” added Mr Atherton. 

“Therefore, it is only right we celebrate it with local people and visitors who have made the event what it is today.”  

Tickets for RIAT25 are on sale via AirTattoo.com

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