Royal International Air Tattoo pays tribute to volunteers

This National Volunteers’ Week the Royal International Air Tattoo are acknowledging the people who work behind the scenes at the awe-inspiring home of flight.

For the first week of June organisations pay tribute and encourage people to volunteer as part of the national awareness week.

Every year, the Royal International Air Tattoo brings around 200,000 people to RAF Fairford, and organisers rely on a team of volunteers to help them plan, deliver and manage the event.

Their volunteers prepare the airfield, turning it into an extensive showground, welcome visitors, aircraft, and the people who bring the technology on display to life. Their 1,250 strong team are an essential part of the tattoo.

People and Sustainability Director at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Kate McKinley said: “This week is National Volunteering Week and we thought there is no better time to recognise and appreciate the work our amazing volunteers do.

“We are fortunate to have such a large, loyal, and helpful group of people who help us every year and without them, RIAT would not be possible.

Opportunities to volunteer at the show arise every year and they encourage those living locally to get involved.

One volunteer, Lisa Coghlan, has been helping at the show for six years after first signing up in 2017 and says it has been a positive experience for her.

She said: “I volunteered after speaking with a friend who did it and found it really rewarding, so I thought I’d give it a try.

“I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing the show throughout the whole weekend.  I have so many incredible memories with lots of laughter and made some lifelong friends.

“If you’re someone who is thinking about volunteering, you won’t be disappointed. There are so many different roles, there really is something for everyone. 

“Now my friends come along too, we enjoy the teamwork approach throughout our shifts and the relaxing time visiting the exhibitions and fantastic aircraft.”

With less than 100 tickets for Saturday 15^th July remaining, the event is expecting to sell out by the end of this week. However, tickets for Friday 14^th and Sunday 16^th are still available via www.airtattoo.com.