Around 60,000 expected at today's RAF Cosford Air Show
Around 60,000 visitors are expected to attend today's ticket only RAF Cosford Air Show.
Around 60,000 visitors are expected to attend today's ticket only RAF Cosford Air Show.
Three themes will be encompassed in the air and on the ground during the event, Speed, Training and the 75th Anniversary of the Air Cadet Organisation.
The ever-popular RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will be headlining the flying display with their world-famous display of graceful formations and thrilling manoeuvres.
Other star performers returning to the show include the Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Army Air Corps Historic Flight with their Sioux & Scout helicopters flying together and two Nanchang CJ-6 training aircraft which will also perform a pairs display.
The Air Show team have also announced a number of exciting last minute additions to the flying programme, including the rare appearance of a United States Air Force strategic bomber, the Boeing B-52H, which will be performing a number of flypasts. Other aircraft recently confirmed also include a RAF Puma HC2 helicopter and RAF C-130J Hercules which will both be appearing at the show.
On the ground, visitors will be able to explore an interesting variety of static aircraft, including Griffin & Squirrel helicopters. The aircraft which are flown from nearby RAF Shawbury are both used for flying training, which is a key theme for this year’s event.
Visitors to this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show will also have the opportunity to be transported back in time to the 1950s in the University of Wolverhampton Vintage Village. Following the huge success of last year’s Victory Village, this year’s Village will complement one of the main show themes of speed to showcase life in Britain during the formative years of jet engine design.
Despite this week’s wet weather, organisers are confident that the rain won’t cause them any issues. Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said; “The airfield has great drainage and the ground is still firm despite this week’s heavy rain. As a precaution we’ve got extra trackway coming into the car parks and around the showground this year, so our visitors shouldn’t face any problems. The weather forecast for the weekend is very good so we expecting to match last year’s sell-out crowds.”
Carol Vorderman, who will again be flying in to visit the show, said “This is a great day out for all of the family!”
Voice of X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent Peter Dickson will be commentating at this year's show.
Travelling to the Show
Last year was the first year the event was ticket only and this will be the case again for this year's show to ease traffic congestion. This year, the A464 in the vicinity of the airfield has been made a 'clearway' meaning vehicles will be unable to stop or park. Additionally, Bowling Green Lane and Kennel Lane will be closed and those travelling to the show are reminded to find an alternative route.
Chief Inspector Tom Harding said: "We are expecting the show to be a fun day out for the family and we will be on standby to support the event organisers should any issues occur. If you are heading to the show please leave with plenty of time, the number of people and vehicles travelling to the airfield will undoubtedly cause some disruption but we hope this will be kept to a minimum."
For live traffic and travel updates as you're heading to the air show tune in to Radio Cosford on 87.9FM.
