About the Air Tattoo

In 1971, the first Air Tattoo took place at North Weald Airfield in Essex with 100 aircraft participating.

In 1976, the event became known as the International Air Tattoo.

Between 1975 and 1983 the Air Tattoo was held at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire.

From 1985, the International Air Tattoo has been held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire every 2 years until 1993 when it became an annual event.

In 1996, the event was recognised for its achievements by HM The Queen and became known as the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The 2000 and 2001, Royal International Air Tattoo took place at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland due to RAF Fairford being unavailable (See About RAF Fairford).

Over the years the Royal International Air Tattoo has made some notable air show firsts;

      ◊   In 1997, when the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber was displayed for the first time outside the United States,

      ◊   In 2003, was entered into the Guiness Book of Records as the world's largest military air show with 535 airplanes in
            attendance,

      ◊   In 2008, the F-22 Raptor landed at RAF Fairford to mark its first appearance in Europe.

But sadly the 2008, the Royal International Air Tattoo has to be cancelled due to waterlogged car parks caused by heavy rainfall during the week prior to the air show weekend.

In 2010, the F-22 Raptor returned to the Royal International Air Tattoo and performed a flying display.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is regarded as the world's largest military air show and is usually held in the month of July, in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and each year attracts between 150,000 and 200,000 spectators.