RIAT announces theme for 2025 event

The event in the Cotswolds attracts aircraft enthusiasts from far and wide

The theme of Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 has been announced as the event prepares to mark its 40th year in Gloucestershire.

"Eyes in the Skies" will be on show at RAF Fairford, from 18-20 July in the form of specialised aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying, and reconnaissance.

RIAT organisers say the event will also celebrate the history of the past four decades of the show in the county.

The event hosted 248 aircraft from nearly 30 countries in July 2024.

More than 20,000 tickets have already been sold for RIAT 2025 ahead of the line-up being unveiled, organisers said, with 168,000 people attending earlier this year.

Paul Atherton, chief executive officer at RIAT's parent charity, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said planning for next year is "well underway".

"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," he said.

"We look forward to sharing our plans in the coming months."

RIAT25, which attracts aircraft from across the world, was founded at at North Weald, Essex, and was also held at Greenham Common in Berkshire.

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

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

The 2024 event raised £2.6m for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.