Call for air show memories to mark 40th anniversary

The event, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, began in 1985

Visitors to a popular air show are being asked to help build a memory wall to mark its 40th anniversary.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust wants people to submit pictures and stories of moments they have enjoyed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) over the last four decades.

Thousands of people attend the annual event every year at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, where hundreds of aircraft are hosted from around the world.

Vicky Cheevers, head of marketing and communications at RIAT, said the wall would bring memories "to life".

RIAT is one of the biggest military air shows in the world, hosting the latest technology in aviation, with previous displays from the Red Arrows and Concorde, as well as celebrity appearances from the likes of Hollywood film star Tom Cruise and the royal family.

In October 2024 organisers said more than 20,000 tickets had already been sold for RIAT 2025 ahead of the line-up being revealed.

Aircraft from across the world are hosted at the event held at RAF Fairford

Miss Cheevers said: "It's going to really bring to life their favourite memories, aircraft, them as a child 40 years ago, them now.

"There's going to be a huge range of photos on there to really celebrate the 40 years here."

The public can submit pictures and memories to [e-mail]

George Bacon, a former pilot and a long serving RIAT volunteer, said the theme of this year's event is "eyes in the skies".

"That means you're going to get some really interesting aircraft you generally don't see.

"And if you see them you maybe don't know what they do. This year, you'll find out."

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

RIAT 2025 will take place between 18 - 20 July.