RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire hosts the major RAF Airshow, which is very popular, and usually held in June. The display includes many modern RAF aircraft, foreign aircraft, and display teams.
RAF Waddington is a fully operational unit of No 3 Group within RAF Strike Command and is home to the RAF's airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft. 3 resident squadrons, No 8, No 23 and No 51 operate the Boeing E-3D Sentry and Nimrod R1 aircraft in these roles. The E-3D aircraft of Nos 8 and 23 Squadrons also constitute the UK Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force. The newly re-formed 5(AC) Sqn, expected to receive its Sentinel R1 aircraft soon, will operate in the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) role.
Click here to visit the official Waddington Airshow website.
Waddington in Lincolnshire, the county that is considered by many to be the traditional heartland and spiritual home of the Royal Air Force, has been host since 1995 to the RAF's biggest air show. It has a well-earned reputation for appealing to enthusiasts and families alike, and is considered one of the UK's top military air shows.
Provisional Participating aircraft at RAF Waddington 2008:
The Blades (F)
The Falling Rocks Parachute Display Team
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress (F)
Click here for participation list on official RAF Waddington International Air show website.
Air Show Tickets for 2008
In advance
On the Day
Adult
£16
£20
Child (5 - 15)
£7
£10
Under 5
Free
Free
Booking Information and further ticket details are available on the official Waddington Airshow website at www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk
Schedule
0800
Gates Open
All ground attractions open
Helicopter Pleasure Flying Begins
0900
Bands begin playing in No3 Hangar
0915 (Sunday)
Ecumenical Church Service in No3 Hangar
1030
Flying Display Begins
1630
Flying Display Ends
Ground attractions remain open
Pleasure Flying continues until 1800
1830
Gates Close
From Monday 23rd June 2008 tune into the Air Show Radio on TBN MHz. "Air Show FM" broadcasts 24 hours a day within a radius of 15 miles from the base. "Airshow FM" - 103.6
Most car parking will be on the airfield, although off-base contingency car parks have been earmarked for use if airfield car parks become full, or the police decide it is necessary to alleviate traffic congestion in the vicinity of Waddington. All parking is free. A free park-and-ride service will operate from off-base contingency car parks if activated. Motorcycles will be parked on the airfield on hardstanding.
A free bus shuttle service will operate from the south end of the airfield using a fleet of exciting vintage buses from the 1940s.
Please note that the lighting of barbecues anywhere at the Air Show is strictly forbidden.
A free bus shuttle service will operate from the south end of the airfield using a fleet of exciting vintage buses from the 1940s.
Further details such as accomodation, disabled facilities, travel, enclosures, booking etc are available on the official website at www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk
A special "Aircraft Viewing Area" is opened on the airfield to allow the public to watch the arrival and departure of visiting aircraft, and indeed some of the practice displays. The area will be open to the public on the Thursday and Friday before the Air Show, and on the Monday immediately after the show. A mobile food outlet and toilets are provided.
To find the public entrance, which is on the A15, just follow the special road signs to the "Aircraft Viewing Area".
Charges (2008) (Tickets at the gate. Not available in advance. No pedestrian re-admission)
Cars: £7
Motorcycles: £3
Pedestrians: £3
Please note: The all-year-round Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure (WAVE), on the A15 opposite the airfield, is closed to the public from Thursday before the show, until Tuesday after the show in order to avoid traffic congestion on the main A15. Parking is not permitted under any circumstances on the A15 or its verges in accordance with Temporary Traffic Restrictions imposed by the Lincolnshire Highways Authority.
RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire hosts the major RAF Airshow, which is very popular, and usually held in June. The display includes many modern RAF aircraft, foreign aircraft, and display teams.){kind=link}