Tens of thousands gathered at RAF Cosford on Sunday for a dazzling display of aviation might, heritage, and precision flying, as the West Midlands’ skies hosted the only official Royal Air Force air show of its kind.
Now a landmark event in the British aviation calendar, the RAF Cosford Air Show returned with high anticipation, drawing an estimated 50,000 spectators. The show combined adrenaline-fuelled flight demonstrations with grounded military exhibitions, blending entertainment and education for all ages.
Headlining the programme were the world-famous Red Arrows, thrilling the audience with their trademark aerobatic formations and trails of red, white, and blue. They were joined by international display teams from Ireland, Poland and the Netherlands, reinforcing the show’s reputation as a global gathering for air enthusiasts and military partners alike.
Among the most anticipated performances was a choreographed dogfight reenactment by the Great War Display Team, using replica aircraft from Britain, France, and Germany to recreate World War One air battles. The spectacle not only entertained but also honoured the deep legacy of air combat and its evolution over the last century.
Organisers ensured there was something for every interest. Helicopter displays from the RAF Chinook and Apache units brought the roar of rotary power to the crowd, while the Royal Navy’s Black Cats display team offered a sleek and synchronised performance. Making history at Cosford was Mélanie Astles, the first female pilot to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, who delivered an electrifying solo display.
Squadron Leader Dave Kerrison, a key organiser, emphasised that beyond the aerial spectacles, the event was about showcasing the full scope of the Air Force’s roles – not only its military capabilities, but also its contributions to humanitarian aid and global peacekeeping. “It’s a fun-packed day,” he told reporters, “but it’s also a chance to reflect on the breadth of what we do.”
The event, first launched in 1978, has become a staple of the local calendar, with each edition offering new reasons to return. This year was no different. The chairman of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight, André Steur, spoke of the strong ties with the RAF, noting it was “an honour” to participate.
However, some logistical challenges arose. West Midlands Railway warned of reduced train services due to a late-notice staffing shortage. Queuing systems were introduced at Cosford and Wolverhampton stations to manage the large return crowds.
Despite the minor transport setbacks, the event was a soaring success, cementing RAF Cosford’s place as a vital cultural and military institution in Shropshire. The show once again demonstrated the enduring public fascination with flight and the powerful symbolism of the RAF’s presence in the region.
With sunshine, spectacle, and a strong message of service and cooperation, the 2025 edition of the Cosford Air Show proved to be both a thrilling day out and a powerful tribute to the past, present and future of military aviation.
