Cosford Airshow 2022

Forum for information about the annual show at RAF Cosford
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Cole
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Cole »

JonG96 wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 2:01 pm
Surprised there’s not been a Jubilee update though tbh.
I hope the update is a new PR team, because crikey we need one.
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borismorris
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by borismorris »

Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.

JonG96
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by JonG96 »

borismorris wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 5:42 pm
Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.
I think it's mainly people questioning how it'll be a six-hour show which is claimed on the site with the current confirmed items.
I'm sure everyone is glad to finally be able to attend air shows again after the last few years.

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jasonT1981
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by jasonT1981 »

The sad thing about no jubilee update..they didn't even post anything today, not even a congratulations. For a show with a jubilee theme, you would think they would have at least posted something today.

Poor form, especially since they retweeted a photo of a Chipmunk today.

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Jonnym
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Jonnym »

borismorris wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 5:42 pm
Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.
This argument of 'in the old days we didn't know what was going to be there, so you don't know how lucky you are' is thin. Times have changed - airshows (RIAT especially) know that the key to selling tickets is social media so, like it or not, that's the arena we live in.

Tickets aren't cheap and by the time you add travel, food etc in a time when living costs are rocketing, you do look for value. At the moment, it's a very thin day and when perfectly plausible flying acts seemingly aren't even worthy of a response, I think people CAN say they're underwhelmed.

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Cole
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Cole »

borismorris wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 5:42 pm
Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.
The war has nothing to do with civvy teams... Which is what we are missing now imo, We have 2 foriegn fast jet displays.. im happy in that regard but, Ignoring teams almost asking to display at the show(Strikemaster team) is dreadful. how can you organise a show thats struggling for acts and ignore someone offering it ??? It feels like the current team are trying to kill the show off atm. you advertise a 6 hour show you'd better make sure you deliver it !
I really would love to organise the next show, i know i could do a better job. it seems like the guys running it now are the "Events planners" rather than airshow planners..loads of experience in concerts and county faires but clueless when it comes to specialist events. much like the RAF Museum are degree graduates in museums but have no clue on the subject matter of the museum they are running!
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UKAirshowTour
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by UKAirshowTour »

I don’t understand how much time do people really think it takes to post a picture on social media and say “this is booked to fly” if there is nothing to announce with a week to go that’s worrying

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CJS
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by CJS »

Cole wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 9:58 pm
borismorris wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 5:42 pm
Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.
The war has nothing to do with civvy teams... Which is what we are missing now imo, We have 2 foriegn fast jet displays.. im happy in that regard but, Ignoring teams almost asking to display at the show(Strikemaster team) is dreadful. how can you organise a show thats struggling for acts and ignore someone offering it ??? It feels like the current team are trying to kill the show off atm. you advertise a 6 hour show you'd better make sure you deliver it !
I really would love to organise the next show, i know i could do a better job. it seems like the guys running it now are the "Events planners" rather than airshow planners..loads of experience in concerts and county faires but clueless when it comes to specialist events. much like the RAF Museum are degree graduates in museums but have no clue on the subject matter of the museum they are running!
There's some mighty bold claims in there!
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Tommy
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Tommy »

People are, in my view, right to make negative comments. We’ve paid (a not insignificant amount) for a service. We’ve all entered a contract with the show organisers.

Furthermore, one would hope organisers are mature enough to take the criticism as what it is - not “sniping”, but genuine feedback. I’ve not been the staunchest critic in this thread, but I think I speak for all to say that we criticise because we care about the show. We naturally want it to do well. If we don’t pick up on the errors, how will they not be learned and avoided in the future?

Companies pay millions for market research that airshow organisers get for free on social media and forums.

The best airshows in the U.K. have often been the ones who, on having a rough year for whatever reason, swallow their pride, look at the criticism objectively, and then incorporate it into the next show. Hell, in 2019 we absolutely panned RIAT’s pre-show build up. They’ve made some really decent improvements for this year, and it has worked!

If everything was “oh this is lovely, how amazing!” When it isn’t, then a show wouldn’t improve.

I’d hope that the organisers are taking these negative comments (that are pretty universal across all platforms, not just here), and using them to show the RAF that, as lovely as it was to decide to put on a show this year, making that decision in January/February has left too much to do in not enough time by too few people.

Criticism isn’t because we hate the show or anything - it’s because we all care and want the show to do well.

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Mooshie1956
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Mooshie1956 »

I'm just going to throw this out there, but has anyone stopped to think that perhaps Cosford is a bit strapped for cash this year. I think they've kept ticket prices at 2019 level but with everything going up operators will want 2022 prices for there acts. You only need to look at how Shuttleworth have hiked there prices.
They just might not have enough money in the kitty to book the likes of the strikemaster pair.
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Tommy
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Tommy »

Fair point, but they were still charging for tickets and sold out this year. I don’t know the proportion of rolled over tickets to fresh ones in that sellout. And they also would have the reserves to run the show from the 2019 pot, which is allocated out before the remainder is donated to charity (I daresay a chunk of this was lost through the pandemic, inevitably).

RIAT are smashing it and have also managed to do so in a year with rolled-over tickets (and asked FRIATers to pay a bit extra).

And even if that was the case - then the show ought to have managed expectations from the outset and said “hey, look, we’re going to put on a show this year - but don’t expect it to be completely “as normal”, because we’re dealing with the fallout from the pandemic, and money is low because half the audience is on a ticket rolled over from 2020”, but they didn’t - they’ve advertised this six hour flying display.

Re the Strikey pair - it’s not so much that they weren’t booked, but that the show, allegedly, didn’t even respond to the Strikemaster pair’s offer/inquiry. That’s the clincher.

I feel for the organisers, I do, and I’m quite sure that a good show will be had all round next weekend. I’m looking forward to it, but this year is a massive lesson in managing expectations, and the necessity with good outward communications.

TYPHOON3
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by TYPHOON3 »

There clearly isn't 6 hours worth of flying confirmed as it stands .It's surely not likely to be now with just over a week to go. There's going to be loads of gaps in between displays and the show is going to be slated.

stealth117
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by stealth117 »

I can't go this year as i am away on holiday but thought earlier in the year when they announced the fast jets they have that it could have been a really good year and i was going to miss out. I have since changed my mind and it looks like the only way they will fill the time is to have huge gaps between each display. I dont know if its just me thinking it or not, but it feels like this years show could be a way of the RAF not putting on any airshows in future as they cant be bothered or just dont want them?

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Tommy
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Tommy »

Probably a bit too conspiratorial.

RAF Cosford is, hands down, one of the most open and public-friendly bases in the RAF not just for their airshow and model show, but also events throughout the year. They’re really good.

This is likely all down to the decision made to go ahead was made very late.

Conversely, they’ve sold out. If they can put on a decent show (with areas of obvious feedback to work on), then that demonstrates to the RAF that the demand and potential is there, and it continues to fulfil one of the RAF’a core objectives of recruitment and STEM teaching. Plus charitable contributions.

For all of the criticisms of Cosford this year, fair play to them, at least they’d re putting on a show. That’s more than can be said for Yeovilton. And to sell out, too, is a pretty decent win.

Luke28
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Luke28 »

Cole wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 9:58 pm
borismorris wrote:
Thu 02 Jun 2022, 5:42 pm
Rarely post these days.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion so here’s mine.
The almost constant whinging about a lack of updates and shortage of information is really shameful.
Firstly, trying to arrange an airshow with such little time was always going to be a huge challenge. Very few seem to be acknowledging this.
Secondly, there’s a war on you know- its bound to impact on nations being able to commit items.
Thirdly, communication only comes when something needs to be said- perhaps no update because there’s nothing to update?
I bet the organisers are still working on securing items. Yes we will find out last minute- just like it was pre internet.

After everything we have all been through it would be nice to see a little more gratitude for what we have. Not the constant petulant sniping of how hard done by you are.
I really would love to organise the next show, i know i could do a better job.
https://www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/job-opportunities/

Keep your eyes open here for an opportunity, I look forward to seeing what you can do with next years show.

westhamfan84
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by westhamfan84 »

So let me make one thing clear from the start I am not moaning I am just happy we have an airshow season again. However yesterday I attended the midlands air festival and they have way more announced than cosford currently do however to make a 6 hour display there was still loads of gaps I am talking at least 10 minutes between every item often longer. I for one hope cosford don't go the long gap route just be honest with people if there is nothing or at least not much more in the pipeline let people know make anouncement that due to the times we are in we have had to cut the show to 4 hours or what ever it would be. This will stop all the speculation yes people will be disappointed but at least they will know on arrival what they turning up to. I for one will be there what ever and as stated at the start just happy to see planes flying again.
Planned Shows for 2022 - Midlands air festival, Cosford, Weston, Southport, Riat, Blackpool, Bournemouth

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Tommy
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Tommy »

westhamfan84 wrote:
Sat 04 Jun 2022, 5:50 am
I for one hope cosford don't go the long gap route just be honest with people if there is nothing or at least not much more in the pipeline let people know make anouncement that due to the times we are in we have had to cut the show to 4 hours or what ever it would be.
Nail on the head.

If things are as they are, then the show will get a hell of a lot less flak through openness and honesty, than it will pretending it’s a business as usual show (unless, of course, there are a bunch of flying displays they’ve elected not to announce yet).

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jasonT1981
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by jasonT1981 »

Vintage pair Chipmunks self confirmed for next Sunday. For the flying display.


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G Morgan
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by G Morgan »

Sorry to ask this again, but I didn’t get any response last time (maybe because this is frowned upon - apologies if this is the case). I’m hoping to drive up to Cosford next Sunday, but didn’t manage to purchase a ticket before they sold out, so I was wondering if there are any park & view areas (as there are at RIAT) and what sort of times the flying display will start & finish roughly..

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Tommy
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Tommy »

The short answer is probably “no”. There used to be some sites live side, such as the cricket club, but I think they’re pretty hot on all of that post-Shoreham, and I’ve no idea if those still operate or not.

Cosford itself is pretty gridlocked and difficult to navigate on show days, and all the usual parking areas are restricted or being used as part of the show.

I’ve never done any park and view, so I’m not the best person to ask, but if it were me, I’d consider parking a train-stop down the line (either direction - Shifnal or Codsall), hopping on the train, and staying on the train platform all day.

It won’t be ideal, and I’ve no idea if they police it or not, but could be worth a punt.

Flying display from memory is usually about 10/11 until 5/6, but god knows what it’ll be with the current participation list.

Failing all of that, on the assumption some fast jets may be based at Shawbury, head there for the day. You’re not likely to see anywhere near as much, but it’ll be something at least.

purple_95
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by purple_95 »

jasonT1981 wrote:
Sat 04 Jun 2022, 12:43 pm
Vintage pair Chipmunks self confirmed for next Sunday. For the flying display.

Nothing on the official Cosford pages about this, makes one wonder if a full six hour display is going ahead and its just a lack of comms on Cosfords part, or even overthinking it but could it be a bit like one of the Kemble shows a few years ago when most items were asked not to self confirm in order to keep a certain amount of the flying display a surprise for the show day.

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Cole
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by Cole »

purple_95 wrote:
Sat 04 Jun 2022, 8:40 pm
jasonT1981 wrote:
Sat 04 Jun 2022, 12:43 pm
Vintage pair Chipmunks self confirmed for next Sunday. For the flying display.

Nothing on the official Cosford pages about this, makes one wonder if a full six hour display is going ahead and its just a lack of comms on Cosfords part, or even overthinking it but could it be a bit like one of the Kemble shows a few years ago when most items were asked not to self confirm in order to keep a certain amount of the flying display a surprise for the show day.
If they were doing that then surely they would reassure people
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UKAirshowTour
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by UKAirshowTour »

Always enjoy seeing the vintage pair so that’s made me happier about the show

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jasonT1981
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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by jasonT1981 »

I've seen them on static, but never flying so its new for me, which is good :)

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Re: Cosford Airshow 2022

Post by benji1867 »

G Morgan wrote:
Sat 04 Jun 2022, 6:51 pm
Sorry to ask this again, but I didn’t get any response last time (maybe because this is frowned upon - apologies if this is the case). I’m hoping to drive up to Cosford next Sunday, but didn’t manage to purchase a ticket before they sold out, so I was wondering if there are any park & view areas (as there are at RIAT) and what sort of times the flying display will start & finish roughly..
Albrighton Bowls and football club have their Summer Fair same day as the show. Good vantage point to shoot from. Hope that helps

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