Midlands Air Festival 2024 (31 May - 2 June)

[Gt5500]

Sounds incredible, gutted I can't make it to this one.

[Albion143]

Does anyone know the showground opening times at all please? I can’t seem to find any of that helpful information on the website, unless I’ve got something in my eyes!!

[UKAirshowTour]

It’s normally really crazily early as in previous years they have had balloon tethering early in the day. Personally I wouldn’t recommend going really early the flying display is excellent but the ground attractions are few and far between and the phone signal is dreadful so it’s hard to keep occupied until the flying

[Mike]

…the phone signal is dreadful so it’s hard to keep occupied until the flying

Jeez

[capercaillie]

…the phone signal is dreadful so it’s hard to keep occupied until the flying

Jeez

The youth of today, huh, honestly.......

[UKAirshowTour]

Didn’t realise using phone signal to upload and edit videos whilst I wait for the display would get such a judgmental response but good to know. Besides it’s useful information because if a group of people are going together just be aware communicating could be tough unless you plan beforehand

[5944]

Didn’t realise using phone signal to upload and edit videos whilst I wait for the display would get such a judgmental response but good to know. Besides it’s useful information because if a group of people are going together just be aware communicating could be tough unless you plan beforehand

The lack of phone signal also means some of the traders and vendors are cash only - card machines don't work!

[capercaillie]

Didn’t realise using phone signal to upload and edit videos whilst I wait for the display

Is that just of the balloon tethering as there is nothing else to see until the show starts or of the more industrious members of the audience crocheting, filling in crosswords and playing lawn bowls?

[UKAirshowTour]

No I upload videos on to YouTube of most shows I attend and use time between shows and when I’m out and about waiting to do some editing and things. I don’t even care what other people do with their time and what they enjoy but to just straight up judge someone for saying the ground side of the show isn’t the biggest and when people are attending with kids and stuff that it’s a good idea to bring plenty of things or if you’re like me and attend a lot of shows on your own so interaction just isn’t as forthcoming

[capercaillie]

I don’t even care what other people do with their time and what they enjoy but to just straight up judge someone for saying the ground side of the show isn’t the biggest and when people are attending with kids and stuff that it’s a good idea to bring plenty of things or if you’re like me and attend a lot of shows on your own so interaction just isn’t as forthcoming

I do apologise for angering you but you didn't actually say any of that in your post. My light hearted flippancy initially replying to Mike seems to have triggered an over dramatic response.

[purple_95]

It’s normally really crazily early as in previous years they have had balloon tethering early in the day. Personally I wouldn’t recommend going really early the flying display is excellent but the ground attractions are few and far between and the phone signal is dreadful so it’s hard to keep occupied until the flying

Of course everyone is entitled to do as they see fit, but I would strongly advise arriving early and enjoying the balloons and special shapes. Once that part of the event winds down you then have a few arrivals and the radio controlled planes before the main air show section gets underway, not to mention the chance to take in the venue and have a look at the smaller aircraft that operate from the venue and the trade stalls.. The lack of phone signal I really could not care less about, its a great event and I for one would much rather soak it all up instead of sitting looking at a screen.

[Comet102]

Does anyone know the showground opening times at all please? I can’t seem to find any of that helpful information on the website, unless I’ve got something in my eyes!!

Timings are here https://www.midlandsairfestival.com/whats-on.html

[purple_95]

Someone asked on Facebook if the line up on Sunday is final, the organiser said "A last minute unexpected change is coming shortly", I hope the Draken has not had to withdraw but if it has then so be it, its still going to be a great couple of days.

[Seahornet]

Someone asked on Facebook if the line up on Sunday is final, the organiser said "A last minute unexpected change is coming shortly", I hope the Draken has not had to withdraw but if it has then so be it, its still going to be a great couple of days.

That sounds like a rather pessimistic guess!

[Roger_Over]

The J35 is still listed on the SwAFHF website for MAF, but if they had to pull it hopefully they would substitute one of their other jets, which are all good. Rather than jump to conclusions though I'd keep fingers crossed for the single seat Draken as listed

[8674planes]

Folland Gnat G-MOUR replacing the Vampire T.11

[Roger_Over]

Fair swap, haven’t seen the yellow peril for ages!

[Professor_M]

Fair swap, haven’t seen the yellow peril for ages!

By my reckoning, the last public display by the Gnat Display team was G-RORI at the show in 2019, with a G-RORI and G-MOUR appearing as a pair at Duxford in 2018 - so certainly a rare appearance.

[MiG_Eater]

That's actually a pretty big improvement! Haven't seen a gnat display for years!

[purple_95]

Someone asked on Facebook if the line up on Sunday is final, the organiser said "A last minute unexpected change is coming shortly", I hope the Draken has not had to withdraw but if it has then so be it, its still going to be a great couple of days.

That sounds like a rather pessimistic guess!

Yeah it might have come across as pessimistic but it was not my intention, I have a personal connection with the Draken due to my late Grandad working on them, (he worked for SAAB back in the day) it will mean a lot to me to see one again. I could not go on the Sunday last year as I had a prior commitment, the Gnat will be a great replacement for the Vampire and lets wish the guys who own and look after the Vampire all the best in getting its engine issues resolved.

[Shaun A.T Henry]

Hi all,

With Midlands Air Festival right around the corner would anyone have an idea as to where the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight are going to base the Draken? Understand last year they intended to have it based at Norwich but had to operate out of Teesside in the end. Cambridge seems fairly logical to me...

Thanks,
Shaun.

[Professor_M]

Hi all,

With Midlands Air Festival right around the corner would anyone have an idea as to where the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight are going to base the Draken? Understand last year they intended to have it based at Norwich but had to operate out of Teesside in the end. Cambridge seems fairly logical to me...

Thanks,
Shaun.

Cambridge would be very unlikely - they've been closed to visitors at weekends for a couple of years now.

I don't know any more than that though, unfortunately.

[binbrook87]

I thought Teeside was a bit of an odd choice last time. Wouldn't somewhere like East Midlands airport be more logical / closer?

[patrouille2001]

Hi Everyone
Does anyone know the Frequency for next week. Also do the Red Bulls have their own frequency ?. Cheers

[verreli]

Typhoon is an afternoon display now. No carrots.