On a spectacular weekend that thrilled aviation enthusiasts across the UK, the iconic Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows dazzled crowds with their precision flying and vibrant displays, marking their participation in the much-anticipated RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
The journey of the Red Arrows, a world-famous aerobatic team renowned for their breathtaking formations and intricate flying maneuvers, began earlier in the week and took them across a broad swath of the country, from the scenic Lake District to the bustling skies over Liverpool and the Midlands.
On Friday, June 6, the squadron of ten red-painted BAE Systems Hawk T1A jets soared gracefully over Cumbria and the Lake District, delighting locals as they flew close to landmarks such as Ulverston, Windermere, and Bassenthwaite Lake. This transit from RAF Valley in Wales to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland was captured beautifully by photographer Jonny Gios near Dunmail Raise, showcasing the jets’ choreographed dips and dives against the backdrop of rolling hills and shimmering lakes.
The following day, Saturday, June 7, saw the Red Arrows departing RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, in the afternoon. Their route took them southwards, flying over Braemar and the Preston RAF Town Show before making a notable stop at Liverpool John Lennon Airport around 5:30 pm. The arrival in Liverpool was met with excitement as hundreds of spectators gathered around the airfield and on elevated mounds, eager to witness the world-renowned team up close. ECHO photographer Colin Lane captured stunning images of the jets as they landed, and many locals took the opportunity to celebrate the team’s presence.
Earlier on that day, the Red Arrows were also spotted over Ayrshire, Scotland, during their transit from RAF Lossiemouth to Liverpool. The planes were visible flying over Fairlie towards the Isle of Arran, turning sharply east to Girvan before continuing south towards the England border. Although slightly delayed in their departure from RAF Lossiemouth, the jets were captured soaring above Troon by photographer Colin McMillan, further adding to the weekend’s aerial spectacle.
Sunday, June 8, was the day of the much-anticipated RAF Cosford Air Show in Shropshire, an event expected to draw over 50,000 visitors. The Red Arrows took off from Liverpool at precisely 2:59 pm, embarking on a carefully mapped flight path that gave many across the Midlands and northwest England a chance to witness their impressive airborne displays. Their route included flyovers northeast of Chester, Malpas, and Nantwich, where residents were treated to a thrilling sight as the jets passed in two striking formations—five leading and four following closely behind—demonstrating their signature precision flying often with mere meters separating the aircraft at high speeds.
Locals in Nantwich were particularly fortunate to see the team at 3:04 pm as the jets carved the sky with their iconic red, white, and blue smoke trails. The Red Arrows’ presence was also noted over North Staffordshire later that afternoon, with the team flying over Woore, Blackbrook, Sandon, Penkridge, the Shugborough Estate, Hixon, and Denstone on their return journey to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, their home base.
The RAF Cosford Air Show itself was a celebration of aviation heritage and innovation, featuring not only the Red Arrows’ aerobatic performances but also a lineup of iconic aircraft including the American P51 Mustang, the RAF Chinook helicopter, and the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning fighter jet. The event also showcased the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring legendary planes such as the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane, and the C-47 Dakota. The show’s theme, “Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate,” honored the RAF’s rich history, its current achievements, and its forward-looking vision.
Marilyn Summers, chief commercial officer for the RAF Cosford Air Show, highlighted the organizers’ commitment to making the event accessible, stating, “We understand that special days out can feel a lot more expensive these days. By keeping ticket prices the same as last year, we wanted to ensure families can still enjoy an exciting and affordable day at the Cosford Air Show.”
Formed in 1964, the Red Arrows are more than just a display team; they are global ambassadors for the UK and exemplars of RAF excellence. Each pilot is handpicked from the elite ranks of RAF fast-jet pilots, undertaking a three-year tour with the team. Their performances are renowned for incredible precision, with maneuvers like vertical breaks, rolls, loops, and opposition passes, often executed with just 2–3 meters separating jets flying at high speed. The smoke generators trailing red, white, and blue vapors add a patriotic flair that has become synonymous with the team’s identity.
Based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, the Red Arrows continue to showcase the speed, agility, and teamwork that define the Royal Air Force. Their participation in the RAF Cosford Air Show—the RAF’s only officially sponsored air display—is a highlight of the aviation calendar and a source of national pride.
As the Red Arrows completed their display and headed back to RAF Waddington, the echoes of their engines and the memory of their spectacular formations lingered in the skies and hearts of thousands. The weekend’s events underscored not only the team’s remarkable skill and dedication but also the enduring fascination and admiration they inspire across the UK and beyond.
