The skies over the Midlands and northwest England were alive with excitement on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as the legendary Red Arrows dazzled crowds with their iconic aerial display, marking a highlight of the RAF Cosford Air Show in Shropshire. Thousands gathered to witness the precision flying and daring maneuvers of the Royal Air Force’s famed aerobatic team, whose presence never fails to stir patriotic pride and awe.
Departing from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, on the previous day, June 7, the Red Arrows made a strategic stop at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport before commencing their official flypast route at 2:59 PM on June 8. Their journey through the British skies was meticulously planned, taking them over Ellesmere Port and northeast of Chester by 3:01 PM, before heading south to Cholmondeley. The squadron then veered northeast toward Nantwich, passing south of Blackbrook, Walford, Harper Adams University, and Lilleshall, ultimately arriving at RAF Cosford for the air show.
Following their performance, the Red Arrows continued eastward back to their home base in Lincolnshire, passing northeast of Brewood at 3:34 PM and flying near Uttoxeter and Sutton-on-Trent en route to RAF Waddington by 3:45 PM. Fans in North Staffordshire were treated to a special spectacle as the team flew over Nantwich at 3:04 PM, then over Woore, Blackbrook, and Sandon. The return leg included flights over Penkridge, the Shugborough Estate, Hixon, and Denstone, with local enthusiast Mark Griffiths capturing stunning images of the jets over Cheshire.
For many, the Red Arrows' appearance was a welcome highlight after the previous day’s planned Lancaster Bomber flypast in Stoke-on-Trent was canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions. The squadron’s vibrant red, white, and blue smoke trails and daring formations never fail to captivate audiences, reaffirming their place as one of Britain’s most beloved aerial displays.
The RAF Cosford Air Show itself was a grand celebration of aviation history and military prowess, drawing over 50,000 visitors eager to witness a lineup of iconic aircraft. The show featured a variety of breathtaking displays, including the American P51 Mustang, the Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter, and the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning fighter jet. One of the most poignant highlights was the participation of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which brought to life legendary aircraft such as the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane, and C-47 Dakota.
Amid the spectacle, the event carried a deeper message of remembrance and reflection. Retired Royal Netherlands Air Force Major General Theo Ten Haaf, now chairman for historic flights, shared sobering insights about the sacrifices of wartime aviators. “Sometimes there were days when 800 young men lost their lives in a matter of hours,” he recounted, referencing a harrowing RAF night raid on Nuremberg where 96 aircraft, each with seven or eight crew members, were lost. “That’s something we should never forget,” he stressed, adding a cautionary note about the current tense global climate. “There is an intense international situation now, but we should do everything we can to avoid the horrors of war.”
The Dutch contingent’s participation carried special significance. They flew a Spitfire across the English Channel on June 6, mirroring the historic D-Day landings of 1944. Major General Ten Haaf reflected on the importance of connecting younger generations with history through such events, recalling his own childhood fascination with aircraft sparked at a young age.
Beyond the aerial performances, the ground attractions at Cosford provided educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages. Attendees had the chance to sit in the cockpits of Jaguar planes, explore military Jeeps and vehicles, and engage with costumed reenactors in the Victory Village. Here, figures such as “Sir Winston Churchill” (portrayed by Derek Herbert) and land girls helped bring wartime history to life, ensuring that the stories of bravery and resilience continue to resonate.
Families from across the region, including Shropshire and the West Midlands, flocked to the event. William Francis and his wife Emily traveled from Telford, sharing their enthusiasm for the Red Arrows, a team they have followed for years. “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the Red Arrows but they amaze me every time,” William said. Emily added, “We try and come every year, normally with the whole family and make a day of it. We’re very lucky to have this in Shropshire.”
Similarly, Becky Hall from Wolverhampton brought her children Max, eight, and Olivia, six, continuing a cherished family tradition. “My parents used to bring me to the air show when I was a kid and I absolutely loved it, so I always wanted to make sure I brought my children as well,” she said. Olivia’s enthusiastic “Yes!” to the idea of flying in a somersaulting military plane underscored the event’s role in inspiring future generations.
Red Arrows Squadron Leader Jon Bond highlighted the significance of the Cosford display within the team’s summer season. “So many of our team, including dedicated engineers, have spent important and rewarding parts of their careers at the base,” he said. “Hopefully the display will inspire those watching to think about what a career in the RAF could bring.”
This year also marked the tenth anniversary of the retirement of the beloved Vulcan XH558, which first appeared at the Cosford Air Show in 2009 after a meticulous restoration completed in 2007. The Vulcan To The Sky Trust estimates that over 24 million people witnessed the aircraft’s spectacular aerobatic displays over the years, a testament to its enduring legacy.
As the event closed, the Royal Air Force reminded visitors of ongoing opportunities within its ranks, currently seeking cyberspace communications specialists and offering a £6,000 “golden hello” upon completion of training. The Cosford Air Show, with its blend of thrilling aerial feats, historical reflection, and community spirit, once again proved to be a vibrant celebration of aviation and military heritage that resonates far beyond the skies.
