REVIEW: Shuttleworth – Festival of Flight 2025
The 2025 Festival of Flight, presented by the Shuttleworth Collection, once again stood out as one of the most memorable airshows of the British season. The event blends aviation heritage, a remarkable diversity of aircraft, and a welcoming atmosphere within the bucolic surroundings of Old Warden Aerodrome. Despite being the largest event of the year at the site, the festival retains Shuttleworth’s distinctive retro authenticity, central to its enduring reputation.
Set in the heart of Bedfordshire near the village of Old Warden, Shuttleworth is far more than a typical airshow venue. The grass aerodrome forms part of the historic Shuttleworth Estate and is home to the renowned Shuttleworth Collection, whose meticulously preserved aircraft, vehicles, and buildings create an atmosphere unlike any other in the United Kingdom. Visitors are surrounded not only by flying heritage but by an authentic period environment, where Edwardian hangars, working workshops, and open countryside combine to present aviation history as a living, breathing experience rather than a static display.
Travel to Old Warden by public transport proved entirely feasible on Saturday. From London Gatwick Airport, the train journey to Biggleswade is straightforward, followed by a short walk through the town and a bus connection to the village of Ickwell. A pleasant twenty-minute walk across the English countryside leads to the airfield, although the final stretch of road requires some care. On Sunday, a car or taxi remains the most practical option, with shared transport between enthusiasts readily available.
With the flying display beginning in the early afternoon, the morning provides ample opportunity to explore the extensive ground exhibits. Alongside the Shuttleworth Collection’s iconic aircraft and numerous vintage vehicles, several visiting aircraft are accessible on static display. Among them is the Junkers A50 Junior, while the undisputed centre of attention is the Douglas R4D-6S Ready 4 Duty of the Commemorative Air Force. Recently arrived from Texas, the aircraft offers a rare and affordable opportunity for visitors to step inside a historic transport. Even with significant crowds, the timeless and unmistakably British atmosphere remains ever present.
Prior to flying, several aircraft line the flightline, including the Collection’s beautifully positioned DH.88 Comet, whose photogenic presence and excellent lighting immediately reinforce its status as one of Shuttleworth’s true icons.
Flying begins at around 14:00 with a Royal Air Force Boeing Chinook, providing a solid if restrained opening. A precisely flown Mudry CAP 10B aerobatic display flown by Christophe Simon follows, before the arrival of the Red Arrows commentator aboard a Juno HT.1, signalling one of the programme’s most anticipated segments.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight enters with the Avro Lancaster, a key highlight for many visitors hoping to capture the aircraft’s famous topside passes along Old Warden’s distinctive display line. While the routine remains conventional and the sought-after topside passes do not materialise, the final full-power pass delivers an appropriately dramatic conclusion.
Momentum continues with an elegant duo display by Pitts S-1 and S-2 Specials, followed by a locally themed formation of Miles Magisters and a de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, perfectly suited to the vintage spirit of the airfield.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, perform beneath clear blue skies, delivering their trademark precision and energy. World War II aviation soon returns to centre stage as the Shuttleworth Spitfire joins The Aircraft Restoration Company’s Bristol Blenheim Mk I(F). After formation passes, the Blenheim’s topside displays provide a striking visual highlight, particularly given the aircraft’s rarity in flight.
Further variety follows with the Polikarpov Po-2 flying alongside a Stampe SV-4 and Ryan STM-S2, before the graceful return of the DH.88 Comet. The CAC Boomerang and Yakovlev Yak-3U of the Warbird Display Team then deliver dynamic, smoke-enhanced passes.
Two Spitfires, joined by Flying Legends’ Chance Vought F4U-5NL Corsair, form one of the programme’s defining warbird combinations, complemented by the striking appearance of the Douglas R4D Ready 4 Duty. Formation passes, proximity to the crowd, and the unmistakable sound of radial engines create one of the weekend’s standout moments.
The first day concludes with the Evening Flying Display, where fading light transforms both atmosphere and photography. Highlights include the Avro C.19 Anson paired with the French-operated Dassault MD.312 Flamant, followed by a beautifully lit World War I sequence led by the Bristol F.2B Fighter. The day closes with a Comper Swift and DH.71 Tiger Moth, while stronger winds unfortunately prevent Edwardian aircraft from flying.
Sunday begins beneath grey skies, though conditions steadily improve. Programme adjustments see gliders open proceedings, followed by the Yak-3 UTI and the Mercury-powered trio of Blenheim, Lysander, and Gladiator. Lighter vintage formations and a strong World War I segment benefit from increasingly favourable weather.
The Flying-Comrades aerobatic team replaces the Red Arrows, while warbird highlights again include the Boomerang and Yak-3, and the returning Spitfire–Corsair combination, widely regarded as one of the festival’s finest sequences.
As sunset approaches, departures and repositioning flights build anticipation for the evening finale. The Nieuport 23 C-1 and authentic S.E.5a appear in exceptional light, followed by the emotionally resonant flight of the Blériot Type XI, the world’s oldest flying aircraft. Further Edwardian and pioneer-era types create an atmosphere unique to Shuttleworth.
With the planned RAF Typhoon display unavailable, the Shuttleworth Collection responds by launching the Comet, Spitfire, Gladiator, and Lysander together after sunset. Illuminated by headlights, this impromptu finale delivers a memorable and atmospheric conclusion.
Overall, the Festival of Flight 2025 represents a clear success. The second day in particular exceeds expectations, and while certain hoped-for photographic moments remain elusive, the atmosphere, layout, aircraft quality, and pilot professionalism more than compensate for minor shortcomings. The event maintains an exceptionally high standard and remains strongly recommended for any enthusiast of historic aviation.
