The first details have been revealed for next year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The 2025 event at RAF Fairford is set to highlight specialised aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance with a theme of Eyes in the Skies.

Though there is still more than 250 days until next summer’s event, more than 20,000 tickets have already been sold as keen aviation adorers secure their spots before any participating aircraft have even been announced.

Organisers say that the first of those aircraft announcements are expected to be made early next year.

The 2024 air show welcomed 248 aircraft from almost 30 different countries, attracted a sell-out crowd of 168,000 visitors and saw a record donation of £2.6m to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which made it the most successful event in RIAT’s history.

(Image: Royal International Air Tattoo) Chief executive officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “This year’s show was a huge success and we are thrilled to see people are already booking tickets for next year.

“Planning is well underway and announcing our theme marks the start of the event cycle for RIAT25.

“Our event provides a special opportunity for people to see and interact with aircraft of all shapes and sizes.

“Next year’s theme means visitors should be able to get up close and personal with specialist aircraft that usually operate out of sight given the nature of their missions.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months.”

RIAT25 is set to take place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, which marks 40 years since the world-renowned show made its way to RAF Fairford after being initially established at North Weald and then taking place at Greenham Common.

In recognition of this milestone anniversary, the event also plans to celebrate its history with a presence on the showground looking back at four decades in Gloucestershire.

Mr Atherton added: “RAF Fairford has been our home for the past four decades and in that time, we have seen some incredible aircraft at RIAT.

“Therefore, it is only right we celebrate it with local people and visitors who have made the event what it is today.”

Tickets for RIAT25 are on sale via AirTattoo.com

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