2018 marks 100 years of the Royal Air Force (RAF), the World’s first – and most famous – independent Air Force. Our brand is recognised throughout the World, the roundel synonymous with courage, adaptability and innovation. RAF100 is the Campaign to support this milestone in the Nation’s history. It will launch officially on 31 March 2018 with an opening concert at the Royal Albert Hall and run for approximately six months, with a programme of public events at national and regional levels.

Key Public Events in 2018 (as of 25th October 2017)

  • OPENING CONCERT – Royal Albert Hall, London – 31 March
  • RAF100 BATON RELAY COMMENCES – 1 April
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Cardiff City Hall Gardens – 16/20 May
  • RAF COSFORD AIRSHOW – 10 June
  • RAF MUSEUM RE-OPENING CEREMONY – London – 21 June
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Horse Guards Parade, London – 6/9 July
  • RAF100 PARADE & FLYPAST – The Mall, London – 10 July
  • ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO – RAF Fairford – 13/15 July
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Newcastle, Northern Ireland – 4/5 August
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Victoria Square, Birmingham – 25/27 August
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Glasgow Science Centre – 1/2 September
  • NORTHERN IRELAND AIRSHOW – Portrush – 1/2 September (** Incorrect date shown on RAF100 Press Release)
  • NATIONAL AIRCRAFT TOUR – Cathedral Gardens, Manchester – 15/16 September
  • BATTLE OF BRITAIN SERVICE – London – 16 September

National Aircraft Tour

The National Aircraft Tour will visit 6 major UK locations, with the potential for tens of thousands of visitors to interact with the RAF.

RAF100 Parade and Flypast

The centrepiece of RAF100 public-facing activity takes place on 10 July 2018, with a centenary service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall and mass flypast. This will be an unparalleled spectacle in modern times, with the potential to reach a global audience of millions, reinforcing the UK’s reputation at the forefront of defence aviation excellence. Up to 100 aircraft will take part in the 10 July flypast over Buckingham Palace.

For more information on these events, please visit the RAF100 Homepage