Top 5 Accessible Airshows in June - July 2017 | Blue Badge Co.

Your Accessibility Guide to Airshows Around the Country this Summer!

Chocks Away!! Its time to get out and about in the British countryside and gaze upon the wide open skies to marvel at those daring folk in their flying machines as they swerve and swoop, and loop the loop through the blue! Here's the Blue Badge Co. guide to the most Accessible Airshows this June & July... If you're looking for accessible, family events this summer, Airshows are a great option. Many are situated on large, flat, wheelchair friendly sites and the organisers have really considered their visitors with mobility access needs. These are our top 5 Air Show events, chosen for their accessibility and disabled facilities.

1) Torbay Airshow 3rd -4th June

Torbay Airshow lifts off the season with two days of spectacular coastal displays. From a host of troops including the red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), there is an action packed programme which is sure to entertain the whole family. The Torbay Airshow is a FREE event! Parking should be booked in advance on their website however and costs £10 per day. There are two viewing areas designted for disabled visitors. For more information about disabled facilities and to book parking spaces, see the Accessibility Page of their website.

2) The Royal Airforce Cosford Air Show 11th June

The Royal Airforce Cosford Show details a comprehensive list of aircraft displaying at their event. The show is focused on themes including Space and the 60th Anniversay of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. They have a page dedicated to accessibility on their website assuring that all Air Show attractions are fully accessible wherever possible. Though please be aware that the airfield and car park areas are green field sites and some of the ground may be uneven. The organisers do not recommend the use of Cosford Station by people with limited mobility due to steps. Event Mobility Charitable Trust will be providing electric scooters for £25 and manual wheelchairs at £10 which can be booked online at the Event Mobility Website.

3) Goodwood Festival of Speed 29th June - 2nd July

This is not strictly an airshow but it has made the list thanks to their provision for accessibility and the information provided. There will be an Aviation Exhibition hosting a selection of aircraft on the ground, there are also regular air displays from celebrated flight teams such as the Red Arrows. There are also opportunities for helicopter flights and 'Fly with a Spitfire' available with advance booking. Primarily the Festival Of Speed is a celebration of rare and glamerous cars, describing itself as "an intoxicating mix of cars, stars and motorsport royalty". Ticket prices range from £34 - £67 for day tickets to £154 for the weekend. Other, more extravagant Hospitality packages are available for around £200 - £800.

4)The Wales National Air Show 1st & 2nd July

Another FREE event this time in Swansea Bay. Featuring displays from at least 6 troops including the Red Arrows and The Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight. There will also be ground displays and family entertainment. Accessibility information is good and disabled visitors are well provided for. There are 2 designated viewing platforms and various disabled access toilets including 6 changing place.

5) The Royal International Air Tattoo 14th - 16th July

Self proclaimed 'world's greatest airshow', the Air Tattoo sounds like a thrilling event! Expect fast jets, giant transporters and historic aircraft. There will be chance to meet the crews and get close to the aircraft as well as family entertainment including the Techno Zone, the Vintage Village, Autodrome and Activity Zone. Tickets are £39 - £55 for the day and range from £89 - £139 for 2-3 day tickets. Luxury packages are available from between £16 and £520 The unfortunately named 'Disabled Enclosure' is fully booked for the Saturday and Sunday, though there are still spaces on Friday. Tickets for the enclosure cost £6.00 each for the disabled person and their PA/Carer, 4 extra tickets are available £18.00 per person aged 5 and above. This is in addition to the entry fee. I don't expect it is compulsory for disabled visitors to be in the enclosure! So it's worth looking at their accessibility page for general site information. Which is extensive but very confusing. Disabled visitors are advised to park in the Red Carpark although the disabled enclosure is located in the Blue Zone closest to the Blue Customer Entrance Point.