Minister Confirms RAF Scampton as New Home of RAF International Air Show

RAF Scampton

The experienced Conservative Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, Sir Edward Leigh MP, has welcomed news that, from 2017, RAF Scampton, in his Gainsborough Constituency, is to become the new home of the RAF's International Air Show.

The Royal Air Force had previously confirmed that the International Air Show would not be returning to RAF Waddington, south of Lincoln, due to ‘significant security concerns and operational risks’. However, the Royal Air Force has conducted an extensive survey of alternative sites in the East of England and Minister of State for Defence, the Rt. Hon. Earl Howe, has written to Sir Edward today [19th February] and confirmed that an Air Show at RAF Scampton will now be able to go ahead in 2017.

The minister wrote:

“I am now in a position to write to you further regarding the future of RAF air shows in the East of England, following the cessation of the air show at RAF Waddington of which you were previously advised.

“You are aware that proposals were submitted for an event to be hosted at RAF Scampton.  Further work has now been undertaken and I am pleased to tell you that I am now hopeful this will happen.

“The RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT), who already organise the Royal International Air Tattoo, have agreed in principle to organise a similar event at RAF Scampton, although this will not be possible until 2017 at the earliest.  I am afraid I cannot give you more details at this time, as the exact form of the air show is still being developed by RAFCT with RAF support.”

Sir Edward commented:

"I am really pleased to see the RAF's international air show come to the home of the Red Arrows, RAF Scampton. I know that the show will find a warm welcome in my constituency. I am grateful that the ministry has seen the benefits for Lincolnshire in keeping the event in 'bomber county'."

Sir Edward has worked hard behind the scenes to secure the Air Show's future in the county, liaising with both the Ministry of Defence and the local councils to ensure that opportunities can be seized.