August 30th, 2025
Shuttleworth's Mk V Spitfire and Mew Gull at the Best of British Airshow 2024
In 2024, The Shuttleworth Collection Season Premiere had the theme the 'Best Of British'. For 2025, 'Best of British' enjoys its own airshow in August.
| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Visiting aircraft will be listed here when known | |
| Shuttleworth-based aircraft displays will be listed when known | |
This is a relatively small venue, where flying feels closer to the crowd than in some bigger airfields, even since the change in the regulations. The venue also has a mansion, Shuttleworth House, which will be open to visitors for part of the day, park-like gardens (Swiss garden) and huge children's outdoor play area.
Old Warden is home to the Shuttleworth Collection of planes from both world wars and earlier, including original pioneering aircraft such as the Bleriot (identical to the one that made the first crossing of the English Channel). There are around 40 airworthy planes in eight hangars.
The collection is on static display most days throughout the year. There are significant flying events about monthly between May and October, ranging from daytime full airshows to evening proms, and (from 2025) two-part events with sessions in the daytime and at dusk.
May 12th, 2024
Shuttleworth's Mk V Spitfire and Mew Gull at the Best of British Airshow 2024
The Shuttleworth Collection welcomed its 60th airshow season with a show that followed the 2023 season premiere theme, the 'Best Of British'; celebrating the history of aviation and automotive technology in Britain and its influence around the world.
The show was the best-attended Shuttleworth airshow since Covid-19, which augers well for the new season.
Parking was a bit tight because of attendance by near-capacity crowds and several car clubs but the staff and spacious grounds coped excellently. Even the weather defied the forecasts and stayed dry and bright throughout the day, although it was rather too breezy for the Edwardians to display.
There were several other changes to the flying list before the date of the show; most notably Vampire Preservation's Vampire T11 (WZ507), which was awaiting the return of fuel nozzles after cleaning and checking, and which was replaced on the display list by Newcastle Jet Provost Group's T.3A.
No-shows on the day, in addition to the Edwardians, were the Collection's Tiger Moth, which was to have flown with other de Havillands but had other ideas; their Sopwith Dove, which started along the runway but gave up, and the Hawker Tomtit, which also had a technical problem. There was a welcome late addition in the form of Shuttleworth's de Havilland DH80A Puss Moth, which joined the de Havilland themed combo.
Otherwise, the displays were as listed and in the order that was displayed on a board by the tower and pre-announced by commentator, Ben Dunnell.
The show opened with BBMF Hurricane LF363 in what was listed as a flypast. However, Officer Commanding the BBMF, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden was very generous in his interpretation of 'flypast' and made three passes including very welcome topsides.
The flying pattern then followed the format that has become quite common here and at some other shows, being mostly grouped by theme, interspersed by a few solos, including two typically impressive glider displays by Graham Saw, first in the Slingsby Petrel and later in the Elliots of Newbury (EON) Primary. (... continued below the table)
Spitfire Mk XIVe MV293 flown by Nick Smith
| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Visiting | |
 | Supermarine Spitfire FR XlV G-SPIT MV293 in Indian Air Force Markings (since 2024) (Fighter Aviation) |
 | Hunting Percival Jet Provost T.3 XM479 (Newcastle Jet Provost). Replaced originally scheduled Vampire. |
 | Hawker Fury I (Historic Aircraft Collection) |
 | Bristol Blenheim Mk1 G-BPIV (ARCo) |
 | Bristol Scout |
 | Fairey Swordfish Mk I G-BMGC 'W5856' (Navy Wings) |
 | Hawker Hurricane IIc LF363 (BBMF) FLYPAST ONLY |
 | Slingsby Petrel (Graham Saw) |
 | Miles Magister G-AKPF 'N3788' (David Bramwell) |
| Shuttleworth-based | |
 | Avro C19 Anson G-AHKX in RAF Coningsby colours (was BAe Systems but donated to Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Avro 504K G-ADEV (Old Warden Resident) |
 | Comper CLA7 Swift G-ACTF (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | DHC-1 Chipmunk (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | de Havilland DH51 'Miss Kenya' G-EBIR |
 | de Havilland DH60X Hermes Moth G-EBWD (was BAe Systems but donated to Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | DH88 Comet (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | de Havilland DH80A Puss Moth G-AEOA (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Eon Primary Glider (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Gloster Gladiator Mk 1 G-AMRK 'K7985' (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Miles Hawk Speed Six |
 | Miles Magister 'P6382' G-AJRS (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Parnall Elf |
 | Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Hunting (Percival) Piston Provost T.1 (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | RAF SE5A G-EBIA |
 | Sopwith Pup (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Sopwith Triplane replica 'N6290 Dixie ll': Shuttleworth Collection |
 | Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk Vc G-AWII 'AR501' (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Westland Lysander IIIA G-AZWT (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Cancelled or removed from the flying list before the day | |
 | de Havilland Vampire T11 WZ507 (Vampire Preservation). Replaced by Jet Provost |
 | Bristol F2.b (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Bristol M1C (reproduction), (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Desoutter Mk1 G-AAPZ (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Hawker Cygnet | |
 | Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk Ib G-BKTH Z7105/7-L, Shuttleworth Collection |
| Cancelled or did not fly on the day | |
 | de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth G-ANKT 'K2585' |
 | Hawker Tomtit (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Sopwith Dove (Shuttleworth Collection) | |
| Edwardians did not fly: too breezy | |
 | Avro Triplane replica G-ARSG (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Blériot XI (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Blackburn Monoplane Type ‘D’ (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Bristol Boxkite (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Deperdussin (Shuttleworth Collection) |
Jet Provost flown by Mark Hooten
The first of the themed groups into the air were the de Havillands: five of them making it into their slot although the sixth, the DH82a Tiger Moth had a technical problem and was unable to join them. The group had taken off in advance of the Hurricane Flypast and the first of the de Havillands, the DH51, 60X Hermes Moth and 80A Puss Moth were waiting to join the circuit as the Hurricane departed, with the Chipmunk cavorting above them giving a very athletic aerobatic demonstration.
The 5th de Havilland, the DH88 Comet, followed with its own impressive demonstration of speed and agility.
Focus turned to another historic British manufacturer when Percival were represented by the Hunting Percival Jet Provost T3A owned by the Newcastle Jet Provost Group and flown by Mark Hooten and Shuttleworth's (piston) Provost T1 flown by Mark Sharp. The Provost T1 was the last piston engined basic trainer to be used by the RAF and the Shuttleworth example is the only one still flying in the UK.
Other manufacturer-based themes were Sopwith, whose Pup and Triplane reproduction took to the air, and Miles, represented by the Hawk Speed Six, flown by Paul Stone and a pair of Magisters, the Shuttleworth example flown by Andrew Monk, giving his first public display at Old Warden.
As well as the gliders, there were solo displays from Paul Shakespeare in the Parnall Elf, a British 2-seat light tourer from the 1920s; Si Davies in the Shuttleworth Collection's RAF SE5a; Willy Hackett in the Collection's Avro 504K; Richard Crockett giving his first public display of the Collection's Comper Swift, a single-seat racer from the 1930s; Jean-Michel Munn in Shuttleworth's Avro C.19 Anson and David Bremmner in his family's reproduction Bristol Scout, which has some parts from the original Scout flown by his grandfather.
The last of the special themed sections, programmed immediately before Nick Smith's finale, recognised the many and varied achievements of Alex Henshaw MBE. Originally an air racer, Alex became a chief test pilot, testing wartime aircraft such as Spitfires and Lancasters. There were to be three aircraft in the displays but the absence on sick leave of the Hawker Tomtit reduced this to two: the Mk V Spitfire and the Mew Gull, both from Shuttleworth's own Collection and representing the two 'arms' of his background and expertise. The Spitfire and Mew Gull arrived as a pair in a novel, even if not unique pairing, before separating into their individual displays.
Frank Chapman was in the pilot's seat for his typically imitable display in the Mew Gull, the very aircraft in which Alex Henshaw had made his record-setting two-way trip between the UK and Cape Town. His display was followed in the same segment by the Mk V Spitfire which was evidently rather shy and and didn't like to show its topside, except when it was way out over the trees, evidently preferring to show its belly whenever closer to the crowd.
With such an impressive line-up it is difficult to single out the stars of the show but there was certainly a special welcome for the Historic Aircraft Collection's Mk I Hawker Fury, the sole survivor of its type, which was flown by Clive Denney and was making its first ever appearance at Old Warden. (... continued below the pictures)
Hawker Fury Mk I
Glenn Allison flying the Navy Wings Swordfish
There was a special welcome, too, for the Navy Wings Heritage Flight's Swordfish W5856, not yet wearing its D-Day stripes, piloted by Glenn Allison as the opener to a sequence celebrating the Bristol engine company. Following the Swordfish in the sequence was the trio with Bristol Mercury engines, comprising more favourites: the Blenheim flown by John Romain, the Mk I Gladiator and Shuttleworth's Lysander.
Special respect for the display by Nick Smith in Fighter Engineering's Mk XIV Spitfire to close the show. The Mk XIV has new Indian Air Force markings, replicating those it wore when in post-war service. Nick had no trouble at all showing the new livery to the crowd with a delightful series of passes and a wealth of photogenic topsides. (... continued below the pictures)
Trio with Bristol Mercury engines: Blenheim, Gladiator and Lysander
Graham Saw in EON Primary
There can be no better place than Old Warden to host an airshow around the theme 'Best Of British'. Their collection of historic aircraft with British connections is unparalleled. It might be tempting for them to depend exclusively on that wealth of history, but the organisers did much better than that, bringing in an unusually large number of aircraft that are not Shuttleworth-based to enhance the 'Best of British' story. Around a third of all aircraft that displayed were visitors, rather than Shuttleworth-based.
Although aircraft are our focus, it was good to see vintage and more recent British motor marques represented too, mostly through car clubs. The free rides on vintage busses also added both to the atmosphere and to the enjoyment of the crowds.
Without doubt, a stirling start to what should turn out to be a brilliant airshow season at the Shuttleworth Collection.
Auster AOP 9
As well as the excellent flying displays, a large number of small aircraft flew in before the event and out again soon afterwards. Most were small private aircraft but this Auster AOP 9 from the Historic Army Aircraft Flight also arrived mid morning and departed after the show.
This is a relatively small venue, where flying feels closer to the crowd than in some bigger airfields, even since the change in the regulations. The venue also has a mansion, Shuttleworth House, which will be open to visitors for part of the day, park-like gardens (Swiss garden) and huge children's outdoor play area.
Old Warden is home to the Shuttleworth Collection of planes from both world wars and earlier, including original pioneering aircraft such as the Bleriot (identical to the one that made the first crossing of the English Channel). There are around 40 airworthy planes in eight hangars.
The collection is on static display most days throughout the year. There are significant flying events about monthly between May and October, ranging from daytime full airshows to evening proms, additional smaller events and (from 2024) events held over 2 or even 3 days, although there is not always flying on both days.
7th May 2023
Bristol Boxkite and Avro Avro Triplane at Shuttleworth Premiere 2023
The first major airshow of the year was one to remember for some spectacular flying and some landmark debuts. The First public display by the refurbished Lynx XZ179 from Project Lynx; the first display by the Fairey Swordfish in private (Navy Wings) hands; a rare public display by the Royal Chipmunk and some spectacular passes by the BBMF Lancaster.
The weather was fine on the day, too, the rest of the flying list was great and the theme was promising. The flying list has been updated to reflect what actually flew.
This is a relatively small venue, where flying feels closer to the crowd than in some bigger airfields, even since the change in the regulations. The venue also has a mansion, Shuttleworth House, which will be open to visitors for part of the day, park-like gardens (Swiss garden) and huge children's outdoor play area.
Old Warden is home to the Shuttleworth Collection of planes from both world wars and earlier, including original pioneering aircraft such as the Bleriot (identical to the one that made the first crossing of the English Channel). There are around 40 airworthy planes in eight hangars.
The collection is on static display most days throughout the year. There are significant flying events about monthly between May and October, ranging from daytime full airshows to evening proms and additional smaller events.
BBMF Lancaster made three, low, topside passes.
| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Visiting | |
 | BBMF Lancaster 'PA474 Leader' (FLYPASTS ONLY) |
| Fairey Swordfish (Navy Wings) |
 | Westland Lynx XZ179 (Project Lynx) |
 | de Havilland Chipmunk WP903 (that King Charles learnt to fly in) (The Royal Chipmunk) |
 | Tiger Moth G-ANRF (David Cyster) |
 | Red Devils Parachute Display Team |
| Shuttleworth-based | |
 | Avro 504K G-ADEV (Started up but engine cut out before flight) |
| * Avro Triplane replica G-ARSG (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Avro Tutor G-AHSA 'K3241'(Old Warden resident) |
| Bristol F2.b (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | de Havilland Canada DHC Chipmunk T.22 (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| DH88 Comet, Shuttleworth Collection |
| DH60X Moth G-EBWD (was BAe Systems but donated to Shuttleworth Collection) |
| de Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth |
 | * English Electric Wren (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Gloster Gladiator Mk 1 G-AMRK 'K7985' (originally 'L8032') (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Miles Hawk Speed Six |
 | Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| RAF SE5a G-EBIA (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Sopwith Pup (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Sopwith Triplane replica 'N6290 Dixie ll' (Shuttleworth Collection) |
 | Southern Martlett |
| Westland Lysander IIIA G-AZWT, Shuttleworth Collection |
| Late additions | |
| Polikarpov PO2 (Shuttleworth Collection) | |
| * Bristol Boxkite (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| Eon Primary, Shuttleworth Collection | |
| Letov LF-107 Lunak Glider | |
| Once listed but withdrawn or cancelled | |
 | Avro C19 Anson G-AHKX in RAF Coningsby colours (was BAe Systems but donated to Shuttleworth Collection). Cancelled - ground conditions unsuitable for take-off |
 | BAC Jet Provost T MK5A G-JPVA XW289 (G-JPVA Ltd). Cancelled - unserviceable |
 | Republic P-47 Thunderbolt G-THUN 'Nellie B' (Fighter Aviation Engineering) (was to have been a substitute for the Jet Provost) |
| Blackburn Monoplane Type ‘D’ (Shuttleworth Collection). Cancelled - fabric being renewed. |
| * Blériot XI (Shuttleworth Collection). Cancelled - weather conditions unsuitable |
| Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk Vc G-AWII 'AR501' (Shuttleworth Collection). Cancelled - ground conditions unsuitable for take-off |
 | Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk 1b G-BKTH 'Z7105' (Shuttleworth Collection) Cancelled - ground conditions unsuitable for take-off |
| * Deperdussin. Cancelled - weather conditions unsuitable |
| Hunting (Percival) Piston P.56 Provost T.1 G-KAPW (Shuttleworth Collection) |
| de Havilland Puss Moth (P&A Wood). Cancelled | |
| * These aircraft only fly if the conditions are perfect | |
Shuttleworth's Old Warden Aerodrome is about two miles to the west of the A1 near Biggleswade. It is about 20 miles from Junction 13 of the M1 and from the south it is about 30 miles from Junction 23 of the M25. It is signposted from the A1 at Biggleswade.
The Post Code (for sat nav) is SG18 9DX but, as with all shows, ignore the sat nav in favour of local show signs as soon as you see them.
There are links to other route planners in the Travel Advice section.
There is a train station at nearby Biggleswade, which is about 40 minutes from London Kings Cross and about 30 minutes from Peterborough. There is no bus service from the station to the aerodrome but there is a taxi rank close to the station.
It is best to book as far as possible in advance. This is not only because nearby hotels and guest houses tend get booked up well before the date of an airshow but also because prices can be better when you book early online.
The location is already built in to the link but please check, and change as necessary, the dates, number of rooms and number of guests.
Booking.comThere are three Premier Inn hotels in Bedford, another two in St Neots and more in in Hitchen and Letchworth, all roughly 10 miles away.
Travelodge have three hotels around Bedford, between six and eight miles from Old Warden and two more within ten miles.
The Met Office 7-day forecast includes actual and "feels like" temperatures, the likelihood of rain, wind speed, wind direction, wind gusts and visibility: the latter can have an impact on the viability of displays.
The BBC's 14-day forecast has overall conditions including and hourly estimate of temperature, wind direction, wind speed and UV range.
Click the blue-text link to go to the forecast. The location is already built into the links.
Car parking is free and does not have to be booked. If you need a blue badge space (also free), this needs to be mentioned when you book entry tickets
Use the postcode SG18 9DX for sat nav until you see airshow signs.
For links to other travel and route planning web sites, click the 'Getting There' tab