2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire, an aviation milestone that introduced one of the most influential fighter designs of the Second World II. To commemorate the anniversary, the Shuttleworth Collection plans to assemble one example of every airworthy Spitfire mark currently based in the United Kingdom, offering visitors a rare opportunity to trace the aircraft’s development and operational history. The event will take place on July 25, 2026, from 09:00 to 21:00. These iconic fighters will appear alongside aircraft from the Shuttleworth Collection as well as visiting types during the day’s flying program. The event will also highlight some of the individuals behind the Spitfire’s success. Among the aircraft expected to appear is a de Havilland DH.60 Moth, representing the type flown by Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell as he sought to better understand the practical aspects of flight. The Shuttleworth Collection will also present its Percival Mew Gull, the very aircraft in which renowned Spitfire test pilot Alex Henshaw set a record-breaking flight from London to Cape Town.
Several notable aircraft have already confirmed their participation. These include Supermarine Spitfire Ia from the Imperial War Museums, Spitfire Vc from the Shuttleworth Collection, Spitfire IXc operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company, Spitfire XI from the Aircraft Restoration Company, Spitfire XIX from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight, and the Supermarine Seafire XVII from Navy Wings. In addition to the flying displays, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of ground attractions, including a fun fair, interactive Discovery Zones, and other family-friendly activities.
Established by aviation pioneer Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth and now maintained by the Shuttleworth Trust, the Shuttleworth Collection is one of the world’s most significant collections of airworthy vintage aircraft. The collection focuses on aircraft dating from 1909 to 1950 and also includes historic agricultural machinery, steam exhibits, veteran automobiles, classic motorcycles, bicycles, vintage buses, and horse-drawn carriages. Unlike most aviation museums, the majority of the collection’s aircraft remain airworthy and are regularly flown, including early Edwardian types such as the 1909 Blériot XI. Many of the vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and steam-powered machines are also maintained in operating condition. Maintaining a working collection of this scale requires the dedication of a highly skilled team of engineers who work year-round to restore, preserve, and operate these historic machines. Visitors can observe the team at work in the engineering workshop and experience the aircraft both on the ground and in the air during Shuttleworth’s regular flying events. The event will take place on July 25, 2026, from 09:00 to 21:00. Tickets start at £37.00, with free admission for children. Group rates are available, and parking is free. For more information about the Shuttleworth Collection, visit www.shuttleworth.org.
