Who's going to RIAT and tips / advice
Discussion
I've just convinced the long haired OC to release funds to allow us to go to RIAT, I've been wanting to go since I was a wee one and never got there, despite my uncle living in Kempsford!
So, who's going this year? And also, those veterans of RIAT amongst us, which are the best areas to head to for spectating etc? and any other tips you may have...
So, who's going this year? And also, those veterans of RIAT amongst us, which are the best areas to head to for spectating etc? and any other tips you may have...
Look up ?
If your uncle is in Kempsford, see if he can sort you out with a residents pass so that you can avoid the massive queues of traffic and use the residential routes in rather than the purple / green route.
We gave up car's a while back, and will now either use the bus service or drive to Latton and then ride in on bikes.
Take sun cream, an umbrella and a cannoe.
Food is quite pricey
As for where to stand .... really down to you, we tend to sit on the threshold as you get some lovely shots of the aircraft landing, but the displays are a little of to the left if that makes sense, and you dont see the take off's.
but I mean it about the sun cream.
If your uncle is in Kempsford, see if he can sort you out with a residents pass so that you can avoid the massive queues of traffic and use the residential routes in rather than the purple / green route.
We gave up car's a while back, and will now either use the bus service or drive to Latton and then ride in on bikes.
Take sun cream, an umbrella and a cannoe.
Food is quite pricey
As for where to stand .... really down to you, we tend to sit on the threshold as you get some lovely shots of the aircraft landing, but the displays are a little of to the left if that makes sense, and you dont see the take off's.
but I mean it about the sun cream.
paul_y3k said:
Look up ?
Got that one.paul_y3k said:
If your uncle is in Kempsford, see if he can sort you out with a residents pass so that you can avoid the massive queues of traffic and use the residential routes in rather than the purple / green route.
He doesn't live there any more, unfortunately.Would anyone say that the enclosures are worth the premium over standard entry tickets? I've been looking at the Jubilee Garden.
I've been for the last few years, but I go with the company and get in their enclosure. I won't make it this year, as it clashes with the British GP.
Definitely make sure you get there early, the traffic queues are horrendous.
On the very plus side though, you've picked the right year to go, RIAT is always better when it's the same year as Farnborough, all the best planes go to RIAT as they're here for Farnborough.
If they have the F-22 this year, forget about your camera or videoing it, just enjoy it, it is without doubt the most impressive display or airmanship and aircraft handling I've ever seen.
Definitely make sure you get there early, the traffic queues are horrendous.
On the very plus side though, you've picked the right year to go, RIAT is always better when it's the same year as Farnborough, all the best planes go to RIAT as they're here for Farnborough.
If they have the F-22 this year, forget about your camera or videoing it, just enjoy it, it is without doubt the most impressive display or airmanship and aircraft handling I've ever seen.
DamienB said:
The enclosures are all *further away* from the action. The only benefit is a good chance of nabbing a chair and 'private' loos.
That's a bit bonk. What's the point in paying more if you're further away, only people associated to the RAF could come up with that 
So, enclosure tickets aren't worth the extra. Meh.
I went last year, and am planning on attending again this year. I'm lucky as I have a good friend who is stationed at Brize, and has quarters on base. So I get to enjoy most of the action from his garden with a cold one in hand.
The way this year is panning out, I sewriously consider packing waders
The way this year is panning out, I sewriously consider packing waders
I've also not been for a few years, but have been going since the '70's (ah the good old days).
My advice is make a very long day of it, go very early, 6.0am ish, take a camping cooker/BBQ/chairs/food/drinks for breakfast/lunch/tea/dinner,we stay on after its finished, fire up the bbq and let the traffic die down and then drive straight out (7.00pm ish) and home . We also take bikes, if you want to see all the static aircraft, trade stands and other displays you will have to walk miles ( IIRC its 1 1/2 miles end to end)
And as had been said, take sun cream, even if its cloudy you will get burnt.
My advice is make a very long day of it, go very early, 6.0am ish, take a camping cooker/BBQ/chairs/food/drinks for breakfast/lunch/tea/dinner,we stay on after its finished, fire up the bbq and let the traffic die down and then drive straight out (7.00pm ish) and home . We also take bikes, if you want to see all the static aircraft, trade stands and other displays you will have to walk miles ( IIRC its 1 1/2 miles end to end)
And as had been said, take sun cream, even if its cloudy you will get burnt.
Dr Jekyll said:
The Jubilee garden is usually right on the crowdline. You certainly get a better view than trying to look over peoples heads when you aren't in an enclosure.
This ^^^The enclosure is run by Waitrose, you get deckchair you can take your own food/drink or use the Waitrose catering laid on and the view is on the crowdline near the centre point of the runway. Very civilised way of seeing an awesome air show.
Also as said above...do not follow the normal coloured entry routes, follow exhibitors route, much quicker and it takes you to the same entrance/car park.
Not going this year - but like all air shows, if you can, take the bike (don't know if you are a biker OP). 12 mile queues to get in last year, just breezed up an hour to go and pitied the poor sods who probably wouldn't even see the gate until it was over. If you are going by car - get there early!
I'm going to Yeovilton this year as a good mate is flying P2 with the Black Cats - jammy sod. Will be good to see him on 'home' turf.
I'm going to Yeovilton this year as a good mate is flying P2 with the Black Cats - jammy sod. Will be good to see him on 'home' turf.
I haven't been for several years, but beating by arriving early and leaving late is usually the best option. I usually take a lot of food and drink as it costs loads to buy it there and if it's a hot day you will need the liquid as there aren't many places to shelter from the sun. I don't know if they still do it, but they used to put on a concert in the evening by one of the forces bands, and by the time that was finished the way out was nice and clear.
You could always sign up as a volunteer and work there over the show. Great experience, on-site feeding and accommodation (or off-site with priority collection and delivery in their vehicles) and doesn't look too shabby on your CV if it needs a boost (team work, emergency planning, customer facing etc, etc); plus it's all for a good cause (RAF Benevolent Fund) and you'll have some fun parties thrown in for free:
http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/volunteers
http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/volunteers
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