“The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world’s largest military air show, held annually over the third weekend in July, at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England.
The first Air Tattoo was staged in 1971 at North Weald airfield in Essex with just over 100 aircraft taking part. From these small beginnings the show became the International Air Tattoo in 1976, and recognition of its unique status was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996, when the current Royal International Air Tattoo title was adopted.
The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a charity set up in 2005 to support the wider RAF family. As well as seeking to develop a spirit of air-mindedness in youngsters, it also aims to promote excellence with the Royal Air Force.”