Fund confirms fourth year of partnership at The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight 2026

The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s longest-standing charity, is delighted to announce a fourth year of partnership with South Ayrshire Council for The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight 2026.

The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will return to Ayr shorefront in Ayrshire, West Scotland, on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2026.

The festival will take place at Ayr’s Low Green and will present a headline air display programme alongside family friendly entertainment and attractions. This will be the fourth year the Council has delivered the event, following the success and record crowds of the past three years.

As charity partner, the Fund will be based in the Festival Village throughout the weekend, with representatives on hand to provide information on the support available to serving and former RAF personnel and their families.

The event will feature a range of attractions for all ages, including a new zip line, funfair, Red Arrows flight simulator and a UK first drone soccer arena. The event will also include a Local Trade Village, food and drink outlets, classic vehicle and aviation exhibitions, a Military Village with representation from the Army, Navy and RAF, and the return of the STEM Village.

Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, said: “It’s a delight to welcome the RAF Benevolent Fund back to our airshow as the event charity partner for the fourth year running. We have a fantastic working relationship with the Fund and are proud to be able to support the wonderful work that they do.”

Councillor Clark, whose portfolio includes cultural services and tourism continued: “I’d encourage all festivalgoers to visit the RAF Benevolent Fund marquee in our Festival Village this September to find out more information about the valuable service they provide and meet their dedicated team.”

Maria Lyle, Associate Director Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "We are thrilled to be returning for our fourth year in partnership with South Ayrshire Council at The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight this September.

“This remarkable event continues to provide a valuable opportunity to highlight how our support has changed lives for members of the RAF Family across Ayrshire, Scotland, and throughout the wider UK. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our connection with the local community.”

The continued partnership with South Ayrshire Council has enabled the Fund to connect directly with RAF veterans and their families at the Ayr Show, extending its reach of support across Scotland. RAF veteran Robert McDowall, from Ayr, first engaged with the Fund in 2024. After speaking with the Fund’s welfare team in the Festival Village, Robert was assessed for support and subsequently received a grant for a mobility scooter, a storage hut, and associated electrical works, following a period of declining mobility due to health conditions.

Robert McDowall said: “I spoke to the team at the RAF Benevolent Fund stand. Everyone was really lovely – [they] even came out to visit me and go through the paperwork to apply for support. The scooter has made a big, big difference to my life… it has meant I’m no longer stuck in the house; I can be out and about again. Having the Fund there reminds you you’re still part of the RAF Family.”