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Royal International Air Tattoo reveals 2027 theme after this year's event was cancelled

'Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience'

['Tiger Gathering' will be one of the major themes of RIAT 2027]

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'Tiger Gathering' will be one of the major themes of RIAT 2027(Image: Royal International Air Tattoo)

The world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo may be cancelled this summer, but organisers are already busy thinking ahead to next year's event - and have just revealed one of the headline themes for 2027.

The world's largest military airshow was due to be held next month, from July 17 to 19. But, the 2026 festival was officially declared cancelled last month, as RAF Fairford is currently being used as an active base in the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.

Plans for RIAT 2027 are already well under way, and the event is set to burst to life with colour and heritage, as one of the headline themes will be 'Tiger Gathering', it has been announced today.

The event will host a special anniversary gathering of NATO Tiger units, to mark 50 years since the first Silver Tiger Trophy was presented by the International Air Tattoo to the NATO Tiger Association.

The Silver Tiger Trophy is the most prestigious award presented at the NATO Tiger Meet, an annual military aviation exercise that promotes camaraderie among various allied air forces.

Visitors to RIAT27 can expect a line-up of aircraft from across the alliance, many adorned in the striking tiger markings that have become a hallmark of this unique aviation community.

The NATO Tiger Association is renowned for its spirit of camaraderie, professionalism and creativity with specially painted aircraft forming one of its most celebrated traditions. RIAT27 will bring this spectacle to life on a global stage, with a rare opportunity to see multiple tiger-themed aircraft displayed together.

Peter Reoch, head of air operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: "The 50th anniversary of the Silver Tiger Trophy is a fantastic milestone, and a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate the heritage and enduring spirit of the NATO Tiger Association at RIAT.

"The Tiger Meet community is renowned for its energy, colour and personality. Bringing that to RIAT means our visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience a ramp full of some of the most eye-catching military aircraft anywhere in the world."

Each year, RIAT brings together over 200 aircraft and nearly 200,000 visitors from around the world, offering an unforgettable day out for families and visitors of all ages. Beyond the spectacle, the event raises vital funds for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, supporting its mission to inspire young people in air, space and technology.

Tiger Gathering will be one part of what promises to be an exciting and varied RIAT27 programme, with further themes and attractions to be announced later this year.

"It takes years of planning to deliver an event on the scale of RIAT," added Peter. "Although RIAT27 may seem some way off, our team is already working hard to shape an exceptional show.

"Alongside Tiger Gathering, we have several other exciting themes in development, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans continue to take shape."

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