Historic flypast confirmed for The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley

History lovers, families and reenactment enthusiasts are set for a packed day in Staffordshire this summer, as The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley returns with a major addition for 2026.

Organisers have confirmed that the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a flypast during this year’s event, adding an extra piece of living history to what is already shaping up to be one of Staffordshire’s biggest historical weekends.

Taking place on Sunday 21 June 2026 at High Ash Farm, Yeatsall Lane, Abbots Bromley, the event transforms the countryside near Cobwebs Coffee Shop into a journey through nearly a thousand years of history, from the Norman era through to the twentieth century.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF's historic squadron, operates some of Britain's most recognisable wartime aircraft. During the 2026 season the flight includes the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft. Organisers say confirmation of which aircraft will appear at Abbots Bromley will be announced nearer the event.

The flypast is expected to become one of the highlights of the weekend and a fitting tribute to Britain's aviation heritage.

Visitors should note that all flypasts remain subject to weather conditions and aircraft serviceability, and timings will not be released publicly.

A day of living history across the centuries

The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley has built a reputation for combining education with entertainment, allowing visitors to walk through different periods of history and speak directly with reenactors who bring the past to life.

Across the site, visitors will find immersive camps, historic displays and battle recreations covering centuries of conflict and culture.

This year's programme includes:

• A spectacular Wild West display from Spearfish Creek, one of the UK's leading American West living history groups

• A large scale recreation of the Battle of the Alamo by the Remember the Alamo Association, complete with live firing muskets and cannons

• A dramatic Napoleonic battlefield display

• Pirates from The Guilde

• Displays exploring the Spanish Civil War and Russian Civil War

• The Poor Knights of Christ portraying the Crusades

• King Penda's Anglo Saxon encampment and demonstrations

• The English Free Companye representing the War of the Roses and Tudor period

• Company 24 demonstrating American Civil War drills

• The 1879 group bringing the Anglo Zulu War to life with displays and educational talks

Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, visitors can wander through camps, ask questions and see how people lived, fought and travelled across different periods of history.

Family activities and hands on experiences

The event also has a strong family focus, with activities designed to get younger visitors involved.

Families can enjoy:

• Children's drill sessions

• Meet and greet opportunities with reenactors

• Interactive living history experiences

• The chance to join the Texian Army and take part in a hands on mission to capture a Mexican cannon

• Family portraits in authentic 1830s Mexican costume

Alongside the historical action there will also be plenty of festival atmosphere, with food and refreshments available throughout the day.

Visitors can expect:

• BBQ food

• Ice cream

• Local stalls

• Children's amusements

• Refreshments throughout the site

Photography day returns

Photographers can also take part in a dedicated photography day on Saturday 20 June.

Unlike the Sunday public event, this session offers exclusive photographic access to reenactors and staged historical scenes and is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts.

Organisers promise a memorable day

“This event is all about bringing history to life in a way that is exciting, educational and memorable for all ages,” says organiser Lee Chapman. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming so many high-quality reenactment groups to Abbots Bromley for what promises to be an incredible day. Having the flypast is the icing on the cake”

Advance tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £7 for children.

Tickets can be booked through www.chappersphotography.co.uk. Limited tickets will also be available at the gate, although advance booking is recommended.

For Staffordshire families looking for a summer day out with cannons, cavalry, Spitfires and nearly a thousand years of history, Abbots Bromley could be one to add to the diary.