Glamour came to Riat on Friday as Miss United Kingdom and Miss America paid a visit.

Jessica Ashley and Madison Marsh were giving a talk in the show’s Techno Zone about opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and aerospace – Jessica has a Masters in Aerospace engineering, and Madison is a serving US Air Force officer – but they also took time out to see some of the show.

This is set to be a RIAT of anniversaries. It is the 100th year of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the 75th anniversary of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), the 60th year of the Red Arrows and 50 years of the F16 Fighting Falcon.

The F16, widely known as the Viper (after the space fighter in Battlestar Galactica, which was on TV at the same time at the F16 was coming into service) was, in 2023, the most common fixed-wing aircraft in military service, with 2145 in service with 26 air forces worldwide – and according to the makers, it is likely to stay in service until well past 2060.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO, there was a massive fly-past, as well as representative aircraft from the NATO countries on static display.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian air force there will be modern RCAF aircraft, as well as a ground area with historic aircraft and displays of Canadian culture, and the Canadian CF18 display team.

The Red Arrows, meanwhile, will celebrate in their own way, with a new display routine – and the Reds are now back to a nine-ship after a few years of operating with eight, so the diamond nine is back for the Diamond Anniversary.

The overall theme of the show is pushing the boundaries in air and space, and will showcase 100 years of British military test flying, as well as the latest developments in sustainable aviation, including battery and hydrogen powered aircraft.

Friday was back to the boiling hot RIATs of old – and a far cry from last year’s soggy show.

All told it will be a spectacular weekend of air show, with an abbreviated display yesterday, but full displays today and tomorrow.

If you want to go, there are still some tickets available for Sunday, but you’ll need to hurry.