When the cancellation of RIAT 2026 was announced, many cadets understandably felt disappointed at missing out on one of the highlights of the RAF Air Cadets calendar. However, what followed was a remarkable demonstration of resilience, teamwork, and dedication across the RAF Air Cadets, the Royal Air Force, and Defence partners.
With just six weeks to plan and deliver an alternative, volunteers, RAF personnel, and civilian partners united to create two week-long Multi-Activity Camps at Little Rissington. What began as a contingency plan quickly evolved into an outstanding example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
Over the course of the two weeks, 189 cadets and 82 volunteers participated in a diverse programme offering flying and aviation experiences, leadership development, cyber and drone training, first aid, wellbeing activities, STEM engagement, and direct exposure to a wide range of RAF specialisations. The camps saw more than 570 qualifications awarded, 136 cadets flying with Volunteer Gliding Squadrons, and 220 personnel enjoying Chinook Air Experience Flights.
Yet, the true success of the camps goes beyond statistics.
From cadets baking alongside chefs from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, to engaging with RAF pilots, loadmasters, and engineers, and experiencing life on operational RAF stations, the camps provided inspiring, educational, and challenging opportunities for young people. For many, it was an experience they will cherish for years to come.
The scale of support at such short notice was impressive. RAF Benson, RAF Brize Norton, RAF Wittering, RAF Honington, the RAF Regiment, the Royal Navy, Volunteer Gliding Squadrons, RAF Careers, the Support Force, the RAF Air Cadets National Deployment Team, and countless volunteers all contributed their time, expertise, and resources to ensure the camps’ success.
Behind the scenes, volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive activity programme, organise transport, manage administration, secure specialist training, coordinate flying opportunities, and establish a fully functioning campsite; all within an extremely compressed timeframe. The result was a safe, professionally delivered experience that exceeded expectations.
The Little Rissington camps serve as a powerful reminder that the RAF Air Cadets is more than just a programme of activities. It is a partnership of committed volunteers, regular and reserve personnel, civilian staff, and supporters, all united by a shared commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for young people.
What began as a response to disappointment became a testament to resilience, collaboration, and determination, ensuring hundreds of cadets still enjoyed an unforgettable summer.
One cadet described the camp as “an experience I will never forget,” while others highlighted gliding, Chinook flights, and the friendships they made as their favourite memories. Another reflected, “Little Riss has been such an amazing experience. As my first national camp, I’ve had the best time thanks to all the amazing staff, volunteers and cadets who have come together.”
Wing Commander Martin Hughes, RAF Air Cadets, said:
“The cancellation of RIAT could easily have defined the summer. Instead, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of volunteers and partners across Defence, it became the catalyst for one of the most remarkable examples of teamwork and agility that RAFAC has seen in recent years.”
The success of Little Rissington belongs to everyone who contributed. Their collective effort transformed a challenging situation into an opportunity and, in doing so, delivered exactly what the RAF Air Cadets is all about: providing life-changing experiences for young people.