Martyn’s Law brings major change to Shuttleworth air show experience

A familiar part of the Shuttleworth air show experience is coming to an end, with visitors no longer able to park their cars alongside the main event area from next year.

Shuttleworth has announced that from the 2027 season, general public parking will be removed from the Front Paddocks as the attraction prepares for new security requirements under Martyn’s Law.

For many regular visitors, parking close to the action, setting up alongside the car and enjoying a picnic while watching the flying displays has been part of what makes a day at Old Warden different from many other air shows.

From next year, visitors will instead park in the parkland behind Shuttleworth House, with clearly marked walking routes leading to the main event site.

What is Martyn’s Law?

The changes come as venues and event organisers across the country prepare for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn’s Law.

The legislation is named after Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017.

His mother, Figen Murray, spent years campaigning for legislation requiring venues and organisations to be better prepared for a terrorist attack.

The Act became law in April 2025 and is intended to improve security and preparedness at publicly accessible premises and events.

Those responsible for venues and events within its scope will be required to consider procedures for responding to an attack, including evacuation, moving people to safer areas, lockdown and communicating with those present.

Shuttleworth preparing throughout 2026

Shuttleworth says it has been monitoring the development of Martyn’s Law for several years and has spent the 2026 season developing its own risk management framework.

A number of security measures have been trialled and regional Counter Terrorism Security Advisors have visited the site to help Shuttleworth understand how the requirements could apply to its unusual combination of airfield, parkland and large public events.

One of the key measures identified has been the separation of public vehicles from the main event area.

Shuttleworth says that, as a result of that work, the Trust has been unable to justify retaining general public vehicle access to the Front Paddocks within its future risk management arrangements.

Although it means the loss of one of Shuttleworth's traditional features, organisers say removing the cars will also free up considerably more space at the heart of the event.

The new layout is expected to allow spectators, exhibitors, attractions and amenities to be brought together more closely and simplify the site for visitors.

Visitors disappointed to lose traditional parking

Reaction from regular Shuttleworth visitors has been understanding of the reasons behind the decision, although some have expressed disappointment at losing something they believe has helped make the venue unique.

Tim Sparrow described the change as “such a shame”, saying being able to picnic with the car while watching the flying display had been one of Old Warden's attractions.

He said: “It’s one of the things that made Shuttleworth unique and special among other airshow venues.”

David Wilding also acknowledged that Shuttleworth has to comply with the new requirements, but said the change would take away some of what makes visiting the venue an occasion.

He said: “I know the law is the law, and the team have to comply,” adding that the traditional arrangement was part of what differentiated Shuttleworth from other air shows.

Marc Waller similarly described the decision as a “massive shame”, but said that if the change was required by legislation it was unavoidable.

He also pointed out that, provided visitors can still access their vehicles during the day, the new arrangements could remain better than at some other air shows where returning to the car during an event can be difficult.

Shuttleworth says it is one of the last UK air show and event venues to introduce this type of change and hopes visitors will understand why the new measures have become necessary.

The parking changes will be introduced for the 2027 season, with the precise layouts for individual events still subject to further planning.

Free transport will also be provided between the new parking areas and the event, including a land train, volunteer-operated shuttle buggies and Shuttleworth's vintage bus service.

Blue Badge parking will remain on the paddock adjacent to the event site, with additional measures being introduced to maintain separation between vehicles and crowds.