All eyes on the sky at Armidale’s Autumn Festival

Published on 24 February 2025

The southern hemisphere’s largest formation aerobatic display team will perform its special fly-over routine at the 2025 Armidale Autumn Festival to be held on Saturday April 5.

Freedom Formation – which is made up of 13 passionate aviators – will perform its signature multi-layer display routine over Armidale at 11.45am before the Autumn Festival parade begins at 12 noon.

All eyes will be on the sky over Armidale during the routine that will see 12 Vans RVs and 1 Yak 55 performing amazing aerobatic displays.

“We use these aircraft to showcase our passion for aerobatics, formation flying and general aviation,” said a spokesperson from the team.

“The Freedom Formation Display Team is made up of 13 aviators who want to share their enthusiasm for aviation with the members of the public and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams.

“The team come from all walks of life including retirees, former airline captains, tech, construction and small business owners.”

The aerobatic display is set to be a major highlight at this year’s Autumn Festival, which will also feature the fabulous street parade starting at 12 noon (previously 12.30pm), Breakfast with the Band, Campus to City Canter as well as markets and cultural events in the afternoon.

“Autumn has traditionally been an important season for our region that evokes so much community and civic pride for the wonderful city of Armidale,” said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.

“The Autumn Festival not only marks the beginning of the Autumn season and the change of foliage; it’s also an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate.

“The addition of the Freedom Formation Display Team and its fabulous aerobatic performance will only add to the excitement and anticipation of this great community festival.”