Guys,
All may not be lost.
For the Red Bull Air Race in Ireland last weekend, you could gain entry, without a ticket, so long as you showed your pilots licence.
I heard this third hand, and was skeptical, so sent Red Bull Air Races an email. A very helpful lady called me back later in the day and confirmed, that so long as I showed my licence at the entry point on the day, I didn't need a ticket, and I could also bring a non-pilot guest with me.
Worked a treat.
Worth checking out for the UK event.
It's a great event! I really enjoyed it.
dp