The Eurofighter has made a pass or two

Almost 250,000 people are expected at RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on Saturday and Sunday.

This year RIAT is celebrating the centenary of the Wright brothers' landmark flight, when Wilbur and Orville Wright took off for the first time on December 17, 1903 in North Carolina.

Security has been stepped up after the demonstrations at the base during the Iraq war, with VIPs guarded round the clock.

And new parking arrangements have been introduced to try and deal with the inevitable jams.

And a B2 stealth bomber has also put in an appearance

A spokesman for RIAT said: "We will lead with Europe's biggest celebration of 100 years of flight, creating themed decades to trace mankind's century-long quest to conquer the skies.

"The trademark eight-hour flying display takes off at 1000 BST on both Saturday and Sunday, with the Red Arrows expected," he added.

Spectators are also being asked to respect the homes and countryside near the base.

The crowds are expected to drive through the Cotswold roads of Kempsford and Whelford and some villagers say they often find themselves trapped in their own homes due to heavy traffic.

Benevolent fund

They are appealing to motorists to be sensitive to their needs.

A B2 stealth bomber, the Eurofighter and the WAH-64D Apache, the Army's latest attack helicopter, will be on show.

And for the traditionalists, there are plenty of vintage planes, including the world's oldest flying aircraft, a 1912 Etrich Taube from Germany.

All money raised goes to the RAF Benevolent Fund.