Crowds of 200,000 are expected at the weekend

They say they are hoping for big crowds at this weekend's event to recoup some of the money.

The loss is blamed on last year's air show clashing with the British Grand Prix and pessimistic weather forecasts keeping people away.

Optimistic organisers are hoping for about 200,000 visitors this year.

Teenagers' preview

Meanwhile, thousands of teenagers gather at RAF Fairford on Friday, ahead of the start of the tattoo.

About 20,000 young people, interested in a career in the forces, have been invited for a day of outdoor events prior to the weekend's air show.

The teenagers will be treated to their own air show and a concert by Javine, the singer from Pop Stars the Rivals.

This year, to try to ease traffic congestion, two new routes to the Cotswold base have been introduced.

There will also be much stricter enforcement of parking restrictions with the issue of �30 fixed penalty tickets to offenders.

More than 400 aircraft are taking part in what it is hoped will be a mammoth show.