A Red Devils parachute display is one of the highlights

The Aldershot Army Show this weekend is the final event to mark the setting up of the first garrison in the Hampshire town in 1854.

Highlights of the two-day event include the White Helmets motorcycle team, the Red Devils parachute display team and a host of regimental bands.

Organisers estimate 60,000 people will visit the festival, which is free.

The King's Troops Royal Horse Artillery and the Blue Eagles helicopter display team are also performing and returning to the show is Lance-Corporal Adele Murray of the Red Devils, who broke her leg during the display last year.

Soldiers have been based at Aldershot since the Crimean War

Ms Murray, 26, who had vowed to make a full recovery, jumped with the team at 1230 BST on Saturday.

Other attractions include a fun fair, hovercraft and helicopter rides and vintage car displays.

Colonel Stephen Oxlade, Aldershot garrison commander, said: "This year's show will be even bigger and better than last year.

"It is especially important to us as 2004 is the 150th anniversary of the Army setting up home in Aldershot.

"The military are a big part of the community around Aldershot, and this is a great opportunity for all the family to come along and spend some time with us."

In 1854 the Army bought 12,000 acres of land at �12 an acre in what was then the village of Aldershot.

The need to train troops for the Crimean War meant the new camp quickly grew in size and by the 20th Century was home to some 25,000 servicemen and women.

This April, more than 1,500 soldiers and veterans paraded before the Princess Royal on the streets of Aldershot to mark the anniversary.