The Royal International Air Tattoo 2004 at RAF Fairford will take place on Sat July 17 and Sun July 18. 
(20 Pictures)
Every year the event attracts hordes of aviation enthusiasts - last year just under 200 thousand turned up from far and wide. This year, once again, promises to be a feast of flight-related fun. Lust for thrust From the heart-stopping precision flying of the Red Arrows to the jaw-dropping aerial displays by many of the world's leading 'Top Gun' pilots, Europe's largest airshow is guaranteed to satisfy everyone's lust for thrust.  | | The Red Arrows |
And on the ground there'll be more family entertainment with a concert, hot air balloons, stalls, exhibits, roadshows and virtual reality rides. D-day As well as the usual air displays there'll be a special tribute, marking the 60th anniversary of D-day - arguably the most pivotal day of World War Two. Sixty years on, The Royal International Air Tattoo will host an MoD-sponsored tribute to this epic 'invasion' by recreating the sights and sounds of a D-day airfield featuring some of the aircraft that contributed to its success, such as Dakotas, Mustangs, Spitfires, Lancaster and Austers.  | | The Red Arrows followed by a Stealth Fighter |
Entente Cordiale To mark the centenary of the signing of the historic 'Entente Cordiale', Tattoo organisers are promising a unique aerial display that will surpass last year's stunning joint flypast by the Red Arrows and a USAF F-117A stealth bomber. In addition, there will be a feast of Anglo-French entertainment - in the air and on the ground - to highlight the ties that unite the two countries. Happy Birthday Herk Another anniversary will be marked at the Tattoo this year. It's 50 years since the introduction of the 'workhorse' aircraft, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. The Tattoo will spotlight the aircraft's versatility in areas such as search and rescue, famine relief, in-flight refuelling, and firefighting. Fighter 04 This year's operational theme Fighter 04 will see one of the largest collections of fighter aircraft from around the world including the Hunter, F-15, F-16, Tornado, Sea Harrier, the Mirage 2000 and Typhoon. It promises to be an unforgettable display of their air defence and air superiority capabilities. The Great Escape Joining the Tattoo to mark the 60th anniversary of The Great Escape will be the last two surviving UK-based veterans of The Great Escape. They will join a special tribute to those who took part in one of most daring - and infamous - episodes of World War Two history. The Hawk To mark another milestone - 30 years of production of the BAE SYSTEMS' Hawk - the Royal International Air Tattoo will highlight its appeal. Such is its speed and manoeuvrability, it has been the Red Arrows' aircraft of choice since 1980. As the Hawk celebrates its birthday, the world-famous Reds will be at The Tattoo to celebrate another landmark - their 40th display season. Event Timetable July 17-18
Gates open: 7.30am
Flying Display 10.00am: 6.00pm
Evening Concert: 6.00pm-8.15pm
Airfield Closes: 9.30pm Admission Charges
Advance Adult: £29.95
On-the day Adult: £35
Children 15 and under FREE
Car Parking Free with an admission ticket
Find out more from the RIAT official site
View photos of previous events and aircraft that will be on display:-
(20 Pictures)
Find about other Gloucestershire festivals on our festival listings page. If you would like to comment on this story get in touch at [email protected]or have your say on our messageboard | 
The 'roar' power of some of the world's most awesome flying machines will be unleashed into the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this weekend. We preview the RIAT.
