This year is the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, and Fairford's Air Tattoo has been chosen as one of a select few UK venues to host official celebrations.

To mark the occasion, Tattoo organisers are planning an array of Anglo-French entertainment to highlight the relationship between the two countries.

Friendly

Tattoo director Paul Bowen said, "The friendly understanding contained in this historic document has helped both nations focus on the fact that there is a lot more that unites our two countries than divides us.

"The Tattoo will aim to demonstrate these strong links with a series of Anglo-French events designed to illustrate our unique and enduring friendship."

The C-130 Hercules in flight

Historic

There are a number of historic anniversaries being marked at this year's Tattoo.

The Tattoo will aim to demonstrate these strong links with a series of Anglo-French events...

Paul Bowen

There will be an MOD-funded recreation of a D-Day airfield to highlight RAF Fairford's key role in the landings 60 years ago, which proved pivotal to the course of the war.

2004 also sees the 60th anniversary of The Great Escape, veterans of which will be joining a special commemoration.

Jimmy James, Dick Churchill and Ken Rees, all of whom took part in the legendary escape bid, will be attending the Tattoo.

Hercules

As well as enjoying a display of the world's greatest fighter aircraft, visitors will also be able to enjoy the largest ever peacetime gathering of the C-130 Hercules.

................................................

If you would like to write reviews for the BBC website for Gloucestershire please get in touch. Fill in the form here.