RAF TO FLY EPIC ‘EIIR’ TRIBUTE AT AIR TATTOO

The dramatic flypast of RAF Hawks that flew over Windsor Castle at the weekend as part of the Armed Forces' tribute to HM The Queen will provide the centrepiece of the Royal International Air Tattoo's Diamond Jubilee celebrations at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer.

Visitors to the airshow on July 7-8 will be able to see a repeat of the EIIR flypast, comprising 27 BAE Systems' Hawk fast jets from RAF Valley in Anglesey and RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.

Other Diamond Jubilee attractions will include specially-painted aircraft, a display of current and historic aircraft with 'Royal' connections and a Diamond Jubilee Lawn featuring a wide variety of themed attractions with a street party atmosphere.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said the Air Tattoo would provide the perfect complement to this summer's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He said: "Mass flypasts are only rarely staged because of the incredible amount of practice and planning involved. To have the opportunity to feature the EIIR element of the Armed Forces' official tribute to the Queen at Fairford is not only a great honour but it will also provide a wonderful spectacle for our visitors."

Also at the Air Tattoo will be a number of legendary aircraft also celebrating their 60th anniversaries, including the Vulcan bomber, the US Air Force B-52 and the Vampire T11.

This summer's Air Tattoo will feature aircraft from around the world, including South Korea, Russia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The eight-hour flying programme includes the European debut of the United Arab Emirates' Al Fursan display team, the Red Arrows and the unique MV-22 Osprey.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Tickets, priced from £39, are available from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940.  All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.