THE Royal International Air Tattoo is returning to RAF Fairford for the first time in three years.

Covid forced organisers to cancel the 2020 and 2021 air shows but the spectacular event will be back on July 15-17 with around 170,000 visitors expected at the military base.

This year's show will feature a celebration of the United States Air Force's 75th anniversary as well as a theme based around training the next generation of the air force.

A spokesman said: "Today the Royal International Air Tattoo has a global reputation for delivering the world's most spectacular showcase of modern military aviation and providing unique engagement opportunities for the world's air forces to meet annually at RAF Fairford.

"To date, 56 nations from across the world have participated at the Air Tattoo, sending aircraft for our visitors to admire. However, the Air Tattoo grew from humble beginnings, with the first event held at North Weald Airfield in 1971 having around 100 aircraft on display.

"To this day, RIAT 2003 holds the Guinness World Record for the largest military airshow, with 535 aircraft present at the event to celebrate 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight.

"RIAT 2018 was the largest event in recent years, with over 300 aircraft coming together for the international celebration of the Royal Air Force's centenary.

"Sadly the global coronavirus pandemic prevented us from celebrating the Air Tattoo's 50th Anniversary to full effect in 2021.

"But as we look onwards to our next half-century, our ambition remains for the Royal International Air Tattoo to maintain it's stature of the world's greatest airshow, with over 150,000 visitors expected to be entertained by the best aviation action the world has to offer.

Aircraft confirmed for the event include the British Aerospace Hawk Mk.51 from Finland, six SAAB T-17 Supporters from Denmark, as well as the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C and nine Pilatus PC-7s from Sweden, with many more to be announced.

The Vintage Village, Techno Zone, RAF Experience and Activity Zone will all be returning as well.

In 2019, the showground opened at 7.30am and displays ran from 10am to 5.30pm. They included a memorial flight for the Battle of Britain  with an Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, as well as an appearance by the Red Arrows and their Italian equivalent, the Frecce Tricolori.

For more information, visit www.airtattoo.com