RAF Cosford Air Show: Event to be 'more spectacular than ever'

The show will be held on June 11 and is expecting to attract about 60,000 visitors.

Air show director Clive Elliott said: "Opening the gates of RAF Cosford is a fantastic chance for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes on an operational Royal Air Force base."

As ever, the air show will be focused around a selection of themes.

Battlefield Support will be the focus for the 2017 show, with the aim of showcasing to the public the aircraft that play an important role in times of conflict, providing help from the air to troops.

Confirmed aircraft as part of the display include the Jaguar, Tornado and Harrier, with BAC Strikemaster set to do a demonstration of close formation flying.

A key attraction on the ground for 2017 will be a simulated forward operating base, which will include vehicles and weapons from across the Ministry of Defence as well as an array of military helicopters.

Peter Reoch, air show operations manager, said "We're really excited about our operational theme of Battlefield Support and we're working to secure aircraft from the UK and overseas to complement the theme.

"It's early days but already we think that this year's displays will be bigger and better than ever before."

Details of aircraft set to take part will appear on the show's website, with more to be announced in the coming months.

For the second year, organisers are offering an incentive to buy early with discounted tickets for anyone who purchases before March 28 2017. Tickets bought before that date will cost £22, with accompanied under-16s going free.

Tickets are advanced purchase only and will not be available to buy on the gate.

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2016 raised £115,000 which will be donated to the RAF Association, RAF Benevolent Fund, RAF Charitable Trust, RAF Museum and local charities to further support and encourage those who are involved with the Royal Air Force and the local community.