TWO aerial anniversaries will be marked at this year's Kemble Air Show.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the 70th anniversary of Kemble Airfield.

And celebrations for both milestones will be held at this weekend's airshow.

It is hoped that this weekend will go with a bang - as the RAF demonstrates a mock airfield attack, which will involve plenty of smoke and explosions.

"Only seven airshows across the UK are lucky enough to get this spectacular display," said day organiser Glen Moreman.

"Kemble is by the far the best of these simply because it's smaller, so people get a better, closer view.

"It's also the only air show where the flying aircraft park amongst the public, so everyone gets a grandstand view right from when the pilots strap in."

The day's flying display will include two Spitfires, a Hurricane, a Dakota and a Mustang.

But it will not only be blasts from the past. Post-war jets, including Hunters and a Jet Provost, will also be flying alongside a Gnat, once a familiar sight in Gloucestershire as the base of the Red Arrows.

Modern hardware in the shape of Tornados and a Eurofighter Typhoon will also be showing off their capabilities.

Visitors will have the chance to inspect at close quarters the massive C-17 Globemaster, the RAF's biggest - and newest - transport aircraft.

And many other historic and modern aircraft will be taking part in both the flying and static displays.

The flying display begins at 11am and ends at around 5.30pm.

Not everything airbourne will be an aircraft.

Around a dozen hot-air balloons, including, a 60 ft high house, belonging to the Stroud & Swindon Building Society, and a 100-foot fire extinguisher, belonging to Chubb, will close the show with an ascent at 6.30pm - if the weather is right.

Adult tickets in advance are £18.50 or £25 on the day. Children's tickets are £5 and children under five get free entry.

To book call 0871 231 0827.