Organisers of the world's greatest airshow will once again deliver a first-class feast of flying entertainment for aviation fans around the globe next month.

Whilst airshow supporters will have to wait until July 15-17, 2022, to experience an actual Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, they will be able to enjoy the next best thing with a six-hour, free-to-view, live-streamed virtual event on Saturday, July 17, from 10am to 4pm.

The event follows the success of last year's inaugural Virtual Air Tattoo.

Presented once again by Air Tattoo commentators and aviation experts Ben Dunnell and Mark Manwaring, the exclusive programme will feature contributions from the Royal Air Force and airarms from around the globe.

Making a welcome return will be the virtual flying aces who wowed viewers last year with their aerobatic displays flown, like their real military counterparts, with pinpoint precision.

And with no actual Air Tattoo taking place this summer, it will be left to the virtual event to turn the spotlight on the airshow's 50th anniversary with specially filmed packages celebrating this important aviation milestone.

The programme will be filmed by Planes TV and hosted from a live studio in Fairford. As well as featuring new content, special guests and interviews, the show will invite viewers' questions via social media, making the Virtual Air Tattoo a truly interactive experience.

Air Tattoo head of marketing Helen Webb said: "Last year's virtual event attracted an audience of over a million. We received so much positive feedback that we were determined to build on its success.

"Next month's Virtual Air Tattoo will look to capture some of the thrills and excitement we would have all enjoyed had we been able to stage the real thing. This includes making sure we have the opportunity to celebrate the airshow's 50th anniversary. It will be an unmissable event for aviation fans."

During the event, viewers will have the opportunity to donate to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo's parent charity. Text TRUST to 70490 to donate £5 (texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message). Also through Virgin Money Giving: https://bit.ly/rafcharitable