THIS year’s Royal Air Tattoo is looking to be a sell-out affair, with tickets for the Saturday expected to be snapped up in a fortnight.

Punters have until Sunday, May 31 to purchase specially-priced early bird tickets to the popular Fairford spectacle, which will run from July 17 to 19.

Early bird tickets have a £5 discount on full-price passes, which start at £46.

Tickets for all the enclosures for Saturday, July 18 are already sold out and only a few tickets for the Viewing Village Garden are still available.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said a number of factors had contributed towards the current surge in ticket sales.

He said: “After last summer’s 140,000 sell out, people don’t want to miss out this year.

“By securing early bird tickets by the May 31 deadline, they’ll not only be guaranteed a great day out but they will be making a saving of £5 off the cost of a standard advance ticket.

“We had great feedback from the public following last summer’s airshow and this, combined with some rare and exciting aerial displays and flypasts planned for July, has whetted people’s appetites.

“The airshow weekend also marks the start of the summer holidays for many and with free entry to all under-16s, families see our event as a fabulous value for money day out.”

Organisers also believe this year’s RIAT will feature the last ever appearance at RAF Fairford of the world’s only airworthy Vulcan bomber The Cold War icon – which is one of the greatest achievements of British aerospace engineering – was used by the RAF between 1956-84 and formed the backbone of Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.

The eight-hour airshow will also feature a flypast of more than 20 historic aircraft, which will be the centrepiece of commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

It will include some of the most famous warplanes of the Second World War, including a Bristol Blenheim, five Hawker Hurricanes, 12 Supermarine Spitfires – including a naval Seafire – and a Hispano Buchón to depict the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Air tattoo chief executive Andy Armstrong said: “The sight of so many historic Battle of Britain-era aircraft flying in formation is sure to be a highlight of this year’s air tattoo.

“Our thanks go to all the operators who have agreed to take part in what we intend to be a fitting and spectacular salute.”

In March, organisers also confirmed that the world-famous Red Arrows display team will also be performing at the tattoo.

Visitors will also be able to view a wide range of aircraft in the Showground and enjoy interactive activities for the whole family, including the Techno Zone and the the Adrenalin Zone.

There will also be a Vintage Village, which will take visitors back in time with re-enactors, aircraft, cars, shopping and entertainment from the Battle of Britain.

New this year is the Autodrome, where Top Gear meets Top Gun, and recognises the connection between fast cars, motorbikes and aircraft.

Tickets are only available in advance via www.airtattoo.com or on 0800 107 1940.