Last flying Vulcan to thrill Cosford Air Show crowds

This year's event will see an array of planes and helicopters taking to the skies above RAF Cosford to dazzle onlookers for the 75th anniversary show.

The highlights include the Red Arrows, a wide range of displays on the ground and the world's last flying Vulcan bomber, which has been to Cosford only once before, in 2009. The iconic aircraft was a huge hit with the 58,000 people who attended the show that year.

The V-Bomber became a symbol of British strength in the years following World War Two and was also used to great effect during the Falklands conflict until it was retired from service in 1984.

Air show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell said: "We know from her display debut here at RAF Cosford in 2009 that the public love her appearance on their day out, so we are thrilled to be able to offer the experience again for the many thousands we are expecting."

But with more than 50,000 people expected to attend, visitors have been warned to expect delays.

Frank Bird, Highways Agency events planning manager, said: "Based on previous years, congestion is likely on the exit slip roads at junction 12 on the M6 and junction 3 of the M54. Our advice to all motorists is to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey.

"We have been working with the event organisers and will be signing a number of routes into the air show and we urge people to follow these signs."

Richard Ewels, a spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We will be seeking to keep any delays to a minimum and urging people to be patient and arrive in good time."

In previous years, visitors have been advised to get the train to Cosford, as the station is next door to the air base.

The air show has teamed up with Arriva Trains Wales to offer a ticket that combines rail travel with event entry. Visitors can get a 20 per cent discount off the on-the-day rate for standard admission.

Flying Officer Sam Jewell, air show spokesman, said: "The relationship we have been able to forge with Arriva Trains Wales provides visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show with a unique opportunity to have direct transport access virtually right up to the entrance gates.

"We are hoping more people than ever choose such a discounted and time-saving method of enjoying this year's spectacle."

Early predictions suggest that the sun should be out all day and temperatures will reach as high as 19C (66F).

As well as the Red Arrows and the Vulcan, there will also be helicopters on display.

Both a Chinook and Apache helicopter will be gracing the skies on Sunday.

The Chinook, operated by the Royal Air Force primarily to support troop movements, will be joined by an Apache attack helicopter from the Army Air Corps. The two aircrafts often operate alongside each other; the heavily-armed Apache helicopters usually work in pairs to act as escorts for the Chinook and the personnel on board, offering an extra layer of protection whilst being transported.

The focus of the displays will be to demonstrate the work carried out by the Medical Emergency Response Teams who are frequently called into the firing line on military operations in order to save the lives of injured personnel.

The organisers have managed to secure an exclusive fly-through by a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The presence of the Brize Norton based C-130 makes Cosford the only RAF air show this year to offer the aircraft in its flying display.

As one of only three remaining RAF-sponsored air shows across the country, the military presence will also include the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with its Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft.

But not all the action will be in the skies. A wide range of ground exhibits will also keep people busy throughout the day.

In addition to the anniversary celebrations a wide variety of other exhibitors will also attend.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy everything from the Cosford Military Wives Choir and a fairground, to aviation artwork specialists and a host of conservation and wildlife groups.

Are you going to the Cosford Air Show? Send your pictures to internet@shropshirestar.co.uk or tweet @ShropshireStar