The Weston & Somerset Mercury has joined forces with the organisers to offer visitors to our website a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to Yeovilton Air Day (worth £40).

2007 sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands War and to mark the event the Weston & Somerset Mercury has joined forces with the organisers to offer visitors to our website a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to Yeovilton Air Day (worth £40) to see the show.

As the mounting base for the majority of Royal Navy aircraft, crews and maintainers which took part in that historic operation, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton will be marking the anniversary with the presence of Falklands era aircraft at their International Air Day on Saturday 7th July 2007.

The main purpose of the Air Day is to showcase current and future RN aircraft and underline the enduring importance of maritime air power to our island nation. As in earlier years, this will be achieved through extensive flying and static aircraft display and an exhibition of equipment, which will be on show to an expected audience of 40,000 people.

The roles of Royal Navy in the 21st century include protection of sea lanes, intelligence gathering, counter narcotics, delivering humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and, ultimately, war-fighting. 25 years on from the Falklands conflict and fast approaching the 100th anniversary of the birth of Naval Aviation, in 1909, the Fleet Air Arm remains at the forefront of this effort.

Yeovilton based Commando Sea King and Lynx helicopters and other Maritime Squadrons will feature in the extensive flying programme. Fast jets from around the world will appear too and the Royal Navy Historic Flight and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will provide something rather quieter but just as impressive as we reflect upon our nation’s impressive aviation heritage. The world famous RAF Red Arrows Display Team will be joined by their Swiss Air Force counterparts, the Patrouille Suisse who will be making their one and only display in the UK this year. The finale to the show will be the traditional Commando Assault Demonstration.

A Future Navy hangar, in conjunction with Defence Manufacturers, will provide the ideal opportunity to view the Royal Navy’s latest equipment and new technology through models and interactive displays. The projects we hope to feature include the Joint Strike Fighter, Future Lynx Helicopter, CVF Future Carrier and the Type 45 Destroyer showcasing the Royal Navy’s future capabilities.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum will be open on Air Day. It houses the largest collection of Naval aircraft in Europe and it includes 14 aircraft which cannot be seen anywhere else in the World. Visitors can go on-board Concorde or be transported by a simulated helicopter flight to the replica flightdeck of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL.

There'll be plenty of entertainment on the ground, too, for all the family. A large display of static aircraft is planned with arena displays from the Royal Marines Band and HMS Heron’s Field Gun Crew. The day will also include side shows, funfair, vintage, classic and military vehicles, service demonstrations, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much more.

TICKETS

Adult £16 (ADVANCE) £20 (ON THE DAY)

Senior Citizens £14 (ADVANCE) £20 (ON THE DAY)

Children (Under 16) £3 (ADVANCE) £5 (ON THE DAY)

Tickets are available from our website www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk or our Ticket Line 0870 800 4747 (from 1st Mar 07). For information on group bookings or coach operator packages contact the Air Day Office on 0870 800 4030.

• To be in with a chance of winning – please answer the following question: What is the name of the world famous RAF display team?

• Closes: 9 am on June 21

• Usual Archant rules apply and the editor’s decision is final.