AIR Tattoo organisers believe that the Vulcan bombers last ever appearance at RAF Fairford plus a Battle of Britain massed flypast has led to tickets flying off the shelves for the big event this July.

Tickets for the Aviation Club, the Viewing Village Grandstand and the First Class Lounge at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have already sold out for Saturday, July 18 with only a handful available in the remaining enclosures. Airshow admission tickets for the Saturday are expected to sell-out within a fortnight.

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

"After last summer’s 140,000 sell-out, people don’t want to miss out this year," he said. "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 have whetted people’s appetite.

"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."

As well as an eight-hour flying display, visitors will be able to view a wide range of aircraft in the showground and enjoy interactive activities for the whole family.

The Air Tattoo, held this year from July 17-19, is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced earlybird tickets are available until May 31. Visit airtattoo.com for more.