Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which includes an exhilarating line-up of aerial entertainment and on-the-ground fun.

In the air, acts performing include the amazing Team Breitling, the world's only formation wing-walking team. The all-female team of wing-walkers will perform graceful but death-defying stunts on top of the wings of their Boeing Steaman bi-planes while travelling at speeds of up to 150mph. The Aerostar display team is also set to amaze the crowds with a performance of complex vertical aerobatics and gyroscopic manoeuvres.

Other aircraft flying in on the day include the Hunter jet with its attention-grabbing colour scheme, an historic RAF Dakota, Starduster and Tiger Moth biplanes, a Hawk Jet and the Pitts Special high performance aerobatic aircraft. A Vampire jet-engine fighter, Tutor training aircraft and the elegant gliding displays of the Swift Aerobatic team will also feature.

Marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a Supermarine Spitfire will take to the air, a reminder of the vital role the aircraft played in the wartime defence of the UK.

A replica Spitfire on loan from the Imperial War Museum will also be on show outside the Museum's military hangar and visitors can also see a real example of the aircraft amongst the Museum's own collections.

A host of family-friendly entertainment will be available on the ground including Scotland's cycle stunt team The Clan, the Quack Commandos, the Victory Craft and Music Marquee and a fun fair.

A Family Activity Zone will contain a fabulous selection of activities and events to keep children occupied, ranging from traditional street games and tips for creating top-flight paper aeroplanes to the chance to try on some real flying clothing from the Second World War.

The entertainment line-up also includes Oscar the interactive robot and Rampaging Chariots, powerful robots that race around a challenging obstacle course. The Airshow will also see an appearance by Baxterbear, the mascot of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Grant MacKenzie, general manager at the National Museum of Flight said: "The Airshow isn't just about the displays in the air as we have lots of activity on-the-ground to keep people entertained. There's a mix of family fun, aviation history and science and we've also included some local musicians to add to the atmosphere on the day."

The National Museum of Flight's new Jet Age exhibition will also be open for visitors. Housed inside the front fuselage of a massive Boeing 707, it tells the story of the original jet-set era of the 1960s.

The newly restored Parachute Store will be on show and families can also experience the hugely popular interactive displays of the attraction's Fantastic Flight exhibition. A limited number of boarding passes for supersonic icon Concorde will be available on the day.