This month marks the return of one of the most anticipated air shows in the country. Farnborough will once again be opening its doors to the general public to experience a two day aviation extravaganza on July 19 and 20. With a real focus on family activities, there will be even more on offer this year to keep you entertained.

The theme for the public air show is 100 years of aviation and will feature aircraft from every decade of the past century. The Great War Display Team will kick things off in commemoration of the start of the First World War, followed by WW2 classic DC-3 Dakota, the Falklands War hero - the Sea Harrier plus the Meteor and Vampire and the F-86 Sabre to name just a few. Add the aerobatic delights of the Breitling Wingwalkers, the Aerostars and the Red Arrows and you’ve got a five hour display programme that is guaranteed to get your pulses racing.

As well as the aircraft roaring above your heads, there will also be a vast number of static craft for you to see up close. From military training aircraft to the vintage collection featuring the likes of the Sopwith Camel, Wright Flyer and Bleriot XI, the opportunity to see these rare planes shouldn’t be missed.

For those whose interest lies beyond the clouds, head to this year’s Space Zone to get up close and personal with satellites and rockets and meet and chat to real astronauts. The interactive area will be fantastic fun for both kids and adults and with exhibits from the UK and European Space Agencies, Roscosmos and EPAC, you’ll be sure to find out all about what the future holds for space travel.

Finally, if you’re visiting with children then the Labyrinth of Invention is one for you. Let aviation pioneer Samuel Cody introduce you to an amazing journey through 100 years of aviation. Be prepared for an immersive experience featuring live actors and special effects as well as physical and mental challenges. The history of aviation comes vividly to life as you journey through an aircraft factory, explorer’s maze and pilot’s camp; you are able to see, hear, touch and contribute to its story. You do need to book tickets, costing £6 for adults and £4 for children. Book in advance on www.farnborough.com to reserve your time slot that fits in with your day and the flying programme.

Crowd pleaser

A new feature for this year is Farnborough Airshow Live, which promises to bring the colour, excitement and thrills of the world’s best aviation show to life on stage and screen.

Children’s TV stars Angellica Bell and Michael Underwood will present an entertaining mix of interviews, competitions and film reports from a purpose built stage in the heart of the public arena.

They’ll meet Farnborough heroes past and present, find out what it’s like to be a pilot in a flying display, chat to famous faces in the crowd and offer competition prizes that money can’t buy.

The entire show will be broadcast live on five huge screens across the Farnborough site and everybody will have an opportunity to join in the fun and entertainment in person and via Twitter, Facebook and Text.

There will be short films reflecting this year’s theme - ‘100 Years of Aviation’ – and a look at the future of aviation courtesy of Airbus.

Crowd pleaser

A new feature for this year is Farnborough Airshow Live, which promises to bring the colour, excitement and thrills of the world’s best aviation show to life on stage and screen.

Children’s TV stars Angellica Bell and Michael Underwood will present an entertaining mix of interviews, competitions and film reports from a purpose built stage in the heart of the public arena.

They’ll meet Farnborough heroes past and present, find out what it’s like to be a pilot in a flying display, chat to famous faces in the crowd and offer competition prizes that money can’t buy.

The entire show will be broadcast live on five huge screens across the Farnborough site and everybody will have an opportunity to join in the fun and entertainment in person and via Twitter, Facebook and Text.

There will be short films reflecting this year’s theme - ‘100 Years of Aviation’ – and a look at the future of aviation courtesy of Airbus.

Getting there

Standard entry to the Show is £45 for adults; children under the age of 16 go free. For those looking for a bit of luxury, there are several options, starting at £59, such as the Silver package which includes deck chair seating in a private enclosure.

Farnborough is well situated for both road and rail travel. There will be a free shuttle bus from the train station to the main Show site as well as free car parking near to the site.