SOME events are so big that they unite both real enthusiasts and families who are simply

looking for a good day out.

This year's Evening Press-sponsored Great Yorkshire Air Show at Elvington, near York, fits into that category. More exhibitors than ever before have signed up to help make the August Bank Holiday one to thrill everybody.

Airborne attractions will include the Red Arrows, RAF Harrier jump-jet display team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and there will be a wide range of stalls, many run by people who would have been at this year's Great Yorkshire Show.

Stuart Pickering, of event organisers Manorborn, says: "This is a real chance for people in the whole of the region to enjoy a really good day out. That applies to the air enthusiasts, and to people who just want to see a good show, featuring four hours of continuous flight activity, plus plenty of things on the ground, too."

It is hoped that the Avro Lancaster Second World War heavy bomber will land during the event, allowing visitors a close-up look at this historic warplane. Other highlights include displays by the Royal Naval Historic Flight, the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers and, making their debut at Elvington, the RAF Falcon sky diving team.

Visitors can enjoy a ride on a helicopter, and wing-walkers, flight simulators and a fairground also number among the event's many attractions.

Stuart added: "We were extremely pleased with the response to the appeal for stallholders, who had been so disappointed by the loss of the Great Yorkshire Show. We can promise them a good day, just as we can for anyone who comes along to enjoy the atmosphere."

The show takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday and Monday, with a three and a half hour display taking place each day.

Gates open at 8.30, runway displays start at 11am and the air display at 1pm.

Event organiser Ken Cothliff is also promising to put together the best ever display to mark the event's tenth anniversary.

He adds: "This is the North's premier air show, and we are determined to make it an event to remember.

"Elvington airfield, with its new single runway layout, provides the public with a fantastic view of the display aircraft.

"It will definitely be the biggest and best display put on at Elvington. We are predicting record crowds, and expect people to come from all over the North of England."

It will be the second major event of the summer at Elvington.

In June, a full day of activity for all the family included a flight by a Lynx helicopter and the new RAF version of the Westland-Augusta EH 101 'Merlin' attack/medium lift helicopter making its first ever public appearance at the show.

Other attractions at that event included the Red Devils Parachute Display Team, thrilling the crowds with a breathtaking free fall jump, followed by the Red Arrows performing a full aerobatic display.

n For this weekend's Great Yorkshire Airshow, there is a ticket booking and information hotline on (01759) 305851.

Daily tickets cost: Adults £12 on the day; £10 pre-booked. OAP's £10 on the day, £8 pre-booked. Children under 12: £6 on the day, £5 pre-booked. A family ticket (two adults, two children) costs £32 on the day, £27 pre-booked. There are camping and caravanning facilities on site.