There are thrills and spills promised at this year’s Sultan Summer Show on the weekend of June 28-29, when the Firebird aircraft display takes to the skies over Gosport.

The aerobatic display will feature some of the most difficult and breathtaking manoeuvres, including the ‘torque roll’, when an aircraft falls vertically backwards through its smoke trail.

The Royal Navy’s Raiders parachute display team will also be dropping in.

But traffic from the skies will not be just for the experts, as there will be an opportunity to go aloft in one of the Atlas helicopters which will be offering rides throughout the two days.

Down on the ground the main arena will feature a range of displays, from horses to motorbikes, guns to drums, with jousting by the devil’s Horsemen, the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team, a field gun competition and the Royal Marines Band.

The rest of the showground will be packed with funfair rides, sideshows and food stalls, with a live band and bar area.

Every penny from the show goes directly to local or Naval charities, and Lt Steve McLaughlin, one of the organisers, said: “We have been backed this year by local and national businesses.

“This means we can put on an even bigger and better show for our visitors, who have been so supportive to our men and women serving in the Gulf.”

Last year the money raised totalled more than £22,000, and went to various causes, including the Gosport War Memorial Hospital, the RSPCA’s Ark Sanctuary at Stubbington and The Rowans Hospice.

Tickets will be available on the day, or can be bought at reduced prices in advance. For more information, see www.sultansummershow.org