Take to the skies in East Fortune

And fun is exactly the name of the game when some of the world's finest aircraft go on display at the National Museum of Flight Airshow in East Fortune next Saturday to an anticipated crowd of more than 10,000 people.

The day-long event is designed to thrill experts and novices alike with an action-packed programme that includes breathtaking wingwalking displays, rarely seen aircraft and daring aerobatic demonstrations at speeds of up to 230mph leaving dramatic smoke trails in the sky.

"We're hoping it will be a really great family day out," says flight director Norm Webster, who is at the helm of this year's show.

"Some of the aircraft have never been shown before in Scotland either, so that should really excite aviation enthusiasts."

For the experts, the line-up is impressive, including a Scottish first with the arrival of OV-10 Bronco, developed in the 1960s for counter insurgency combat - with one of its primary missions being in Vietnam.

There will also be the chance to marvel over the wonder of the Jungmann, the German equivalent of the Tiger Moth, which dates from 1934 and was used as a training aircraft by the Luftwaffe.

"There will also be a chance to see a de Havilland Dragon," says Norm.

"It was one of the country's first internal liners that would travel short-haul distances from the likes of London to Edinburgh."

With just eight seats, the aircraft dates back to the 1930s and was operated by the country's then Railway Air Services (RAS), and offers a stark contrast to the many internal flights the UK boasts today. The list of attractions goes on, with a chance for crowds to take in the wonder of a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter, similar to those piloted by Prince William, as well as a giant UH-1 helicopter as used by the US military.

The UH-1 aircraft on show is a troop carrier of the Vietnam War, which joined the conflict in 1972 with its principal mission to provide tactical air movement of US and Allied troops in connection with the counter-insurgency operations against hostile forces in the country.

There will also be a Skyraider on display - a US single-seat attack bomber from the 1950s measuring an impressive 15 metres in length and with an equally long wing span to boot.

"While the aircraft will always be the main attraction at the airshow, we do find that visitors are increasingly drawn by all of the other entertainment that's available throughout the day as well," says Grant MacKenzie, general manager of the National Museum of Flight.

So if you are thinking the show is just for the aircraft boffins of this world, think again. Taking to the skies will be the Team Breitling Wingwalkers, the world's only formation wingwalking display team, who will stand on the wings of a brightly-painted Boeing Stearman to perform jaw-dropping acrobatics.

The plane will also perform a breathtaking sequence of loops and rolls.

And if the excitement of that is not enough, there will be more aerobatic fun thanks to the RVBtors display team, who will take to the skies to thrill audiences with its complex and speedy manoeuvres - at speeds in excess of 200mph.

Throw in a family activity zone, arts and crafts, and a display from Scotland's cycle stunt team, The Clan, into the mix and the National Museum of Flight Airshow is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

There will also be entertainment from the Haddington Pipe Band, the Rosyth and Leith Concert Band and the Brunton Youth Theatre Company, as well as a chance to watch a short film about East Lothian at War.

"We're just hoping the weather works in our favour now," says Norm.

The airshow takes place next Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Early bird tickets can be bought until Friday, priced at 16 (adult), 14 (concession) and 8 (children aged 5 to 15). Family tickets cost 38. Tickets can also be bought on the day for a slightly higher price. For more information, vist www.nms.ac.uk/airshow