PLANES from across the world thundered over crowds of spectators at RAF Fairford for the opening day of the Royal International Air Tattoo yesterday.

Eager enthusiasts arrived early at the site to get the best seat in the stands, with fighter jets roaring overhead as long queues of traffic prevented some getting in to see the first displays.

The air show, the largest display of military and civilian planes in the world, drew record numbers this year because of the extra special occasion marking the centenary of the RAF.

After a parade by the Queens Colour Squadron in front of HRH The Duke of Kent and HRH Prince Michael of Kent, The Red Arrows lit up the sky with their impressive and colourful displays.

But the main event of the day, the fly past of 50 RAF aircraft to celebrate the RAF 100, was called off at the last minute due to sudden downpour.

Howard Chandler, a retired RAF pilot from Royal Wootton Bassett, who had previously flown a hawker hurricane for the airshow in 1988, added: “It was amazing the difference in the number of people watching when the Red Arrows came out, it’s quite obvious how much they’re loved by the great British public. The A400s were also very impressive."

Chris Chandler, also from Royal Wootton Bassett, added: "We liked the displays and thought the Red Arrows were doing very well. The Swiss one in particular was different, so we’ve had a lovely time. There were still new formations and arrangements, having seen them many times before."

The couple took the red route to Fairford and managed to avoid the worst of the traffic, which saw some people queuing up to an hour and half on the blue route. “We went all the way round on the the A419 on the red route through Lechlade, it flowed very well,” said Chris.

David Owsnett, from near Abington, said: “It’s my third time year but I had to be here this year because of the hundred-year anniversary. What I really like is the spectacle, the majesty of the seeing an aeroplane dancing in the sky, it’s just amazing.

Scorching weather and mostly clear skies ensured the displays throughout the morning went ahead as planned, but the rain just before the RAF flypast was about to happen put a damper on the main event of the day.

Mark Goodman, from Highworth, said: “If it had been 15 minutes earlier or later it would have been perfect so it’s a shame to have missed that but I’m sure we’ll get another chance to see it over the weekend. We can watch it all from our garden at home but its good to get down here and be amongst it.

“The variety of planes on display has been really impressive, and I’m not an enthusiast but I can see why some people are. Some of knowledge they have about the planes is really amazing.”

The RAF will stage its RAF100 themed flypast on Saturday and Sunday with a diamond nine of RAF Typhoons and a special 617 Squadron Tribute using the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, a Tornado GR4 and the new stealth fighter jet, the F-35B Lightning.