RNAS Culdrose has announced the date for Air Day next year.

This will stick with the Thursday – rather than a Wednesday – which was trialled for the first time this year.

It means Air Day 2015 will take place on Thursday, July 30.

It is the one day of the year when members of the public can gain access behind the normally closed security gates of the Royal Navy helicopter base, to enjoy flying displays in the air and demonstrations and activities on the ground.

Captain Mark Garratt, the commanding officer of Culdrose, said: “Air Day 2014 was a fantastic event, with a record numbers of visitors attending from across Cornwall and beyond.

“Now that we have set the date for 2015, my team will start to book aircraft for the air display and military acts for the arena.

“We will work hard to make it another day to remember and hope to have some very special visitors in the air and on the ground.”

He added that Culdrose’s Air Day was “quite different” from the other air shows in the UK, explaining: “As one of the few events held within a military establishment, it is often the only opportunity for non-military personnel to come into our world and find out about life in the armed forces.

“It is a day when we invite the general public to meet those serving on frontline squadrons, learn about our outstanding training facilities, get close to our helicopters and learn about the operations that we are involved in across the world.”

A list of aircraft taking part in the event will be announced next year, but Captain Mark confirmed that the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm would be among those attending in force, showing off the Lynx, the new Merlin and the Sea King.

“The nimble Hawks of 736 Naval Air Squadron will show off their agility and speed and it will be the last Air Day that the search and rescue Sea Kings of 771 Naval Air Squadron will perform.

“We are also hoping to welcome fast jets, aerobatic display teams, historic jets and veteran aircraft, in particular the Royal Navy Historic Flight,” he added.

Tickets for the event will be on sale in the New Year. More information about the event and a list of display aircraft will be available soon at www.culdroseairday.com