An aerial display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota plane will be part of this year's Armed Forces Day celebrations in Morecambe.
Organisers are hoping the appearance by one of the most famous aircraft from World War Two will help pull crowds of 40,000 when Lancaster and Morecambe Armed Forces Day takes place on the Promenade on Saturday June 21.
The RAF Falcons parachute display team, who were a big hit at last year's event, will also return.
And the Red Devils, the Army's premier parachute display squad, are also being lined up to appear.
Flt Lt Kris Bishop from the organising team made the exclusive announcement of the Dakota, on Beyond Radio's weekly local news show Beyond the Headlines on Friday morning.
LISTEN to Flt Lt Kris Bishop talking about this year's Armed Forces Day celebrations
"The Dakota has just been repainted, and had all its upgrades made to it, so it will be the first time to see the Dakota flying in its current colours," said Flt Lt Bishop.
"We're really excited. We're hoping with the weather being good again we can double the numbers fro 20,000 to 40,000 this year."
The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history, and was widely used by the Allies during World War Two.
The Flight’s Dakota ZA947, named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces.
She is displayed on her own and in Battle of Britain Memorial Flight formations, and also used for training pilots and aircrew for the Flight’s Lancaster.
The Red Devils are pictured below.
The event on June 21 will run from 10am to 5pm and include around 50 stalls with representatives of Forces and blue light services organisations.
The Army, Navy, RAF, parachute regiment, police, fire and ambulance will all be attending, as will local veterans organisations.
There will be STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities for young people and 1940s music at the Platform for Forces veterans.
Displays will be on the central Promenade and gardens, as well as the Midland hotel car park.
At this year's event there will also be a Biker village and a performance by local samba drumming group Samba Espirito.
Armed Forces Day is supported by Morecambe Town Council as major sponsor, and Lancaster City Council.
All displays are weather dependent.
Flt Lt Bishop said last year's event was "phenomenal" as an estimated 20,000 people attended.
Huge crowds gathered on the Promenade in sunny weather to enjoy a display by the RAF Falcons military parachute display team (below).
The Falcons team landed on Morecambe South beach close to the Midland hotel following the breathtaking aerial display.
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
