THE Royal International Air Tattoo kicked off the this year's event by displaying the new Queen’s Colour in a ceremonial parade.

Celebrating the centenary of the Royal Air Force, Air Tattoo visitors and a Royal Party, comprising of the Royal Highnesses, The Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent, and air chief marshall Sir Stephen Hillier watched as The Queen’s Colour Squadron and Central Band of the Royal Air Force marched past in formation.

The Parade was commanded by squadron leader Ben Alcock, whilst flying officer Joseph Sentence escorted the Colour, a 3ft 9ins light blue silk square flag, embellished with mixed blue and white tassels, the Royal Cipher, the Union Flag and three roundels.

The Queen’s Colour is the senior ceremonial flag of the RAF flown for those living and for all those who have died for the Queen.

In total, four Officers, 104 Gunners from 63 Squadron RAF Regiment and 45 musicians took part in the Parade.

Air Tattoo marketing director, Shane Bellamy said: “It’s a privilege to have the first public appearance of the new Queen’s Colour here at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, helping everybody at the show and watching from afar to commemorate and look forward to an inspiring future for both the RAF and the Air Tattoo.”

Following the parade, a Royal review took place, where HRH Prince Michael of Kent toured aircrafts from the Ukrainian Air Force and the United States Air Force from around the world.

The Duke of Kent reviewed RAF aircrafts and met veterans in the vintage village, whilst The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, the Veterans’ Minister, toured the RAF Experience and the techno zone.

Fairford resident, Mrs Morgan, added: “As we live locally, we are lucky enough to experience excellent views from the comfort of our own home but as it is the centenary, we have made a special trip to see the Queen’s Colour Squadron Parade and Royal Review.

“My husband was in the RAF and the Air Tattoo seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the Air Force.”