A FLYING spectacular that has raised more than £200,000 for charity is set for take-off on August 2 and 3.

The By-Gone Days weekend, which is now in its 24th year, will be held at Brooklands Farm, South Gorley, Fordingbridge.

Vintage vehicles, brass bands, a dog show plus acrobatics from a Tiger Moth, Messchersmit dogfights and performances from the Yakovlevs Aerobatic team will entertain the crowds.

And there will be book stalls, bric-a-brac, rural crafts, Gypsy caravans plus tractors, steam and stationary engines, military vehicles and motorcycles.

There will also be a Roaring Forties concert performed by Hyde Band and on Saturday, August 9, the Wessex Ceilidh Frolic with the Hambledon Hopsteps will perform at Brooklands Farm.

The show is held on what was part of the Second World War airfield RAF Ibsley, using some of the original buildings.

The weekend has supported three main charities – Salisbury Hospice, Salisbury Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal British Legion Women’s Section Benevolent Fund.

One of the organisers of the event Elaine Micklewright said: “It is hard to comprehend it will be the 24th By-Gone Days this year.

“We started in 1991 and raised £802, which seemed absolutely wonderful during the short, two-hour event.

“By-Gone Days has grown like Topsy from a one-day show to the two-day show we run at present, with visitors coming from all over the world.

“Being part of RAF Ibsley and visitors being able to see the old buildings is both historical and interesting and causes much conversation and people appreciate these buildings are being used.

“The highlight for many is seeing and hearing the aircraft.”

Admission costs £4 and gates open at 10.30am on both days. Tickets are available at £10 for the Ceilidh concert on August 9 – ring 01425 652499.