Enthralling air-ground entertainment!

To complement the airborne attractions visitors can spring up on bungee trampolines, take off on flight simulators, scale a climbing wall or bob along inside one of the entrancing Water Walkers!

The thrilling flying programme, starting at around 1.30pm each day, includes displays from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Falcons Parachute Team, Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano, Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Breitling Wingwalkers, P-51 Mustang, The Blades Aerobatic Team and the Gnat Pair.

And from around 10am each day there's plenty more fun at your feet - such as the army's assault course.

Or you can see others being put through their paces in a survival of the fittest contest between members of the armed forces - not to mention the popular appearance of Titan the Robot, back by popular demand to put his best foot forward.

To get really down to earth the BBC's Dig In team will be stationed in Prittlewell Square from 11am till 6pm on both days, where you can meet Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins and find out more about growing your own veg. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/digin for more details.

Also new for this year will be the guest appearance of the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory Roadshow from 10am till 6pm. Join them to explore, stretch and explode science live on stage in their free shows every hour, and then have a go yourself in the amazing Interactive Area.

It's a great chance to meet the presenters and ask them your science questions, or do some street science with Dr. Yan. Find out more at www.bbc.co.uk/bang

Don't miss the military town shows from each of the armed services featuring static aircraft, weaponry, a 'Meet the Pilots' area from the RAF, a Chieftain tank and a Challenger tank.

Meanwhile on the airwaves will be Radio Airshow on 1530 MW from BBC Essex to narrate all the day's events.

Southend Radio Roadshow features tribute acts, dance groups and the magnetic Essex Pirates Basketball Team. 

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor Ian Robertson, said: "The countdown is now on for the thoroughly spectacular Southend Air Festival 2010, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

"It is a terrific opportunity for free outdoor entertainment for all the family.

"We are very proud to be hosting one of Europe 's largest free air shows which brings in hundreds of thousands of people over the two days.

"This tremendous event is a major attraction for our residents and visitors, which firmly puts Southend on the national and international map."