Published: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 5:00pm

National Country Fair

The Yakovlevs will perform at Ballinlough Castle this year.

This year's Irish National Country Fair at Ballinlough Castle on the August bank holiday weekend July 31 and August 1 will hit new heights when the sky resonates with the sound of the Yakovlevs, Europe's top aerobatic stunt team and their formation of Russian built Yak 52 stunt aircraft.

The Yakovlevs are making their first visit to Ireland, for the two-day fair. Their display programme has been developed with all the family in mind as they demonstrate precision flying at its best, showing the unique capabilities of their aircraft.

Marked in their distinctive colour scheme, the aircraft will perform close formation manoeuvres and graceful aerobatics. It will be a veritable aerial ballet with breathtaking, head-to-had passes at close range, loops and twists and soaring four-ship formations billowing smoke to highlight their transition through the sky.

Formed in December 1999, the team have continued thrilling the public at more than 300 shows throughout Europe, Asia and North America. They have been seen by an estimated 15 million spectators worldwide and now they make their Irish debut at the National Country Fair.

The 2009 Irish National Country Fair was a resounding success and the event organisers are keen to build upon and improve all aspects of the 2010 show, especially the family entertainment. The line-up of attractions is impressive with clay pigeon shooting, birds of prey, archery, angling, equestrian events, terriers and lurchers, an action packed main arena programme and a food and crafts village already programmed in. An estimated 200 trade stalls from Ireland and the UK will also attend the event. The inclusion of the Yakovlevs Aerobatic Display Team is sure to be a real crowd pleaser at this two-day event.

• nationalcountryfair.ie