AIRCRAFT carrier HMS Illustrious will take centre stage as the curtain comes down on Fly Navy 100 celebrations next month on the Mersey.

The nation’s flagship visits Liverpool from Thursday, October 22, to Tuesday, October 27, to celebrate the centennial of naval aviation.

Around 40 current and historic helicopters, jets (including two Harriers) and prop-driven aircraft are due to take part in a Balbo formation – named after the Italian aviator who flew co-ordinated large groups of aircraft.

The formation, tiered at different heights, will fly along the Mersey from south to north, passing over the carrier at the Cruise Liner Berth, at 2pm on October 23.

The RN Balbo has been a regular sight at airshows over the summer.

Commodore John Madgwick, Royal Navy regional commander Northern England, based in Liverpool, said: “This is the premier North of England and Scotland event for the centenary of Royal Navy aviation.

“It’s a highly appropriate setting as the first purpose-built Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal was built here in 1938 at Cammell Laird shipyard, Birkenhead.”

Commodore Madgwick has been the driving force in bringing the Navy’s greatest warships to Liverpool.