But only a lucky few will be able to watch.

Instead, you will have to position yourself under the flight path or go to Chatsworth, where the planes will fly over the estate.

Squadron Leader Stu Reid of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be at the controls as the veteran warplane makes three passes over the dam where 617 Squadron practised their "bouncing bomb" technique before the raid in 1943.

But the authorities have learned their lesson from the last flypast when the same Lancaster celebrated the 50th anniversary back in 1993.

Then the valley was jam-packed with cars and people as an estimated 85,000 people turned up to watch.

There were six mile tailbacks on the roads in the area.

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This time it will be a private occasion - for local dignitaries, service organisations and members of the public chosen by ballot.

The road leading to the dam will be closed to unauthorised traffic and parking will be banned on the A57.

"It's a private event by ticket only. There is space for 400 cars," says a spokeswoman for the flight.

If requests for tickets are oversubscribed (see below) they will be put into a ballot and drawn blind to ensure fairness.

The event, which is also part of the RAF's 90th anniversary year, has been organised by the Peak District National Park Authority and Seven-Trent Water, which owns the dam.

They took the decision to exclude the public after talks with the police and emergency organisations. "There was a feeling it was important to mark the occasion," says John Fern of the national park.

The Lancaster - this was the type of bomber used in the attack on the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany's industrial heartland - will be followed by a Spitfire, Hurricane and World War Two Dakota.

Also in the flypast will be two modern Tornadoes from the modern 617 Squadron.

The event will start with a short religious service at 10am conducted by Reverend Sqn Ldr John Ellis, to be followed by the flypast at 10.30pm.

So that people will not miss out the planes will then fly down the Hope Valley and over Chatsworth.


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