The end is near for Game of Thrones as the epic fantasy show prepares for its penultimate series.

Fans of the HBO smash hit have had to be patient given the decision to not only delay its release until mid July but to also decrease the number of episodes from ten to seven. However those loyal supporters will be delighted to know that the upcoming series has finally unveiled an official trailer which can be seen below:

Following on from the spectacular events of Series Six, the new set of episodes will see Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her growing army (including three dragons!) finally arrive in Westeros as they make preparations to invade. However a new alliance looks to be on the cards as ‘King in the North’ Jon Snow (Kit Harington) heads south in order to meet her in what will undoubtedly be an immense moment for Thrones fans.

Elsewhere, newly-crowned Queen Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) is looking to strengthen her control of King’s Landing with the support of her brother / lover Jamie (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) as they bid to stop Dany and her army from attacking.

We also get footage of Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) embarking on the next stage of her journey while her sister Sansa (Sophie Turner) continues to be manipulated by the cunning Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (Aidan Gillen).

The trailer also gives us glimpses of other key characters including Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen), Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham), Melisandre (Carice Van Houten) and Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson).

The rest of the starry ensemble returning for Series 7 are Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran Stark), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne), Rory McCann (Sandor “The Hound” Clegane), Conleth Hill (Varys), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane), Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont), John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Hannah Murray (Gilly), Jerome Flynn (Bronn), Diana Rigg (Olenna Tyrell), Daniel Portman (Podrick Payne),  Jacob Anderson (Greyworm), Ellie Kendrick (Meera Reed), Anton Lesser (Qyburn), Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy), Pilou Asbaek (Euron Grejoy), Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand), Keisha Castle-Hughes (Obara Sand), Rosabell Laurenti Sellers (Tyene Sand), Jessica Henwick (Nymeria Sand), Richard Dormer (Beric Dondarrion), Paul Kaye (Thoros of Myr), Ben Crompton (Eddison Tollett), Tobias Menzies (Edmure Tully), Bella Ramsey (Lyanna Mormont), Rupert Vansittart (Yohn Royce), Tim McInnerny (Robert Glover), Joseph Mawle (Benjen Stark), James Faulkner (Randyll Tarly) and Mark Gatiss (Tycho Nestoris).

Oscar-winning British actor Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge, Harry Potter series, Bridget Jones trilogy) is the high-profile casting of the series and will be playing a Maester in Oldtown. Renowned singer Ed Sheeran is also set to appear albeit in an unspecified role.

Game of Thrones Series 7 will FINALLY premiere on HBO and Sky Atlantic on July 16th.