It is one of the region's biggest events and although the Old Buckenham Airshow only took place in July the first acts for 2018 have been revealed.

Eastern Daily Press: Old Buckenham Airshow 2017 : The B17 Sally B flies in. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREOld Buckenham Airshow 2017 : The B17 Sally B flies in. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Mark Bullimore Photography 2017)

For the third year running the B-17 bomber Sally B will grace the skies above South Norfolk.

The 25 tonne Flying Fortress, star of the film Memphis Belle and only flying B-17 in Europe, has become a hit with visitors.

Three years running crowd size records have been broken and a capacity crowd on Sunday, July 30 saw more people visit the airfield at one time than at any other point in history - including when it was home to the USAAF's 453rd Bomb Group.

Eastern Daily Press: Spitfire IX MH434 at Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: John AllanSpitfire IX MH434 at Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: John Allan (Image: Archant)

Airshow organiser Matt Wilkins said the first acts have been confirmed early to continue to build on the success.

'This is the earliest we have ever launched the airshow and we've done it because of the overwhelming demand of traders, classic car owners and customers who all want to ensure that they're part of 2018,' he said.

Eastern Daily Press: Old Buckenham airshow 2017. Matilda Boniface enjoying the show. Picture: Nick ButcherOld Buckenham airshow 2017. Matilda Boniface enjoying the show. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

'We've started as we mean to go on by booking the biggest act there is to the largest roster of displays ever seen here.

'Much, much more is yet to come and we'll hope to once again break records in 2018.'

MORE - Old Buckenham Airshow 2017: Thousands gather for aviation spectacleSally B will be joined on July 28 and 29 by arguably the most famous military aircraft of all time - the Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434.

Eastern Daily Press: Old Buckenham airshow 2017. Otto the helicopter giving a display Picture: Nick ButcherOld Buckenham airshow 2017. Otto the helicopter giving a display Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The iconic Second World War fighter plane will also be joined by crowd favourite the Yak 52 flown by Nigel Wilson.

The pilot thrills the crowd by commentating live from the cockpit as he pulls off one of the most demanding manoeuvres in display flying.

And local pilot Matt Summers will yet again display his Vans RV8.

On the ground there will be some additions to the traditional military displays, vehicles and tanks, and the popular food village is already nearly a sell out for traders.

Saxon Air will return to the airshow, which won Family Event of the Year at the EDP Hoseasons Tourism Awards in 2016, offering helicopter rides to show-goers.

Mr Wilkins added: 'We're enormously grateful for the incredible run of luck over the last few years and are working hard once again to live up to our position as award winners in 2016.'

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