Aircraft will dance in the skies over Great Yarmouth seafront for four days next summer as the resort hosts its first ever major airshow.
The new seafront event – geared to attract up to 300,000 people and a £10m-plus boost to the local economy – will be held from June 15 to 18.
It is being staged by Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement District (BID) as part of its drive to bring more visitors and spending power to the borough.
The airshow, featuring two evening and two afternoon display sessions, aims to feature military and civilian displays and become the biggest single event in East Anglia.
Crowds will be able to watch the breathtaking aerial action from the Golden Mile's seafront and sands. .
A taste of the flying antics was served up at today's official launch, when VIPs and invited guests watched the smoke-trailing Twister team spiral over their heads at Potter's Resort at Hopton.
The Great Yarmouth Air Show will be the biggest event to be held in the borough – adding to its reputation for staging other crowd pleasers including the Maritime Festival and Out There Festival.
It is hoped the event will grow to generate more than £20m by its third year when the aim is for the show to be self-sustaining through the income it generates including sponsorship and park and ride operation.
Event director Asa Morrison said: 'This is a huge opportunity for Great Yarmouth to showcase itself in hosting a new event which has the potential for a major economic boost for area through swelling visitor numbers as well as providing a free event for the local residents.'
Mr Morrison hoped people would book breaks to coincide with the show – and return to the area later to see its other big events.
'It will help accommodation-providers and attractions, but many more businesses, including shops, will also benefit through the increase in spending power,' he added.
June was chosen to avoid the already-busy main summer holiday season, at the request of the tourism sector, and to coincide with a traditionally dry and warm month, he added.
Air displays are planned for Thursday and Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons – with more detail of the aircraft to be announced later.
'The show is working closely with a highly-experienced flight display director who has already assessed the seafront and will be dealing with the Civilian Aviation Authority over the flying regulations,' said Mr Morrison.
The event would not be possible without the vision and funding of the BID board – but would also generate income from park and ride schemes as well as trade and promotion stands, he added.
Sponsorship was also important with a range of levels and costs from an overall branding partner to corporate and community packages.
GYTABIA chairman Gareth Brown added: 'Great Yarmouth is a big destination worthy of a big event and we are proud to share our plans to stage what is set to become one of the biggest events in the region. '
He praised the support already received from the borough council and emergency services in planning the event.
For more information on sponsorship packages email eventdirector@greatyarmouthairshow.co.uk or visit the show's website www.greatyarmouthairshow.co.uk
Follow the event's progress on social media:
Facebook page Great Yarmouth Air Show
Twitter @GreatYarmouthAirShow
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