Alasdair McGregor Organisers of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival last night revealed they were set to spend record amounts to stage this summer's extravaganza.The show's flying budget is normally £50,000, but this is expected to soar to about £75,000 as sponsors clamber to get involved.

Alasdair McGregor

Organisers of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival last night revealed they were set to spend record amounts to stage this summer's extravaganza.

The show's flying budget is normally £50,000, but this is expected to soar to about £75,000 as sponsors clamber to get involved.

In total, more than £300,000 will be shelled out on this year's event, which will take place along the seafront on July 24 and 25.

A show spokesman said: “The 12th Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival is shaping up to be a record event. The flying display budget will definitely be a record and organisers believe that given two fine days, the two-day show will be bigger and better than ever, with record crowds packing the beach and seafront.”

This year's show will once again feature the much-loved Red Arrows, and organisers are also hoping to secure displays from the famous Avro Vulcan bomber, which saw service in the Falklands and has undergone a multi-million pound restoration in recent years.

This year's event also appears to be capturing the imagination of local companies and organisations, which are queuing up to sign vital sponsorship deals.

Earlier this year, the Lowestoft Together community group agreed to plough £30,000 into the show and replaces Birds Eye as main backer.

Yesterday, show organisers confirmed the Pleasurewood Hills theme park had renewed its role as a major backer, while Southwold-based brewery Adnams has signed up as a gold sponsor for the

first time.

The show spokesman added: “It proves we are an ambitious air festival and we plan to grow it and improve it.”

Growing sponsorship also means many attractions will be laid on along the seafront. The Royal Green area is fully booked and there will be an area to allow visitors to speak to some of the pilots.

The Honda Village is returning to coincide with the Honda F4SA Powerboat Grand Prix, which takes place at Lowestoft over the weekend immediately after the air show.

Remaining spaces along the rest of seafront are being rapidly filled and all catering and charity sites are fully booked, with a waiting list in operation.

More details from www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk