Organisers of one of the region's most spectacular summer events promised an “extra special” line-up of speed, precision and grace as they confirmed this year's programme.

Organisers of one of the region's most spectacular summer events promised an “extra special” line-up of speed, precision and grace as they confirmed this year's programme.

Some of the world's top aerobatic pilots have been signed up for the eleventh annual Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival on July 26 and 27, which saw a record two-day crowd of 420,000 gazing skywards last year.

International displays of classic and modern aircraft will be led on both days by the RAF's formation experts the Red Arrows, and the show will also feature renowned solo aces, military fighters, parachutists and helicopters.

Paul Bayfield, managing director of the show's company, said: “I think we have a really great event this year and I am pleased that we have managed to achieve such a diverse show that should please everyone.

“The appearance of 40 offshore powerboats during our programme on Friday will be unique to Lowestoft, and the UK, as it has never been done before.

“And, of course, we must not forget that we have the pièce de résistance in having the Red Arrows allocated to us again this year.”

For the first time, spectators will be able to watch two celebrated solo flyers on the same programme.

Self-taught air show favourite Denny Dobson and the experienced John Taylor will push the limits of the Extra 300, which boasts a top speed of 253mph and a dizzying climb rate of 3,500ft per minute.

It is also the plane of choice of another formation team, the Blades, who will be back after last year's show debut.

The four-man team are all ex-RAF front-line pilots and former Red Arrows.

Other British represent-atives will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring a Lancaster, Hurricane and the iconic Spitfire, and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter will appear on the Friday.

A rare appearance will be made by the North American P15 Mustang and the US attack bomber the Douglas A1 Skyraider, while other visitors include the Consolidated Catalina amphibian, a 50-year-old Hawker Hunter and the English Electric Canberra.

Completing the line-up will be the Tigers freefall parachute team of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, and two daring young wing-walkers on their Stearman biplanes.

This year's event commem-orates the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War, and one of the bombers used in the conflict, the Avro Vulcan, could be fit to make an appearance.

It is currently being restored as part of a £6m project, but organisers hope it could be airborne in time for the show.