Excitement is mounting for Margate’s Big Event 2008, with tens of thousands of people expected to pack Palm Bay to join in the fun.

The two-day extravaganza takes place this weekend, June 14-15, and includes a full flying display and amazing arena acts.

Admission to Kent’s leading air and land festival is free, although there is a £5 charge for car parking, and organisers are expecting more than 60,000 people through the gates.

Filling the skies above Thanet will be spectacular aircraft, including the Royal Navy Black Cat helicopters and a Typhoon jet fighter, alongside thrilling display teams like the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Falcons and Tigers parachute teams and the Hawk 208 Squadron.

The Imps Motorcycle Team, world record holders James Dylan Stuntworld and one of the country’s top equestrian teams, the Devil’s Horsemen, will be among the arena acts.

Saturday will be rounded off by a Magic of Motown tribute concert and a full fireworks display.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, leader of Thanet District Council, said: “This will be a fantastic, fun filled weekend for all the family. This year’s event will be much larger than in 2007; we’re getting bigger and better every year.

“The whole of Margate will be busy and everyone is more than welcome. Thanet is events led and we put on more events here than any other part of the country. That is something that we’re immensely proud of.”

The event has been organised by Thanet District Council and is sponsored by local firms GSE Group, Commercial Group Properties and Sky Charter.