Stunning flying displays, a stunt motorcyclist, falconry, dog display teams - and excellent weather - attracted a record 65,000 people to Margate’s Big Event.

There were “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowds who lined the clifftops at Palm Bay as flight after flight of exceptional aircraft soared by during a two hour-long flying display each day.

As well as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight there was a Typhoon 45 jet fighter, the Tigers Freefall Parachute Team, the Royal Navy Black Cat helicopters, RAF Falcons Parachute Team and the graffiti-defying Team Guinot wingwalkers.

Arena entertainment included world record holding stunt motorcyclist James Dylan, The Devil’s Horsemen equestrian team, Ridgeside Falconry, precision riding by the Imps Motorcycle team and dog display teams.

Juggling, comedy and other performances took place in the smaller arena and there was nonstop music from top class bands on the stage.

Numerous funfair rides, sideshows and stalls plied their trade.

Thanet council’s Roger Latchford, cabinet member for culture and economy, described the weekend as “fantastic, superb, excellent.”

There were 15,000 more people than at last year’s event and attendance had more than doubled in the last four years.

Margaret Harrison, from Birchington, visiting with her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandson, said: “It has been such lovely day, everything has been great.”

Tammy Stewart-Jones, chairman of Thanet Fairtrade Initiative, manned a stand over the weekend.

She said: “An annual event like this is just what Thanet needs. Just to see smiles on people’s faces makes all the difference, I hope it is going to continue each year.”

The Kent Messenger Group was among sponsors of the weekend.