THE organisers of the Skylive airshow have promised an even bigger and better show next year.

Organisers confirmed the date today for next year's show a week or so after the event at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

It will return on Saturday, May 27, and organisers they are already working on an ambitious programme with more flying displays and other attractions.

This year’s inaugural event at the Bank Holiday weekend attracted a crowd of around 18,000 who were treated to displays including the world’s premier aerobatic display team, the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Typhoon, the Falcons parachute display team, and the Blades display team.

Chris Petty, of Skylive Events, said: “We’ve been hugely encouraged by the positive feedback we have received, especially since it was our first show.

"Organising an event on this sort of scale obviously takes a huge amount of time and effort which is why we have started planning for next year straight away.

“What this year proved is that there is a huge amount of local support and we now want to build on that to provide an even better show in 2017. That means working to deliver an expanded flying programme, together with more ground-based attractions.

“With the experience we have gained this year we’re confident we can ensure that the Airshow will be established as one of our area’s top events. Over the coming months we’ll be announcing the details for 2017 with the promise that it will be another day to remember.”

For more on Skylive AirShow 2017 visit www.skyliveevents.co.uk.