Margate's Big Event has been shortlisted for two awards in a national competition for event organisers.

The land and air festival that takes place over the Father’s Day weekend has been shortlisted in two categories of the awards, organised by the National Outdoor Events Association.

It is competing for top honours for the Best Outdoor Public Event of the Year Tribute Award and the Best Organised Outdoor Public Event of the Year.

The results are due to be announced at an awards ceremony in Oxford in February, with the presentations to the award winners being made by Ed Stewart, former Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenter.

Thanet council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel said: "It’s great to see Margate’s Big Event being recognised at a national level. We know it’s a superb event and last year’s 65,000 visitors gave us great reviews but to have it’s success endorsed by the Outside Events Industry is terrific. Congratulations to our team behind the event for being shortlisting. They put a huge amount of work into producing this event and I hope that will be acknowledged at the awards ceremony with a win."

Margate’s Big Event is due to take place this year at Palm Bay on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June and will once again offer free entry, thrilling flying displays and a full festival programme.