The organisers of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival have launched a fundraising drive to help make the 2011 show a big success after suffering a �40,000 loss last year.

The large loss in 2010, due to the poor weather in August, has prompted show bosses to seek new ways of generating vital funds for the two-day show, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people.

Three new events will be taking place ahead of the August 11-12 show.

Instead of air power, horse power will be helping to raise vital funds. A brand new �10,845 Ford Fiesta will be raffled off to help fill the skies over Lowestoft with a wide range of eye-catching aircraft,

During the spring and summer, people will be able to buy a ticket for a pound to have a chance of winning the Fiesta Edge and help the festival meet its rising operating costs.

And as well as the win a car competition, the festival's committee is setting up a fashion show in March and a themed holiday weekend in June.

Both events are due to be held at the Pontin's Holiday Park in Pakefield.

In a separate fundraising drive, the Friends of Lowestoft Air Festival is being relaunched to try to attract former and new members to help directly fund the show.

The air festival's Paul Bayfield said: 'Last year was the first time sine we took over the event in 2004 that we had made a loss, and as everyone knows this was down to extremely poor weather we had on both days.

'However, we remain undaunted and with the help from all our faithful supporters we intend to put on another great show which will once again be packed with interest for anyone looking for a fantastic day out.'

A spokesman for the festival, which is run by a not for profit company as a social enterprise, said: 'Faced with a 40,000 loss after last year's event, as well as rising costs this year, organisers are making ambitious plans to ensure the 2011 airshow on August 11 and 12 will be as big and successful as ever.'

The Ford Fiesta Edge has been supplied by dealers AW and D Hammond of Halesworth and the winner of the car will be announced in September.

Sales manager John Barker said: 'As a local family company, we always like to be involved in local events.

'We are very pleased to be associated with such a major event as the airshow which attracts thousands of people. The car's current list value is �10,845 on the road and this is a great vehicle for someone to win for only �1.'

Membership of the relaunched Friends of Lowestoft Air Festival, which includes a free souvenir programme, key ring and badge, is �12 per person or �30 for families of up to two adults and two children.

Members will also gain access to a VIP seafront area with prime views of the show.

To join, visit www.lowestoftair festival.co.uk or write to Lowestoft Air Festival Ltd, 41 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1PS.