Record crowds were on hand to witness some spectacular displays of aerial acrobatics and an impromptu proposal during the 10th annual Bray Air Display.

From early afternoon, more than 90,000 aviation enthusiasts clambered for vantage points in the seaside town.

By the start time of 2pm, every perch from Bray Head to the far end of the promenade was occupied as expectation mounted.

Although extra rail services were operating, some commuters experienced difficulties in accessing the venue on time.

However, those who did make it were rewarded with exhibitions from the British Royal Air Force, the US Air Force, and Swedish and Norwegian jets, on what turned out to be a fine day for flying.

The climax was provided by the six aircraft from the Swiss Air Force aerobatic team, the Patrouille Suisse, who were making their show debut.

The famed stunt crew have performed their routine all around the world over the last 50 years.

The daredevils did not disappoint, performing a number of unnerving cross-overs, flare releases and a sequence of backflip loop-de-loops during a thrilling finale.

Irish aircraft were also in the spotlight during the three-hour show, with parachute jumps from the Black Knights Defence Forces parachute team and the Irish Parachute Club, followed by stunt displays by the four-man Cessna FR172H crew, who took a break from their usual surveillance duties to please the crowd.

Marriage proposal

However, Arklow woman Ciara Kavanagh (27) got the most thrilling surprise of the day, receiving a fly-past marriage proposal from boyfriend Noel Canavan at the beginning.

“They distracted me to look elsewhere, then eventually they were like ‘Oh look, read that’ and I looked up, and as I saw the banner go by he dropped to one knee and the tears just came on then.

“There was absolutely not a better way of doing it,” Ms Kavanagh said of her now-fiancée’s romantic gesture.

Cpt Sé Pardy directed the event, and like others in the audience he was left spellbound by the majestic manoeuvres of the Swiss planes.

“I loved the Hunter [RAF fighter jet] at the start, the historic Iolar [Aer Lingus’s first plane] and my own colleagues Paul Scully and his crew flying with the Patrouille at the start.

“And then obviously at the end with the Patrouille - they’re the real deal and we’re honoured to have them here,” he said.

The display forms an integral part of Bray Summerfest and Cpt Pardy believes the locals will feel the benefit of the occasion.

“It’s a free event, but it’s bigger than any event in Croke Park or Slane. We have a lot of tourists coming over from the UK, particularly when you bring the likes of the Patrouille over people will follow them.

“The locals should be very proud, and the public will take their time heading home so that will contribute as well.”