All eyes on the skies

Displays from the Red Arrows are part of the line-up for this year’s Sunderland International Airshow on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July. An action-packed display programme includes crowd favourites as well as teams and aircraft displaying along the seafront for the very first time.

Timings are to be confirmed but expected to fly on Friday evening as well as Saturday and Sunday are: The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire; the Red Arrows, RAF Tutor, RAF Hawk T2, RAF Typhoon and the Twister Duo.

Completing the flying programme on Saturday and Sunday are: RAF Falcons, Royal Navy Black Cats (bringing their new Wildcat helicopters for the first time), Royal Navy Search and Rescue Sea King, The Blades Gerald Cooper, Norwegian MiG 15, Patrouille Reva, OV-10 Bronco and Curtis P40 Warhawk and P51 Mustang.

Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “We are very proud of our fantastic Sunderland International Airshow.

“I am delighted at the truly international feel to this year’s flying programme. We have some teams coming here for the very first time and I’m sure the crowds will give them a huge warm welcome they will remember for a long time to come.

“We work hard to keep it as the largest free family event in the North East, if not the country. The quality of the teams wanting to come here to display is a great reflection on the quality of our event.”

Airshow Director Sue Stanhope added: “This fantastic three day event has something for everyone. Each year we challenge ourselves to improve and to deliver a fun-filled weekend of entertainment, both in the air and on the ground.

“This year is no exception. Along with a very busy flying programme we also have fantastic ground displays, children’s activities, live music, fairgrounds and fireworks and we also have a few surprises up our sleeves too.”