THIS YEAR’S Sunderland International Air Show is set to introduce some fantastic new talent on the stage and in the air at Seaburn on Friday 22 July as part of an evening of musical and flying performances.
Sailing smoothly into Sunderland skies this summer is a new addition to the Airshow programme. Flying Grob motorgliders, the AeroSPARX display team aims to bring something fresh to the city’s air-spectacular.
With its relatively big wings providing an impressive level of glide performance, and airbrakes to ensure excellent control on landing. the Grob is unique among airshow types, as it enjoys special clearance to fly at night. The aircraft also boast specially-designed, hand-crafted wingtip pyrotechnics and carry up to 12,000 LED lenses over the fuselage and wings to provide an incredible spectacle of ‘painting with light’ for the crowds to enjoy.
Councillor John Kelly, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “This promises to be a fantastic new addition to our already packed flying programme. Friday night is a fantastic way to start the airshow experience. The live music and family festival atmosphere sets the scene perfectly for the rest of the weekend.”
Hosting the evening for the first time is BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Stephanie Finnon. Steph said: “I’ve been going to the Sunderland International Air Show since I was a kid and always loved watching the displays with my dad so I’m ridiculously excited and honoured to be involved. I can’t wait to get on stage and host the launch night which is always a great kick-starter for the weekend. It’ll be lovely to get out of the studio and see the crowds at the seafront enjoying great music, watching local talent and seeing the amazing displays in the skies.”
Also new to the airshow stage are are Mia Carney, Sunderland Genfactor Winner 2016 and fellow finalist Lewis Conlin.
Airshow Director, Sue Stanhope, said “Each year we work really hard to bring something new and fresh to this fantastic annual event. This year we have new acts, new aircraft, new host and a new layout.
“After eight fantastic years of leading the team charged with delivering the biggest event in the North East’s calendar sadly this will be my last one before I retire. I am proud of all that we achieved over the last few years and I’m sure that the Sunderland International Airshow will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
The music will be relayed right along the seafront from Roker to Seaburn so everyone can pick their favourite spot to perhaps settle down with a picnic and watch the fantastic display
Timings are to be confirmed but expected to fly on the openingFriday evening are: The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with live musical accompaniment from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band), the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon the pyrotechnic Twister Duo and AeroSPARX.
Road closures are in place from 2pm on Friday from the Bungalow Café to Marriott Roundabout. A Park and Ride is available on Friday evening from the Stadium of Light to Bungalow Café for a charge of £2 per person. The buses run from 2pm and the last bus departs from the Bungalow Café at11pm.
Official Souvenir Programmes priced at £3 each will be on sale across the site.
Pre-paid seafront parking is also available across the weekend as organisers Sunderland Live make travelling to the region’s landmark event as hassle free as possible. This year visitors can pre-book seafront parking at Seaburn Showground and receive a discounted rate of £15 per car, per day. Parking is £20 when purchased on-site over the event weekend. For further information and booking details please visit:www.sunderlandlive.co.uk/
The evening closes with a spectacular firework display launched from the recently refurbished Roker Pier at around9.50pm.
For more details of the event, visit www.
We’re on Facebook at www.fb.com/