ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED MILITARY AIRCRAFT helped bring Sunderland International Airshow 2017 to a close on Sunday.
The mighty Typhoon jet was the last aircraft to take to the skies above Roker and Seaburn seafront during the annual three day event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors into Sunderland and the region every year.
While some of the world’s most iconic aircraft and fantastic flying, parachute and aerial acrobatic displays filled the skies, there was a host of events, activities and ground displays to keep everyone entertained and involved.
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “This was a very special airshow with some unforgettable moments.
“From the world’s best flying displays providing a fantastic aerial backdrop to Friday evening’s 90’s themed musical celebration of Sunderland achieving city status, to the Red Arrows appearing through the clouds on Saturday afternoon to bring the sunshine back to the seafront.
“The crowds as always have been amazing, and I’d like to thank everyone for your continued support of the airshow, It is the people as well as the ‘planes which makes it such a success.”
Pilot from the Typhoon Display, Flight Lieutenant Ryan Lawton added; “We all look forward to performing at Sunderland which is one of the most popular and well attended events in the airshow calendar.
“It is a pleasure to put on a display for such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd, and join such airshow favourites as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.”
Also appearing were ; The RAF Falcons and Tigers parachutes display teams, display and acrobatic aeroplanes Gerald Cooper Extreme Air, the Fireflies, , Pembroke, Xtreme, Bronco, Sally B, Pitts, Gyro, Breitling Wingwalkers, Blenheim, and helicopters the Chinook and Great North Air Ambulance.
Northumbria Police’s Silver Commander for the Sunderland International Airshow, Superintendent Sarah Pitt: “Once again the support and patience of the public allowed us to police this year’s event quietly and effectively.
“We did provide a more visible. but also hopefully friendly, approachable and re-assuring presence.”