One million watch 22nd airshow take to city skies (From Durham Times)

One million watch 22nd airshow take to city skies

9:26am Monday 26th July 2010

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THE skies over the North-East coast were alive with the roar of jet engines as the region’s air spectacular grew bigger and better than ever.

Sunderland’s 22nd International Airshow attracted a crowd estimated at more than one million to the city.

The flying programme at Europe’s largest free airshow was unscathed by the variations of the region’s climate.

Good weather prevailed largely throughout, from Friday night’s launch event, featuring a musical airborne fireworks show, to the two-day flying display, with mainly blue skies and sunshine providing a colourful backdrop.

But, even as the event drew to a close, the slightly cloudier conditions could not dull the thrill of the finale provided by the ever-popular Red Arrows, late yesterday afternoon.

The nine-strong team of daredevil fliers, including the Reds’ first female pilot, Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore, brought the show to a fitting climax.

Described as the public face of the RAF, the precision flying team has performed in more than 4,000 displays worldwide since its formation in 1965.

But the Red Arrows were back by popular consent as the colourful crescendo to a full show which also featured the Falcon parachute team, a B-52 bomber and a Harrier jump jet, both back on the airshow schedule after a fouryear gap.

The Mustang, Kittyhawk and Sabres were making their Sunderland airshow debuts, as was the type-23 Royal Navy frigate, HMS Westminster – which was a permanent feature in the waters just off the North Sea coast over the weekend.

Two Spitfires flew past to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, while other popular “performers”

were the Typhoon fighter display team, plus low-flying Sea King and Black Cats helicopters, while there were sea “rescues”, parachute drops and wing-walking stunts to keep the crowds amused.

On the ground all the services were well represented, while the the public had the rare chance to view, at close quarters, some of the RAF’s huge flying fleet.

The only drawback for the crowds on both flying days was the major headache of the return journey home. The road network leaving Wearside was filled to bursting point.

But, given equally good conditions, they will return for more of the same at next year’s 23rd airshow.

‘Can we make it bigger and better? That is the aim’

NO sooner had the last Red Arrow touched down completing a universallyapproved 22nd international airshow than thoughts turned to next year.

Speaking shortly after the last plume of smoke died away from the Red Arrows display team, airshow director Sue Stanhope said: “It’s been spectacular, just fantastic.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and I believe everyone else must have as well.

“It began 22 years ago really, as part of another festival.

“It has turned into what is now Europe’s largest free airshow.

“I think we’re so popular with the various flying teams because we’re so friendly and welcoming.

“They all say they want to come back, which is just great for us.

“As anyone will say who has been here over the weekend, the displays have been just terrific.

“Can we make it bigger and better? Well that’s the aim, while we’re always conscious of managing our costs.

“It may not be first thing in the morning, but quite soon after that we’ll be working on it.

“It’s very much a yearround thing, but well worth it, when you see the outcome like this.”

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson added: “It was absolutely amazing.

“There was such a carnival atmosphere.”

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