Sunderland International Airshow

The Sunderland Airshow Started as a small one day event in 1988. It's now the biggest free Airshow in Europe. The event attracts over one million spectators every year. Locally known as The Airshow, this is Sunderland's biggest and most high profile event thrilling the crowds with spectacular entertainment in the air and on the ground. It attracts regional, national and international visitors, who make their way to Sunderland's beautiful coastline resorts of Seaburn and Roker for the two-day event. 2006 was one of the most successful ever with glorious weather, an impressive flying program and entertainment on the ground. Hundreds of thousands of people were treated to a magnificent flying display with highlights including The Red Arrows, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Sea Harrier, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, The Blades, Sea Fury, the Merlin plus international participants from the Belgian Air Component.

The Belgian Air Component provided the Pilatus PC -7 solo display and a rare Search and Rescue display by one of the Leeuwarden-based AB 412 helicopters, working together with the local lifeboats. This was quite a convincing display, ending with a nice piece of showmanship in the form of a fly past with all flags flying.

The Belgians have been strong supporters of the event for many years and one year sent the Fouga Magister trainer which gave a particularly graceful aerobatic display. The only jet warbird was the De Havilland Sea Vixen, which put on its usual impressive display and tended to reinforce the Naval theme of the display. Further underlined by the presence of the R.A.F Wave Knight anchored offshore, providing an impressive backdrop.

By the end of the two day event over a million visitors every year crowd on to the seafront at Seaburn to watch the thrilling displays by the jet fighters, vintage aircraft, helicopters and aerobatic teams, including the world famous Red Arrows. Organization is excellent and the coastal setting is very scenic, there really is something to thrill and entertain the whole family. On the ground, there's plenty to see and do with displays and entertainment throughout the whole airshow site at Seaburn and Roker.