Police say Sunderland Airshow went smoothly

Businesses in Sunderland are set to reap the benefits of the annual Sunderland worldwide Airshow this weekend, generating nearly £12m in revenue.

“People are coming to see Sunderland, having a great time and coming back”.

Crowds flocked to the city’s seafront to air and ground entertainment as the Wearside seafront as organisers say the event is getting more popular year-on-year.

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.

“As soon as we finish, we’ll start planning for next year”.

Both days saw the show brought to a dramatic end with a joint service amphibious landing scenario involving teams from across the armed services including Sunderland’s adopted regiment – 4 Regiment Royal Artillery – the Royal Marines, the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, and a Sea King of the Commando Helicopter Force.

Sue Stanhope, director of the airshow said: “This has been one of our biggest Saturday crowds”.

“It is a fantastic tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in delivering the Airshow that it continues to deliver a welcome economic benefit of over £12m to the area”.

Chief inspector Sarah Pitt said: “We are delighted with how the Airshow has gone from a policing perspective and it’s been a really great event to be part of”.