The Sunderland International Airshow is one of the largest free events of its kind in western Europe and attracts hundreds of thousands people to the city’s Seaburn and Roker seafront. Starting at 4pm on Friday 22 July the weekend is packed full of flying displays and many ground events and attractions.
Airshow Director Sue Stanhope added: “This fantastic three day has something for everyone. Each year we challenge ourselves to improve and deliver a fun-filled weekend of entertainment, both in the air and on the ground.
“This year is no exception. Along with a very busy flying programme we also have fantastic ground displays, children’s activities, live music, a food village, military village, fairgrounds and fireworks too.”
The event takes place from:
Friday 22 July event music from 4pm, Official opening at 6pm live music / flying programme starts at 6.10pm event closes with fireworks beginning at 9.50pm
Saturday 23 July event from 10am flying programme starts 12.55 pm concludes at 5.15pm
Sunday 24 July event from 10am flying programme starts 12.55 pm concludes at 5.15pm
Time schedule
Friday Evening Event 22 July Starts with music from 4pm, Official opening at 6pm live music / flying programme starts at 6.10pm event closes with fireworks beginning at 9.50pm.
There will be several flying displays The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, the Twister Duo and the Sunderland debut of the Aerosparx Display team.
Confirmed music acts for Friday evening (please note order of appearance may change):
- From 4pm to 6pm: Olivia Lawson – solo the Voice 2015 competitor YUMA – female fronted acoustic duo from North East, local blues act, Mia Carney – Sunderland Genfactor Winner 2016, Lewis Conlin Sunderland Genfactor finalist 2016.
- From 6.10 -9.30pm Steve Johnson – solo military act, The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) and the The Rat Pack Boys.
Rat Pack Boy Jonny Gray, said: ”We’re really looking forward to coming back to Sunderland. This will be our first time performing at the airshow and we promise to bring show that captures the essence and style of swing music.
“It’s going to be great to see everyone on the Friday night and with the outstanding Denmark Street Big Band behind us, it’s going to be a great spectacle and a fitting start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic weekend in the city.”
Event Timings for Saturday and Sunday run from 10am – 5.15pm both days
Flying Display Starts:
Saturday 12:55pm – 5.15pm.
Sunday 12.55pm – 5:15pm.
PLEASE NOTE – Timings are subject to change
Sunderland International Airshow 2016 Schedule*
In the air (both Saturday and Sunday)
- Red Arrows
- Royal Navy The Black Cats
- The Blades
- P-51 Mustang
- P-40 Kittyhawk
- The Matadors
- Strikemaster
- Calidus Gyrocopter
- B-25 Mitchell
- Chinook HC4
- OV10 Bronco
- Norwegian historic flight Mig 15 and Vampires
- The stunning Fairey Swordfish from the Royal Navy Historic Flight
- RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
*Please note line up is subject to change.
There will also (operational restrictions allowing) be a demonstration featuring Royal Marines from 45 Commando, Royal Marine Reserves Merseyside, Royal Marine Reserves Scotland (Tyne Detachment based at HMS CALLIOPE) and Viking tracked vehicles transported by the ship’s landing craft on Seaburn Beach, will comprise an assault against an ‘enemy’ held artillery position, defended by members of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and soldiers from The Queens Own Yeomanry on Saturday and Sunday.
Road closures
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 at 11pm.
Parking
Seafront parking is also available across the weekend as 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/airshow/pre-sale-sea-front-car-parking-now-on-sale-
