Fly to the moon with Sunderland airshow

Visitors will be flying to the moon at this year's Sunderland International Airshow.
The Rat Pack Boys Tommy Warren and Jonny Gray.The Rat Pack Boys Tommy Warren and Jonny Gray.
The Rat Pack Boys Tommy Warren and Jonny Gray.

The popular event will get off to a swinging start when internationally acclaimed tribute act The Rat Pack Boys take to the stage at Seaburn on Friday, July 22, as part of an evening of musical and flying performances.

The Rat Pack Boys, singers Tommy Warren and Jonny Gray, accompanied by the 17-piece Denmark Street Big Band will be as sharp as Mack The Knife as they perform songs from the swing genre’s most celebrated performers.

The Twister Display Team.The Twister Display Team.
The Twister Display Team.
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Their fantastic set-list includes a full repertoire of songs from iconic performers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jnr, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole.

Councillor John Kelly, the council's Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: "The ever popular launch on the Friday night is a fantastic way to start the airshow experience. The sound of swing music and the family festival atmosphere will set the scene perfectly for the rest of the weekend.

"This year we will once again have some top local talent starting the event and I encourage everyone to go along early and show some support to these fabulous acts.

"The music will be relayed right along the seafront from Roker to Seaburn so everyone can pick their favourite spot to perhaps settle down with a picnic and watch the fantastic display."

The Twister Display Team.The Twister Display Team.
The Twister Display Team.
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Rat Pack Boy, Jonny, 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."

Timings are to be confirmed but expected to fly on the Friday evening are, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with live musical accompaniment from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band), the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon and the pyrotechnic Twister Duo. The evening will close with the traditional firework display at around 10pm.

Among the teams taking part in the packed flying programme on Saturday and Sunday are, RAF Falcons, Royal Navy Black Cats, The Blades, Norwegian historic Flight MiG 15 and Vampires, OV-10 Bronco, Curtis P40 Warhawk and P51 Mustang and the stunning Fairey Swordfish from the Royal Navy Historic Flight and the Impressive RAF Chinook.

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Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live, which is delivering Sunderland International Airshow on behalf of Sunderland City Council, said: "This year we will have all the fantastic ground exhibitions, activities and fairgrounds open from Friday teatime.

"With entertainment starting at the main stage around 4.30pm I’m sure the fantastic mix of music, aerobatics, pyrotechnics and fireworks will have something for everyone."

Road closures are in place from 2pm on Friday from the Bungalow Café to Marriott Roundabout. A Park and Ride is available from the Stadium of Light to Bungalow Café for a charge of £2 per person.

For more details about the airshow visit www.sunderlandinternationalairshow.co.uk.