Military thanked for making Sunderland International Airshow such a success

The organisers of Sunderland International Airshow have thanked the services personnel who helped make this year's event such a big success.
Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.
Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.

Friday evening's launch party heard music from the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, the Rat Pack Boys and aerial displays from the RAF's Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Euro-fighter Typhoon.

Alongside the air displays through Saturday and Sunday - and with HMS Bulwark moored offshore - crowds saw an amphibious role demonstration with the Royal Marines of 4ASRM, the Queen's Own Yeomanry and 4th Regiment Royal Artillery all showing their specialist skills.

Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.
Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.
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​This year also saw the return of the RAF Falcons parachute display team, who have appeared at every show, the remarkable Gyrocopter, and, on Friday, the inspirational Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - though the Lancaster was unable to fly on Saturday and Sunday due to serviceability issues.

Airshow director Sue Stanhope said: “Once again the public have come out in their thousands for a fantastic weekend of free, colourful and, with some of the jets and the beach invasion, loud entertainment.

“On behalf of the people of Sunderland and all who visited the Airshow, I’d like to give a big 'thank you' to everyone who helps make it happen.

“I would especially like to thank all the military personnel who have given so much time and effort, whether they’ve been in the air, on the beach, at sea or helping in the ground displays.

Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.
Sunderland seafront was crowded again today for the airshow, despite the wet weather.
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“There are many, many strong and long links between the military and the people of Sunderland and the North East.

"We all appreciate their hard work, their dedication to duty and the work they put into making sure so many people enjoy their visit to Sunderland International Airshow.”

Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said: “Everyone who was along the seafront entered into the spirit of the launch event and got the weekend off to a great start.

"Each year we deliver an impressive event that shows what the city and its beautiful seafront has to offer, and this year has been no exception.”

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"The Military Village also gave the armed forces a better arena in which to showcase their many capabilities.

"There was a huge amount of interest and support from people, which is a trademark of Sunderland and the North East.

"Whether they've been visitors or helping with the event, thanks to all."

Huge crowds enjoyed exhibitions, funfairs, stalls and activities and more than 10 hours of flying displays over the weekend.

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Voice of the Airshow Peter McNamara, who has commentated on more than 20 Sunderland airshows, said: "We're all very pleased that every aircraft flew, and although serviceability issues prevented her from flying on Saturday and Sunday. that Friday's visitors experienced the sights and sounds of the Lancaster bomber."