The sun finally shines as crowds turn out for Sunderland Airshow

The sun shone - some of the time - and the crowds turned out in their thousands for the first full day of the 30th Sunderland International Airshow today.
Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.
Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.

The heavens had opened for last night's opening event, and this morning initially threatened to be more of the same.

Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.
Crowds flock to Seaburn seafront this afternoon to watch the spectacular aerial displays during the second day of the Sunderland Airshow.
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But in the end, the rain held off, and by the time the flying display kicked off shortly before 1pm, the sun was starting to peek through the clouds.

The weather still claimed a few victims, however- the rain may not have materialised, but high winds early in the afternoon forced the cancellation of the Falcons and Tigers parachute displays, as well as grounding several aircraft, including the Navy Swordfish and the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, which will also be unable to make its scheduled appearance tomorrow.

The Red Arrows closed the show in customarily spectacular fashion and and the rain did finally return briefly, shortly after the flying display ended, but was not enough to disrupt the after-show entertainment.

Thousands of people gathered at Seaburn seafront to watch the spectacular aerial displays, though some couldn't go ahead due to gusty winds.Thousands of people gathered at Seaburn seafront to watch the spectacular aerial displays, though some couldn't go ahead due to gusty winds.
Thousands of people gathered at Seaburn seafront to watch the spectacular aerial displays, though some couldn't go ahead due to gusty winds.
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The crowds didn't seem perturbed, however, and Sunderland City Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture Coun John Kelly was delighted with the turn-out.

“We were keeping an eye on the weather and it has still had a bit of an impact on some of the displays we were planning today," he said.

"Safety is the number one priority at any airshow, and I think we have still managed to entertain the public and we have had fabulous crowds down here.

The day stayed largely dry for the crowds who flocked to the  seafront for the second day of the 30th anniversary Sunderland Airshow.The day stayed largely dry for the crowds who flocked to the  seafront for the second day of the 30th anniversary Sunderland Airshow.
The day stayed largely dry for the crowds who flocked to the seafront for the second day of the 30th anniversary Sunderland Airshow.
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"I'm pleasantly surprised by the numbers here today. We are always aware that the weather has an effect, but when I first came down this morning, I was really pleased to see that British attitude of 'I don't care if there's a hurricane coming, I'm going to put my tent up and have a good spot.'

"I have seen parents with their kids, they have got themselves down here and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"I think a lot of people will open their curtains tomorrow, have a look out, and if the sun is shining, we will be inundated again."