THE countdown is on as an airshow extravaganza returns to the Tees Valley this weekend for the first time in 25 years.

Award-winning aero acrobatic teams, iconic aircraft and the crowd-pleasing Red Arrows are all set to descend on Durham Tees Valley Airport this Saturday (May 28).

And organisers say that after the disappointment of last year’s cancellation following the Shoreham air tragedy, the 2016 Skylive Airshow promises to be bigger and better than originally planned.

Organiser Chris Petty said: “This is a very busy week for us, there’s lots of work to do but we’re all very excited.”

The flight displays will feature historic planes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.

The Red Arrows, piloted by The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, will also make an appearance and the Typhoon also promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Unfortunately the Lancaster Bomber will not be attending as originally planned, but the crowds can still expect to be entertained by The Blades aerobatic display team and three-time British Champion aerobatic pilot Tom Cassells.

In addition to the flying displays, there are also a host of attractions throughout the airport grounds.

These include a funfair, army displays, vintage vehicles and live music.

Acts such as the chart-topping Toploader, nineties dance icons Livin’ Joy and X-Factor contestants Kiera Weathers and Bre Musiq will take to the stage throughout the evening.

When asked what he expects the highlight of the show to be, Mr Petty was unable to answer, saying that there was simply so much to choose from.

“To be honest, we’re calling it an airshow but it’s going to be so much more than that; it is a fun family show with something for everyone,” he said.

“The Army are bringing everything. The ground display area is 100m by 100m which gives you an idea of the scale of it.

“They (the Army) will be doing live exercises so no doubt there will be a few bangs going off, they’ll also be doing close protection displays, like re-creating a kidnap scenario.”

Gates will open at 9am, while the official opening at noon by former Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer Neil Maddison and the new Mayor of Darlington Brian Jones will herald the start of the air displays.

The live music starts at 6pm and will finish at 10.30pm.

About 10,000 tickets have already been sold but Mr Petty said there is provision for people to buy on the gates.

Tickets are priced across several categories but a standard adult ticket costs £16.50, excluding parking.