THREE flying displays by the ever popular Red Arrows top the bill at this year’s Sunderland International Airshow.

The dramatic aerobatics of the RAF’s top display team should again prove the highlight of an action-packed programme covering now all three days of the free event centred over the sea front of Seaburn and Roker.

News of this year’s flying schedule will whet the appetite of regular showgoers and potential newcomers alike.

It features some regular crowd favourites as well as crews and aircraft appearing on the show programme for the first time.

Airshow director Sue Stanhope said: “These fantastic three days have 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, fairgrounds and fireworks and we also have a few surprises up our sleeves too.”

Timings are yet to be finalised, but expected to fly on the opening evening, on Friday July 24, plus during the day-time displays over the weekend of July 25-26, are the Red Arrows, plus The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, RAF Tutor, Hawk T2 and Typhoon aircraft, plus the Twister Duo.

Completing the flying programme on the Saturday and Sunday are the RAF Falcons, the Royal Navy Black Cats, who will bring their new Wildcat helicopters for the first time, a Royal Navy Search and Rescue Sea King, The Blades Gerald Cooper, Norwegian MiG 15, Patrouille Reva, OV-10 Bronco and Curtis P40 Warhawk and P51 Mustang.

Senior Sunderland city councillor John Kelly, whose cabinet post includes culture, hailed the line-up and welcomed the worldwide appeal.

“I’m delighted at the truly international feel to this year’s flying programme.

“We have some teams coming here for the very first time and I’m sure the crowds will give them a huge warm welcome they will remember for a long time to come.

“We work hard to keep it as the largest free family event in the North-East, if not the country.

“The quality of the teams wanting to come here to display is a great reflection on the quality of our event.”

Further information is available via www.SunderlandInternationalAirshow.co.uk, on Facebook at Sunderlandinternationalairshow and by Twitter #SunAirshow.