HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected this weekend at Europe’s biggest free airshow.

The Sunderland International Airshow got underway this evening (Friday, July 24) with a packed programme of events at launch party on the ground and thrilling aerial displays.

Among the favourites taking to the air were Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire.

Crowds also enjoyed displays by an RAF Tutor, RAF Hawk T2 and RAF Typhoon, with some extra sparkle added by the Twister Duo.

The musical line-up at Cliffe Park was headlined by the Illegal Eagles and included Ste Johnson and YUMA.

Other performers were local The Voice and Miss Sunderland contestant Olivia Lawson, along with The Lake Poets, George Shovlin and the Radars.

The evening closed with a spectacular firework display launched from the recently-refurbished Roker Pier.

There will be full afternoon flying programme tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, including the Blades and the OV-10B Bronco Demo Team, Norwegian MiG15, P51 Mustang, DeHavilland Vampire and Tigers Parachute Team.

The Royal Navy Black Cats will be bringing their new Wildcat helicopters for the first time.

On the ground, the Roker Park Family Zone is hosting things action and adventure.

To round tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday off there will be a military demonstration showing the versatility of British Forces operation.

Several roads will be closed and extra buses will run, including park-and-ride buses.

For further information visit www.sunderlandinternationalairshow.co.uk the Facebook page www.fb.com/SunderlandInternationalAirshow.