AS many as one million spectators enjoyed spectacular flying displays as well as entertainment on the ground at Europe’s biggest free air show at the weekend.

PHOTOS: Click here for a gallery of pictures from the event
PLANE SALILING: The view from the high seas

Weather was mixed during the 27th Sunderland International Airshow, but the verdict was unanimous – that the event proved yet another resounding success.

The show got off to a flying start on Friday with a host of live entertainment at Cliffe Park, Seaburn, along with a flying programme and a fireworks display.

The Northern Echo:

Crowds enjoy Sunderland International Airshow this afternoon

Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council's portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said: “I am so pleased that so many people came along to have a good time and listen to the local bands performing here. And of course the Illegal Eagles were magnificent."

The Northern Echo:

The Blades in action at the 2015 Sunderland International Airshow

The Northern Echo:

The Red Arrows put on a typically thrilling display last night and are appearing again over the weekend

He added: "On Saturday and Sunday we were rewarded with support from a huge number of visitors and it was a pleasure to see them all.

“Each year we continue to deliver a truly impressive event that showcases what the city and our beautiful seafront has to offer."

Over the weekend, the crowds lined the seafront at Roker and Seaburn, to enjoy exhibitions, funfairs, stalls and activities and nearly 12 hours of flying displays.

Highlights of the 2015 flying programme included three thrilling displays from the Red Arrows, while a pair of Norwegian Historic Squadron's Vampire jets put in an appearance, as well as a Cold War Mig15.

The impressive collection of aircraft continued with a P-51 Mustang, P40 Kittyhawk and Royal Air Force Typhoon, Tutor and Hawks.

Yesterday (Saturday), the RAF Falcons parachute display team, who have been in the line-up for every one of the 27 airshows, were back, as well as the Army’s freefall display team, the Tigers.

Further highlights included the inspirational Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the search and rescue Sea King and the The Black Cats, the Royal Navy’s helicopter display team.

Both days saw the show brought to a dramatic end with a joint service amphibious landing scenario involving teams from across the armed services including Sunderland's adopted regiment - 4 Regiment Royal Artillery - the Royal Marines, the Queen's Own Yeomanry, and a Sea King of the Commando Helicopter Force.

Sunderland City Council’s Airshow Director, Sue Stanhope said: "It's always great to see so many people enjoying this fabulous free event.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved in planning and delivering another first-class Sunderland International Airshow."

Chief Inspector Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police, who was in charge of policing the event, said: "We are delighted with how the airshow has gone from a policing perspective and it's been a really great event to be part of.

“Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and the feedback from members of the public about how we policed the event has been fantastic”.