A POPULAR airshow is making a comeback next year after a three-year break, it has been announced.

The Tees Valley Airshow, which last took to the skies in 2017, will return to the Teesside International Airport on Sunday, May 24, 2020.

Highlights of previous shows included a display by the iconic and instantly recognisable Red Arrows, aerobatic displays, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a Eurofighter Typhoon.

Previous shows in 2016 and 2017 attracted crowds of around 18,000 people.

Next year, the programme will include a classic car show, displays from the Army and fun fair as well as live music and a range of stalls, including street food and drinks.

The show is being organised by the team behind the Skylive Airshows that took place in 2016 and 2017, Chris Petty and Steve Davies, and is being backed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Mr Houchen said: “The previous airshows were much loved and not only attracted people from across the region, but from further afield as well.

"I’ve been working on trying to get a new airshow off the ground for a while now, and now that we’ve brought our airport back into public ownership and saved it from closure, we have the ideal venue once again.

“We’ve shown time and time again that our region can secure and host fantastic events.

"From massive music festivals like the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and concerts by international artists like Take That and Jess Glynne to world-class sporting events such as the Great North CityGames and the Rugby League World Cup.

“Now we have our airshow back I’m sure it will become a firm and much-loved fixture for years to come."

Mr Petty added: “It’s fantastic to have the airshow back and to have the support of the Mayor Ben Houchen.

"We have been in discussions for some time to bring this back to our region and we are now in full swing organising a great show for next year.

"We are planning a great show and have our application into the RAF and other display teams which we will announce as we can confirm.

“The airshow in the past was building a great momentum and to bring it back and build it for something to be on our yearly calendar for the Tees valley is great.

“As we’ve said in the past, it's more than just an airshow, it’s a fantastic family day out with something for all the family, cars, army displays, fun fairs, and of course planes."

The show was cancelled two years ago as it could not cover the higher costs of increased safety requirements and higher charges being imposed by Peel, which owned the airport at the time. Tickets will be on sale from today. See www.teesvalleyairshow.co.uk