HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to converge on Wearside this weekend to enjoy an action packed programme at Europe's biggest airshow.

Now in its 14th year, the Sunderland International Airshow at Seaburn and Roker will feature many old favourites as well as some exciting new acts tomorrow (SAT) and Sunday.

Event co-ordinator Sue Henderson said: "We have put together a colourful programme for this year's airshow which we hope will keep everyone entertained from aircraft enthusiasts to families enjoying a day out."

Topping the bill will be the RAF's premier flying display team, The Red Arrows who will close the show at 5.15pm tomorrow (Saturday) and open the show at noon on Sunday.

The nine high-speed jets will scorch the sky leaving trails of red, white and blue as they perform their dazzling manoeuvres, including two new sequences in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Making a welcome return to this year's programme is the spectacular Royal Jordanians Falcons formation team who last appeared at the event back in 1995.

In addition, the front line fighter planes, the Jaguar and Sea Harrier will inject some speed and drama into the event, while the Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will give visitors a glimpse of aviation history.

Other highlights in the air will include the RAF Falcons and Red Devils Parachute Teams and the spectacular Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team.

There is also a packed programme on the ground, including a 20 minute performance by Hearsay at 11.20am on Sunday.

Other attractions for the youngsters can be found at the Seaburn Showfield where there will be a funfair, entertainers, inflatables, quad bikes and face painting.

The flying takes place from 1pm-5.40pm on Saturday and from noon to 4.30pm on Sunday.

The following buses will serve Seaburn seafront on Saturday: 18, 19, 21, 24, E1, E2, E3 and E6 and the 22, E1, E2 and E6 on Sunday.

In addition a special service (510) will run at least every 10 minutes on both Saturday and Sunday from Fawcett Street - city centre, stopping at Wheatsheaf, Stadium of Light Metro Station, Seaburn Metro Station and the Airshow.

The nearest Metro station is Seaburn (15 minutes walk from the Seafront).

A shuttle service will operate from Fulwell Quarry and Community North Sports Complex, Downhill. The service costs £3.00 per vehicle and the sites are signposted from all major routes into the city.

Parking will be available at Seaburn Showfield and South Bents Playing Fields at £5.00 per vehicle. A number of temporary car parks will also be in operation over the weekend. Parking for orange and blue badge holders is at Ocean Park, Seaburn.