Published on 26 July 2018
This weekend it’s not just the temperature that will be soaring as Sunderland plays host to its annual International Airshow.
The University of Sunderland is a big supporter of the event, which is now in its 30th year.
So what’s happening, when and where this weekend? Here’s your full rundown - all timings are subject to change.
I’m interested in going there on Friday night, what’s happening?
Friday marks the official start of the Airshow with Cliffe Park the usual setting for the launch party.
1800-1805 Official Opening by The Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Sunderland Councillor Lynda Scanlan
1805-1825 RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
1830-1905 Indian Dance Extravaganza
1915-1940 RAF Red Arrows
1940-2020 The Greatest Show on Earth - brought to you by i-stage, a musical journey of the past 30 years of Sunderland Airshow part 1
2030-2040 RAF Typhoon
2040-2120 The Greatest Show on Earth - brought to you by i-stage, a musical journey of the past 30 years of Sunderland Airshow Part 2
2120-2145 Twister Aerobatics Team and Fireflies
2150-2200 Firework Display
What are the highlights on Saturday?
1000 Event Site on Roker/Seaburn Seafront Opens
1100-1220 On the ground entertainment across the site includes - Rock Choir; Rebecca Rose School of Arts Arena; a juggler; Band of HM Royal Marines
1215-1300 Team Raven; RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
1300-1400 RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; RAF Typhoon; Twister Aerobatics Team; The Tigers; Army Parachute Display Team
1400-1500 Gyro Air Display; Bronco Demo Team; AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers 1500-1530 Royal Marines Demonstration Team
1500-1600 The Blades; RAF Chinook Display
1600-1650 Vampire Pair; MiG15; RAF Red Arrows
1650-1800 The Quo Experience
1800-1900 The Real Thing
1900 Event Site Closes
And what about the last day, Sunday?
1000 Event Site Opens
1100-1300 On the ground entertainment across the site includes a magician; Casa Performing Arts School; Sea Cadet Band Hebburn & Sunderland; Alka Seltzer Sisters; Royal Marines Demonstration Team
1230-1300 RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
1300-1400 The Blades; Blenheim; Buchon; Spitfire Pair; The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team
1400-1500 RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers 1500-1600 Gyro Air Display; Vampire Pair; MiG15; Fireflies; Royal Navy Swordfish 1600-1700 RAF Tutor; Bronco Demonstration Team; Team Raven; RAF Chinook Display; RAF Typhoon
1800 Event Closes
What’s the best way to get to the Airshow?
Metro – and Seaburn station is your closest spot – just a 10 minute walk to the Airshow.
The good news is that extra Metros will be running this weekend for the event.
What if I’m taking the car?
Remember all the residential streets around the site will be closed to non-residents
Friday
Park at the Stadium of Light and catch the PR3 to the Bungalow Cafe for all the action on Friday evening. Buses start at 2pm and run every 20 minutes until 4pm, then every 10 minutes throughout the evening with the last bus leaving the Bungalow Cafe at 11pm.
Saturday & Sunday
Over the weekend, there are 4 Park & Ride sites to choose from with buses running frequently throughout the day and plenty of them to keep you on the move.
Park at Downhill Sports Complex (PR1), Fulwell Quarry (PR2) or the Stadium of Light (PR3) with buses running every few minutes from 9am to Recreation Park at Seaburn. Buses will run until 8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
You can also park at Deptford Terrace, next to the Queen Alexandra Bridge (PR4) with buses running every few minutes from 10am to the Bungalow Cafe. Buses will run until 8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
Park & Ride Prices
£2.50 return per person (under 5’s travel free). Pay the driver when you board the bus and keep your ticket safe for the return journey. You can pay with contactless card to save on carrying change for your bus fare.
Is there a cashpoint at the site?
Yes, there are free cash points available at the nearby Morrison’s Supermarket on the seafront
What about baby changing facilities?
Baby changing facilities will be made available. Last year these were beside the Tram Shelter on Whitburn Road, opposite Recreation Park and in Roker Park.
What if it rains?
The Airshow's Twitter account states: We cannot advise what is going to happen Friday, Saturday or Sunday as we are not yet certain of the weather conditions. We are therefore continuing to plan for a full event. If weather conditions do affect us, we will communicate with visitors and residents at that time.
Give me the on the ground highlights at a glance
Cliffe Park: Live music programme on main stage throughout the event, with the new addition of Saturday evening.
Recreation Park Arena: Featuring a range of acts including circus skills, magic acts and the Royal Marines Demonstration Team.
Bede's Cross: Military Village with exhibitions from Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force