THE final preparations are being made ahead of the return of an air show for the first time in five years.
Teesside Airshow will be taking place at Teesside Airport on Saturday, June 11, with gates opening at 10am.
Tickets are on sale for the event, which is set to feature high-octane jet displays, the RAF’s Red Arrows and a show by the UK’s premier military parachute display team.
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Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’re just days away from one of the most well-loved and missed events in our calendar. We’re delighted Teesside Airport could support the show and welcome people of all ages to what will be one of the best Airshows in memory – and the only one for 120 miles.
“The line-up has something for everyone and is much more than the great display programme, it’s a full family day out and one that will set the benchmark for airshows to come.”
The programme will include the Red Arrows display team, which will be joined by Flight Lt Adam O’Hare demonstrating the power of his Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team bringing a Spitfire and Hurricane and a display by the RAF Falcons – the UK’s premier military parachute display team.
Ex-Royal Air Force pilot John Hurrell will be putting an L-39 Albatross jet through its paces, capable of hitting well over 400mph. British Aerobic Champions the Starlings Aerobatic Team - Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin - will also excite audiences with high-octane close formation aerobatics, tumbles and opposition manoeuvres
Meanwhile on the ground, people will be able to get up close with the Red Arrows and their Hawk fast-jets in their static display, as well as check out an aircraft from Loganair’s fleet, the Embraer 145.
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Petrolheads will also be well served as some of the world’s biggest names in classic cars, bikes and supercars will dazzle audiences at the motor show.
And the Army will be showcasing an array of military equipment such as combat armoured vehicles alongside shooting galleries, and a climbing wall, with the chance to chat to serving members from local units.
Other entertainment includes a 50-metre zip wire and the chance to see the Rugby League World Cup 2021 trophies.
In the arena, the On The Edge Motorcycle Stunt Show will see professional riders demonstrate their skills, with 15ft jumps off vertical walls, drop-offs and interactive stunts, all with entertaining commentary.
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The Teesside Strength Classic contest will see men and women perform the yoke walk, keg toss, log lift and car lift. There will also be a vintage fire engine pull in a fight for the 2022 title, featuring some world-champion competitors.
Chris Petty, one of the organisers of Teesside Airshow, said: “Tickets sales are already above and beyond anything we expected, proving how strong our packed schedule is, and how people can’t wait to get back out and enjoy events like these with friends and family.
“With a month to go, we still have a few surprises up our sleeve, so I’d urge people to grab the remaining tickets while they still can to make sure they’re not disappointed – there’s no guarantee there will be any left for sale on the day.”
Tickets are on sale now priced at £10 per adult, (16 and over) and £5 per child (15 and under). A family ticket, consisting of two adults and two children, will be £25 and there is free entry for those aged under six.
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