The sun finally shines as crowds turn out for Sunderland Airshow
The heavens had opened for last night's opening event, and this morning initially threatened to be more of the same.
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Hide AdBut in the end, the rain held off, and by the time the flying display kicked off shortly before 1pm, the sun was starting to peek through the clouds.
The weather still claimed a few victims, however- the rain may not have materialised, but high winds early in the afternoon forced the cancellation of the Falcons and Tigers parachute displays, as well as grounding several aircraft, including the Navy Swordfish and the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, which will also be unable to make its scheduled appearance tomorrow.
The Red Arrows closed the show in customarily spectacular fashion and and the rain did finally return briefly, shortly after the flying display ended, but was not enough to disrupt the after-show entertainment.
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Hide AdThe crowds didn't seem perturbed, however, and Sunderland City Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture Coun John Kelly was delighted with the turn-out.
“We were keeping an eye on the weather and it has still had a bit of an impact on some of the displays we were planning today," he said.
"Safety is the number one priority at any airshow, and I think we have still managed to entertain the public and we have had fabulous crowds down here.
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Hide Ad"I'm pleasantly surprised by the numbers here today. We are always aware that the weather has an effect, but when I first came down this morning, I was really pleased to see that British attitude of 'I don't care if there's a hurricane coming, I'm going to put my tent up and have a good spot.'
"I have seen parents with their kids, they have got themselves down here and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
"I think a lot of people will open their curtains tomorrow, have a look out, and if the sun is shining, we will be inundated again."