Saturday 28th May saw the return of an airshow to Teesside after more than 26 years, with the Skylive Airshow held at Durham Tees Valley Airport.
An estimated 18,000 people attended the event, with many purchasing tickets in advance, and plenty buying on the door on the day.
The gates opened at 9am and the Friends of Durham Tees Valley were there to represent the airport and our group on a stall among the other traders at the show.
We spent the day talking to lots of people about the airport, giving out leaflets and brochures about where you can fly and the many different companies on site, such as Skydive St George and the various flying schools.
We also had a great prize draw to win two return flights to Amsterdam which the airport and KLM kindly provided.
As for the show itself, it was a great success. Flying started with the arrival of the Red Arrows just before midday, and saw displays by Tom Cassells, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Blades aerobatic team, a Eurofighter Typhoon, the Red Arrows, and a parachute display team.
It was fantastic to see these aerial shows in the skies above our airport again, despite the disappointment of the Lancaster and Falcons display team not being able to attend due to technical reasons.
On the ground we had commentary from veteran of airshows, Ken Cothliff, plus displays in the arena by the Army, helicopter pleasure rides, classic cars, food and drink galore, fair ground rides and much more.
There are aircraft in the static display from the RAF, our flying clubs, Cobham and local aircraft owners.
A large stage had been erected, from which the show was opened by the Mayor of Darlington, and had music acts during the day and well into the evening to finish off the show.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and congratulate Skylive for bringing the show back to the area again. The plan is to repeat it next year!
Here’s a review written by FoDTVA Committee member Michael McNeil http://michaelmcneilphotography.weebly.com/skylive-airshow.html
And here’s a selection of pictures from the day.
