After almost 27 years since the last airshow at Durham Tees Valley Airport, the skies above the airfield were ripped apart with exciting smoke-filled routines once again.

A spectacular fast-paced aerobatic display from Tom Cassells opened the show in his Mudry Cap, shortly followed by the BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane which left the crowd standing in silence as the two Merlin engines roared across the airfield.

The Typhoon FGR4 was up next with an unexpected early arrival instantly turning all eyes to the sky.
As always, an impressive chest shaking display wowed the crowds, whilst having the ability to go from an ear-popping full afterburner to a stealthy silence in a split second never fails to amaze me.
After pointing the nose vertically, punching a hole straight through the cloud and appearing to split into two, the Eurofighter seemed to have quickly disappeared and launched itself into orbit!

After a short 15 minute break it was time for the legendary Red Arrows routine. Shortly after take-off Red 5 suffered a bird strike and after an in-air inspection, landed shortly after, leaving an unsymmetrical but no less impressive 8 ship display.

A full 30 minute show of speed, agility and pin point accuracy lived up to all expectations and demonstrated exactly why the Red Arrows are ranked as one of the world's premier aerobatic displays.

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Another short break leading up to The Blades display team allowed for well needed refreshments and a cool down as the sun made its first appearance of the day.

Flown by ex Red Arrow pilots, The Blades formation displays were naturally just as tight and just as impressive as their jet counter-parts, showing off some breathtaking manoeuvres that shouldn't even be possible in fixed wing aircraft!

A remarkable finale to the days listed flying displays.

The Silver Stars Parachute Display Team dropped from aGippsland Airvan carried various flags and landed in the main arena to close the airshow section of the day shortly before The Blades and Red Arrows teams departed for home after spending most of the day on the ground.

As well as the flying displays there was plenty on the ground to keep most of the 18000 strong crowd occupied.
Helicopter pleasure flights, army displays, motorcycle stunt shows and based aircraft on static display, as well as fairground rides and trade stalls meant there was always something for everyone to do or see between the planned flying displays.

Live music followed the airshow on the main stage with acts such as Heavy Mod, Livin Joy, and headliners Toploader to close the evening show.