The Sunderland Airshow has been axed for good as a result of climate change.
The popular event involved a large number of planes, including the Red Arrows, taking part in flying displays. It brought thousands of spectators to the Roker area of Sunderland each year.
The Sunderland Airshow was first held in 1988 and became the biggest free air show in Europe. It last took place in 2019 with the following years being cancelled as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
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Sunderland City Council has now announced that they have scrapped the Sunderland Airshow for good as the city aims to become carbon neutral. In a statement, the local authority said: "In light of the new approach to events and the council's ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030 and the city's to be carbon neutral by 2040, the council has confirmed it has no plans to run the Sunderland Airshow in the future."
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "No-one who has witnessed the extreme weather events of recent years, from wildfires and droughts across Europe to the storms and heatwaves we've experienced here this last year, can be in any doubt about the devastating impact that climate change is having on our planet.
"Residents have identified the environment as one of their top concerns and both the council and the city have committed to tackling the global climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions. This makes it all the harder to justify events such as the airshow, which generate large amounts of carbon, going ahead in the future."
Cllr Miller said that residents wanted to see "new and different events" and ones that they themselves can get involved in. He reassured residents that they remain "wholeheartedly committed" to delivering events for families on the seafront.
He said: "For next summer we have secured the World Triathlon Championship Series which will bring some of the world's best athletes to Roker seafront in a thrilling action-packed weekend for residents and visitors alike as well as attracting national and international coverage for our fabulous city. We are also looking to hold an Armed Forces event at the seafront next summer, so that we can continue our longstanding and valued relationship with our partners and veterans across the Armed Forces community.
"It's vital that we continue to grow and evolve our events programme with a mix that appeals to residents and visitors alike, which is why we're working hard to bring new and exciting events to our city alongside firmly established family favourites."
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