Europe’s biggest free airshow has been cancelled by the local council because it produces too much carbon.
The Sunderland International Airshow attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the city’s seafront each year. It has been axed after more than 30 years because of the “global climate emergency”.
The two-day event was regarded as a massive economic boost for the local economy. Graeme Miller, the Labour council leader, said the city was “refreshing” its programme and would host other events, including the World Triathlon Championship event next year, instead.
Miller said people in the city wanted “to see new and different events” which the council believed would “inspire more people to become physically active”.
Highlights at previous airshows have included displays by the Red Arrows;