Airshow event to attract crowds

The Vulcan was heralded as one of the star attractions

About 150,000 people are expected to visit Merseyside over the weekend for the North West's biggest airshow.

Top military aircraft will be attending the 16th Southport Airshow to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the RAF.

As well as displays from a Tornado GR4 and Chinook helicopter, a Vulcan bomber will fly over the area for the first time in 15 years, organisers said.

Many aircraft taking off from Liverpool airport will fly along the Mersey in tribute to the Capital of Culture.

The world-famous Red Arrows display team are also appearing at the event, which started on Saturday despite the poor weather forecast.

Biggest programme

As well as air displays, the event features a host of stands, interactive and educational displays, hovercraft trips, simulators and children's activities.

Speaking ahead of the airshow, Sefton Council's tourism events manager, Peter Sandman, said: "The programme line-up for 2008 is by far bigger and better than in previous years.

"Not only is there so much to see in the form of aircraft in the sky, but on ground level visitors to the airshow will be astounded as well.

"We have really pulled out all the stops this year to make the airshow one to remember during European Capital of Culture Year, the RAF marking their 90th anniversary and John Lennon Airport celebrating their 75th anniversary."