The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Image by Martin Bowman
Sunderland International Airshow will this year be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with displays on all three days from The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. (RAF BBMF)
The Sunderland City Council event is delivered by events company Sunderland Live and each year attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to the city’s fantastic coastline.
Starting with its traditional spectacular launch party at Cliffe Park on the evening of Friday 24 July, this year’s event at Roker and Seaburn is held over the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July.
The RAF BBMF has a variety of historic aircraft including a Dakota and de Havilland Canada Chipmunks, the display team for the Sunderland International Airshow is expected to consist of a Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane and Avro Lancaster.
Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said:” Each year the Sunderland International Airshow continues to grow and develop and we are proud of its success as the biggest free event in the North East. Held along a stretch of our award-winning coastline we have a great location, huge crowds, friendly atmosphere and the display teams always receive a fantastic warm welcome. It is great to know that the crews continue to look forward to coming here and once again we will have a packed flying display as well as something for everyone on the ground.”
Returning this year to display on each of the three days the RAF BBMF join a wide range of aircraft and display teams including the Typhoon FGR4 and The Royal Airforce Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows to once again thrill and inspire the crowds.
BBMF Operations Officer and Fighter Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Antony “Parky” Parkinson MBE, said:” The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are once again delighted to be participating at the Sunderland Airshow in this special year – the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Securing the skies of the UK was vital during the summer of 1940 and remains the primary role of the RAF today. As well as the Lancaster, we will be bringing the two iconic fighters from the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire and Hurricane and look forward to displaying these beautiful aircraft over the spectacular coastline at Sunderland’
Airshow Director Sue Stanhope added: ““Last year we helped the Red Arrows celebrate their golden anniversary of display seasons and this year we have the fantastic opportunity to show our appreciation and respect to the aircraft and pilots from a previous era.
“The RAF BBMF are regular visitors to the Sunderland international Airshow and they remain a firm favourite with the crowds. The aircraft they fly never fail to impress and inspire those who see them and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for the team as they commemorate this historic milestone.”
Following the opening event, the airshow continues across the weekend between 10am and 6pm with a full programme of activity in the air and on the ground
Acting Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland Live Zoe Channing, said: “Each year we work hard to organise and deliver an event that Sunderland and the rest of the region can be proud of. Along with a fantastic flying display on each of the three days there will be a huge range of on-the-ground activities including live music, stalls, attractions, event hospitality and fireworks. This event, which is still regarded as being one of the biggest and best free events in Europe, truly has something for everyone.”
All airshow displays are subject to weather and operational restrictions and display timings for RAF BBMF and all airshow attractions will be confirmed nearer to the weekend.
