Stuart Forster outlines the Sunderland International Airshow, a free-to-visit July event which frequently featured the RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic team.
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The annual event was a hit with families, photographers and casual spectators since the inaugural show, in 1989, until the final Sunderland International Airshow in 2019.
Free to visit, the air show now drew around a million people to Sunderland’s seafrontover the course of a weekend. It was one of several popular summertime British airshows.
Sunderland international airshow
Sunderland International Airshow was an annual event held on the penultimate weekend of July. Running from Friday to Sunday, the air show featured flypasts by historic aircraft, aerobatic displays and parachute demonstrations.
Live music was performed on the stage at Roker Cliff Park. Military hardware was displayed and members of the British armed services demonstrated and discussed their professions.
It made for one of the most popular days out in the northeast, attracting people of all ages.
One of the most popular family days out in the north east, the summertime event is also a hit with photographers and casual spectators.
It became Europe’s biggest free airshow. Subject to the weather, aircraft fly on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Europe’s biggest free airshow
The Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight frequently performed at Sunderland International Airshow.
Aircraft such as the P51 Mustang, Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinook helicopters were among the aircraft that flew above the coast of northeast England.
The British Army’s Tigers freefall team and RAF Falcons demonstrated precision parachuting.
Aeronautical and military equipment was displayed along the seafront and in Seaburn Park.
Sunderland Airshow
Every year, the programme of Sunderland International Airshow was tweaked. Sometimes the Royal Marines Band performed. The Royal Marines also demonstrated how they landed on beaches.
The opening party, on Friday evening, featured live music and typically concluded with fireworks over Roker Pier.
Travel to Sunderland International Airshow
The air show is popular and attracts huge crowds on sunny days. Public transport proves an easy way of getting to and from the Sunderland International Airshow.
The nearest Tyne and Wear Metro station is Seaburn, 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from seafront vantage points.
If you’re thinking about driving to Sunderland International Airshow be prepared for potential delays near the coast. Seafront roads around Seaburn are closed for reasons of public safety.
Sunderland Airshow parking
Parking spots are in high demand. Park and ride services operate in Sunderland during the air show. The Stadium of Light, Downhill Sports Complex and Sunderland Civic Centre are among the car parks used during the air show.
Prefer arriving by bus? An express bus service operates between Park Lane Interchange, in Sunderland city centre, and Seaburn Park.
What to pack for Sunderland’s air show
To make the most of a day out at the air show, carrying the following items was useful:
- Sun cream with a high sun protection factor to protect skin and help prevent sunburn.
- A hat or cap to help protect from the sun.
- Sunglasses so that attendees could look up at aircraft flying in the summer sky.
- A hoodie or jacket. Coastal weather in northeast England changes quickly. Even summer days that start warm and sunny may turn chilly because of sea frets or breezes. Having a warm top proved welcome if the weather turns.
- An umbrella or waterproof jacket. Sunderland is in one of England’s driest regions but it always pays to be prepared in case of rainfall.
- Binoculars were handy for viewing the details of aircraft flying at Sunderland’s air show.
A seafront picnic
- Pack a picnic. Bringing snacks and refreshments meant not having to buy food and drink from food trucks parked by the seafront. For families looking to enjoy a day out, the money could be channelled into rides, souvenirs and ice creams. Adults might have preferred a drink in one of Seaburn or Roker’s pubs and bars.
- A folding chair or picnic blanket. The air show was a busy event. Having something to sit on could prove welcome.
The Red Arrows Flying in formation for onlookers in Sunderland.
Photography at Sunderland International Airshow
Airshow photography was popular. It made sense to buy a copy of the air show’s souvenir programme. That meant having the itinerary, knowing the schedule of events and being prepared to capture images of aircraft.
Arriving early ensured optimal positions for photography in Roker Cliff Park or on the promenade.
Using two camera bodies meant being able to use a tele-zoom, for close-up photos of aircraft, and a wide-angle lens to capture formations and aerobatic displays.
What is the ideal lens for airshow photography? I found a Canon L-Series 100mm to 400mm zoom lens useful. It provided flexibility to frame photos and the ability to capture distant details.
Map of Seaburn
Zoom into the map of Seaburn, below, for more details or out to see the district’s location by Sunderland’s seafront:
Hotels in Sunderland
The airshow is held in Sunderland’s Seaburn district. Looking for accommodation in Sunderland? Check out the map below:
Further information
Want to visit tourist attractions on Wearside while visiting the Sunderland International Airshow? View the See It Do It Sunderland website for inspiration about places to visit in Sunderland. Go Eat Do’s post on things to do in Sunderland is also packed with inspiration.
The Red Arrows website provides information about the Royal Air Force’s aerobatics team and where they perform.
Stuart Forster, the author of this post, is an award-winning travel writer based in North East England. Stuart is available for copywriting and editorial commissions.
Illustrating photographs are by Sunderland-based Why Eye Photography.
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