AIR SHOW INVASION
MANOEUVRES HELD IN PREPARATION FOR INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
Revellers along Seaburn seafront would be excused for taking a double-take yesterday when they found themselves at the centre of a military exercise.
But, this was not a re-enactment of a historic beach battle–nor a diplomatic complication of the Brexit vote.
It was some of our modern-day heroes taking part in a practice session ahead of the launch of the Sunderland International Airshow tonight.
Various units of our armed forces joined the crew from the Royal Navy's amphibious assault vessel HMS Bulwark, which is visiting Sunderland, to practice a beach assault.
Its men and women joined forces with HMS Blyth, the Royal Marines, Queen's Yeomanry and the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, for the exercise on Seaburn beach. Dozens of people out for awalk in the sunshine were seen to stop on the promenade to take in the unusual scenes of military vehicles and personnel in and out of the water. Early tomorrow morning, HMS Bulwark will sail from the Port of Sunderland and take station a mile off Sea burn Beach for the Sunderland International Air Show. Thousands of spectators will then witness a display of the ship’s amphibious capabilities at 1 pm as landing craft deliver Royal Marines and Viking tracked vehicles against an‘ enemy-held’ artillery position. A repeat demonstration will be held between 2 pm and 2.30pm on Sunday.
HMS Bulwark arrived on Wearside on Thursday, for a three-day visit, including a freedom parade through Durham City at 10.30 am today, expected to attract hundreds of spectators.
Exact Airshow timings are still to be confirmed but expected to fly tonight are the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire) with live music from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth, RAF Typhoon and the pyrotechnic Twister Duo before a fireworks display brings the evening to a close at around 10pm.
Follow all the action from the Airshow onwww.sunderlandecho.com tonight and across the weekend.