The Royal Air Force is returning to Sunderland this September with a three-day Town Show at Keel Square, celebrating the cityโs historic ties to the RAF and showcasing the serviceโs current technology, skills, and personnel.
Running from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, between 10 am and 5 pm each day, the free event invites visitors to explore an RAF Chinook helicopter replica, meet serving RAF personnel, and learn about the diverse careers and training pathways within the modern Royal Air Force.
Highlights include meeting RAF Military Working Dogs and their handlers, participating in immersive missions through the RAF virtual reality experience, tackling problem-solving challenges, and enjoying live performances by the RAF Band. Visitors can also watch RAF chefs cook live and sample the food that fuels service members.
Sunderland has a significant RAF heritage, with the former RAF Usworth airfield playing a key role during the Second World War. Hurricanes and Spitfires operated from the airfield to defend the North East during the Battle of Britain, protecting Sunderland and the surrounding region from Luftwaffe attacks.
While aircraft and technology have evolved, the RAFโs mission to protect UK airspace continues. The Town Show offers a chance to discover how this mission is carried out today and the wide range of skills involved, from engineering and cyber to logistics and catering.
Flight Lieutenant Stephen Seed, the event organiser, said:
Sunderland has a strong connection with the RAF, so thereโs something particularly special about bringing the Town Show into the heart of the city. You might come along because you want to climb inside a Chinook, see the military working dogs or have a go at a VR mission. But while youโre here, youโll also meet the people who make the RAF work and discover just how many different skills and careers sit behind the aircraft. You donโt need to know anything about the RAF before you arrive. Come along with your family or friends, try something you havenโt done before and ask us questions. You might be surprised by what you discover.
The event also features STEM activities that demonstrate the science and innovation behind RAF operations, along with hands-on challenges suitable for all ages. Career specialists and serving personnel will be available for informal conversations about RAF life, training, and opportunities, with no obligation to apply for a career.
