Supported by the city’s See it Do it initiative, the Tigers Free Fall Team also known as The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Freefall Parachute Display Team are set to make a dramatic entrance at this year’s Sunderland International Airshow.
Starting with its traditional spectacular launch party at Cliffe Park on the evening of Friday 22 July, this year’s event at Roker and Seaburn continues over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July. The annual Sunderland City Council event, delivered by events company Sunderland Live attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to the city’s fantastic coastline.
Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “We should all be very proud of the Sunderland International Airshow. Each year it continues to develop and grow. Its success as the biggest free event in the region is down to a lot of hard work and planning by the teams involved.
“Here in Sunderland we have a great location, friendly atmosphere and the display teams always receive a fantastic warm welcome from the huge crowds. It is great to hear that the teams continue to look forward to coming here and once again we will have an action- packed flying display as well as something for everyone on the ground.”
Returning this year to display on Saturday and Sunday the Tigers will join a wide range of aircraft and display teams including the Fairey Swordfish, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, AV10 Bronco, Strikemaster, Typhoon GR4, The Black Cats and The Blades to once again thrill the crowds.
Corporal Frank Millerick, Team Leader, said: “Becoming part of the Tigers Freefall Team takes hard work, dedication, discipline, extreme attention to detail and an adventurous spirit.
“When we displayed at Sunderland for the first time last year, we were almost overwhelmed by the fantastic welcome we received from the crowds along the seafront. It’s events like this one that make all the hard work worthwhile and the team is thrilled to be invited back.
“We are privileged to have See it Do it Sunderland as a sponsor this year and we’d like to thank the city for its support. I hope everyone keeps their eyes peeled for a special flag on display as we drop in.”
The Army Tigers Freefall Parachute Team have been jumping around the world at major events since 1986. Currently based in Germany with 1 PWRR, the team jump almost weekly from the airfield at Bad Lippspringe. The carefully choreographed display features precision and bravery, transforming the act of jumping out of an aircraft into what can only be described as an aerial ballet.
Airshow Director Sue Stanhope added: ” Each year our team works hard to organise and deliver an event that the city and the rest of the region can be proud of.
“Last year we saw our first display of the Army Tigers team and I’m sure everyone will agree it was one of the highlights of a spectacular weekend. I take great pleasure in welcoming the team back as they are rapidly becoming a firm favourite with the crowds. Their displays never fail to impress and inspire everyone who sees them and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for this amazing team.”
All airshow displays are subject to weather and operational restrictions. Display timings for The Tigers and all aerial displays will be confirmed nearer to the event.
Souvenir Programmes priced at £3 each will be on sale across the site.
For more details of the event, visit www.
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