On Sunday 8 September, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the 'Red Arrows' performed a display over South Shields to celebrate the conclusion of the annual Newcastle to South Shields marathon (the Great North Run). The display started with the Red Arrows flying over central Newcastle and then continuing east to the Durham coast. Due to road closures and general congestion, I based myself at Souter lighthouse a little south of the finishing line in South Shields.


Unfortunately the weather was far from ideal with grey skies and occasional light drizzle. Despite this, it was an interesting display, with the Red Arrows team showing some of their signature moves, the most famous of which is the 'Tornado' with one or two planes twisting around trail left by their wingmen.


The Red Arrows have used the BAe Hawk T1A since 1979, though the aircraft have undergone various upgrades an modifications since then. The team had previously used the Folland Gant, English Electric Lightning and BAC Jet Provost amongs others.


The Red Arrows team was established in 1966 following the merger of several other display teams, including the Red Pelicans and Black Arrows. The red coloured aircraft of the former was combined with the name of the latter.


The coloured smoke is produced through colour added to the diesel fuel, with seperate tanks for the white, red and blue colours.


Another of the Red Arrows signature moves is the 'Heart', with the two aircraft performing a knife-edge pass to 'close' the heart. A third aircraft flies through the shape to add the 'arrow'.

The display lasted approx. 25 minutes, with the Red Arrows team departing south towards York and their home base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Souter lighthouse makes for interesting spot to watch the display though the planes were a bit distant at times. It seems very likely the team will return for the Great North Run 2026 on 13 September.

The Red Arrows website lists all other display dates as well as some very helpful graphics illustratinheir display moves: www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/displays/