On Wednesday 14th August, RAF Benson proudly hosted our annual Families’ Day – a special occasion to celebrate and thank the families of our Service personnel, Civil Servants, and Contractors for their continued support throughout the year.
We were thrilled to welcome approximately 3,500 guests to the Station, where they enjoyed a vibrant day filled with activities, entertainment, and community spirit.
Wing Commander Alice Tierney, Station Commander, shared her thoughts: “It was wonderful to meet some of our families on station. Celebrating our people is one of the highlights of my role, and I hope everyone enjoyed their experiences.”
A particular highlight saw around 450 family members take to the skies with our Chinook crews – an unforgettable opportunity to experience the aircraft our teams operate and support. For those waiting for the ground events to begin, the Community Centre kept spirits high with bacon butties and a range of children’s activities.
On the ground, stalls showcased the talents of our families, local businesses, charities, and station clubs and societies. Children were kept entertained with a wide variety of activities, including walk-through tours of the Chinook, climbing inside a tank, and exploring a display of vehicles ranging from vintage classics to the Tesla Cybertruck.
This year’s event also coincided with the eve of VJ Day. To mark the occasion, WWII-era vehicles and aircraft were on display. The air displays featured the Lancaster, Spitfire in Photo Reconnaissance Unit colours, P-51 Mustang, and two Harvard training aircraft – offering a poignant tribute to our military history.
The RAF Falcons parachute team and the Chinook Role Demonstration team wowed the crowd with their spectacular performances.
As the sun set, the celebrations continued into the evening with live music from bands and DJs, accompanied by a variety of food and refreshment vendors.
Sqn Ldr Elliot, Event Lead, said: “RAF Benson extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success – especially the committee who dedicated the last six months to planning and delivering this fantastic event.” We also extend our sincere thanks to the local community for their ongoing support and understanding.
