Sultan Summer Show wows crowds

Thousands of visitors flocked to HMS Sultan for the annual summer show.

Monster trucks, a steam fair and motorcycle displays, the Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps Field Gun and the HMS Sultan Volunteer Band helped entertain visitors.

Outside of the main arena an enormous funfair, a free fun and games arena, petting zoo, static airframe displays, creepy crawlies, craft and charity tens, classic cars and a Georgian gun deck experience based around the Battle of Trafalgar delighted the crowds.

The evening before the show, 1,500 local disabled and deserving children and their parents and carers were treated to entertainment at the summer show’s children’s party.

The invitation-only event is a regular fixture in the establishment’s calendar and remains the only event where sailors are given permission to dress as pirates.

Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Capt Peter Towell, said: “The children get to enjoy an exclusive preview of the show with their carers or families in a quieter, less crowded environment, before it opens up to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.

“Seeing the children engage with our sailors who have been dressed as pirates has been brilliant. They’ve clearly enjoyed the experience and I hope the families in attendance have also felt welcome.”