An RAF recruitment event featuring a replica Chinook helicopter has landed in the heart of Wrexham, transforming Queen’s Square and Llwyn Isaf into a pop‑up showcase for life in the forces.
The distinctive twin‑rotor aircraft replica is parked up on Queen’s Square, stopping shoppers in their tracks and drawing families, students, and would‑be recruits into the city centre.
Just a short walk away on Llwyn Isaf, a line of RAF tents has been set up, offering careers advice, interactive displays, and hands‑on activities for younger visitors.
This includes the band of the Royal Air Force, who have been at many huge events across the UK, including the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Visiting on Friday morning, I watched as children tugged parents towards the Chinook for a closer look, while others paused on the square to take photos before stepping inside.
Once on board, serving personnel talk visitors through the aircraft’s role in transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid, and answer questions about what it is like to serve.
Squadron Leader Rachel Collier said the RAF is keen to show that it is “about far more than just flying aircraft”, with more than 55 different roles on offer, from air and space operations, intelligence, and cyberspace to ground combat and security, engineering, logistics, people operations, legal services, chaplaincy, medical and music.
“We’re here this weekend because there aren’t many RAF stations in this part of the world, so we’re trying to bring the RAF to the people and show what we can offer,” she said.
The Chinook on Queen’s Square is a facsimile aircraft, not quite the same size as the real thing, but a detailed replica, so you can see what it looks like up close and even have a go on the mock‑up minigun at the window.
Caris and John Hirst said it was 'a shock' to see the Chinook in Wrexham city centre on Friday morning, and decided to go inside for a closer look.
They described the replica as 'huge', and were shown the side‑mounted gun by members of the armed forces on board – although John admitted he chose not to have a go himself!
The couple said they were glad to have had the chance to step inside the aircraft, and agreed that events like this are important given Wrexham’s strong military connections.
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On Llwyn Isaf, recruiters and reservists are on hand to explain the range of roles available, from engineering and logistics to intelligence, cyber, and aircrew.
The event is part of a three‑day RAF Town Show in Wrexham, with activities running from 24 to 26 April.
However, the Chinook is only on Queen's Square today and tomorrow.
