The countdown is underway for one of the biggest free events of the summer in the north of England.
And this year, Blackpool’s two-day Air Show will have a whole host of entertainment in the air and on the ground! The spectacular free event takes place on Blackpool Promenade on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August and will include a breath-taking finale by the world-famous Red Arrows.
The event, which is being sponsored by Northern, will showcase the very best in British aviation with a whole host of amazing flying machines and some of the country’s most talented pilots.
The aerial programme will begin shortly after 1.30pm on both days, with the best viewing points on the promenade between North and Central Piers.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive in resort early to avoid any traffic congestion. Throughout both days, there is the opportunity to enjoy the Air Show village, which will be open from 10am on the Tower Festival Headland (in front of The Blackpool Tower).
The village includes a whole range of stalls and concessions including giveaways from sponsors Northern; Red Arrows and Eurofighter simulators; specialist merchandising stalls; and various fun competitions and promotions.
Exhibitors include Help 4 Heroes; Friends of the Red Arrows; Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight; Game 21; Blind Veterans UK and BLESMA; Royal British Legion; Sunseekers Travel; Guide Dogs; Cancer Research; Best Western Carlton; Blackpool & The Fylde College; RAFA; Marriott Hotel and Blood Bikes. Additional food concessions include the Nag’s Head, Puganinis and Eden Whippy Waffles.
Over the two days, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which features a Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Lancaster Bomber, will take part in a hugely patriotic display. Crowds will also be able to see an RAF Typhoon thunder across the horizon; see spectacular aerobatic displays from the Turbulent Team, Wing Walkers and The Blades; and view some of the world’s best aircraft flying over the iconic Blackpool seafront including a Strikemaster, Chipmunk and Swordfish.
The RAF Red Arrows team will bring the show to an unforgettable finale on the second day with another awesome display of speed, agility and precision.
For full programme timings, regular updates and details of special park-and-ride facilities, go to www.visitblackpool.com/airshow
The official Air Show programme will be available to purchase on the day from the VisitBlackpool stand in the main Air Show village or from the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre located at Festival House opposite Blackpool Tower.
Note: If you’re travelling by car to Blackpool there will be heavy demand for car parks across the resort and roads in and around Blackpool will be very busy. This year, Blackpool Transport has introduced a special Park & Glide facility, located at Blackpool Airport just a 10-minute drive from the end of the M55.
Visitors will be able to park your car (or coach) on the secure and supervised temporary car park and make use of a FREE shuttle bus service to the Starr Gate tram stop. You’ll then be able to travel into the centre of Blackpool within 10 minutes. Car parking is just £7 to park all day between 9am and 11pm and users will benefit from reduced travel on Blackpool’s tramway and bus network.
Simply look out for signs on the day and pay for your car parking on site. You’ll then be able to buy your reduced price travel ticket before you board the tram, or from your conductor onboard.
Or, why not make a weekend of it and enjoy the resort’s award-winning attractions and entertainment? For more details on everything that Blackpool has to offer, to book accommodation or for any other enquiries, please go to www.visitblackpool.com or call 01253 478222.
* Please note that the Air Show programme is potentially subject to change due to both aircraft availability and weather conditions
