Back once again for another spectacular weekend is Blackpool’s popular air show. In association with Northern Rail, the Blackpool Air Show 2018 promises to bring an action packed weekend of impressive aircraft and heart stopping stunts and the best bit about it is that this air show is still COMPLETELY FREE!
When is it?
If you’re in Blackpool on the weekend of the 11th and 12th August 2018, you should get yourself down to the promenade from 1pm. If you’ve never been before, you should know that the best place to view the air show is from the promenade near to the comedy carpet. Depending on the tide times, spectators like to sit on the steps leading down to the beach for the best seats for the afternoon. The air show itself takes place over the beach between the piers. Other popular places to watch the air show include the various restaurants and bars that line the promenade, many with outdoor or even rooftop seating.
The program for 2018 sees some of Britain’s most celebrated aircraft take to the skies, flown by skilled and highly experienced pilots. If it wasn’t for the daring talent of those behind the aircraft, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the amazing stunts that never fail to impress us year after year.
The Red Arrows
For many visitors, Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows display team are often the stars of the show. This year, you will be able to see them on the Sunday only, as a stunning finale for the weekend. Their speed, skills and agility are truly impressive, not to mention their trademark trails that they leave in the skies. Remember your camera and make sure your phone is charged so you can video the best stunts to show your friends!
This display in 2018 is notable as it’s the Red Arrow’s 54th season, but also the RAF’s 100th anniversary.
The Schedule
Saturday 11th August
- 1:30pm – RAF BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane . Sat and Sun.
- 1:51pm – The Blades Aerobatic Team
- 2:12pm – BAC Strikemaster.
- 2:24pm – Chipmunk
- 2:35pm – Fairy Swordfish Biplane
- 2:48pm – Pitts Special Biplane aerobatics Wildcat Aerobatics.
- 2:59pm – P-51D Mustang
- 3:11pm – Yak from the Soviet Yakovlev aircraft manufacturer.
- 3:22pm – Bulldog
- 3:33pm – Turbulent Team
- 3:51pm – Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.
- 4:09pm – RAF Eurofighter Typhoon display.
Sunday 12th August
- 1:15pm – RAF Typhoon
- 1:26pm – Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
- 1:44pm – Strikemaster
- 1:56pm – Swordfish
- 2:09pm – Pitts Special
- 2:20pm – P-51D Mustang
- 2:32pm – Yak
- 2:43pm – BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane
- 3:04pm – Bulldog
- 3:15pm – The Blades Aerobatic Team
- 3:36pm – Turbulent Team
- 4:00pm – Red Arrows
Event Sponsors
Blackpool Air Show 2018 is brought to the town in association with Northern Rail. Remember that with the number of people who visit Blackpool for this event every year, it can be virtually impossible to find a parking place on the street. You may also find yourself driving round in circles wasting time and possibly missing out on getting a good viewing spot and even missing part of the air show.
If you are travelling from outside of Blackpool and can make use of the train service, kids travel for half price. You will also manage to avoid any parking woes. Walking from the train station to the promenade takes around 5 minutes.
There is also a park and ride service available to avoid the hassle of trying to park in the town centre.
Note that all the displays are subject to availability and suitable weather conditions on the day. The flying programme may therfore be subject to change without prior notification.
Tower Festival Headland Promenade Blackpool Lancashire FY1 4BJ Tel: 01253 478222
This years Blackpool Airshow lineup can be seen here This years Blackpool Air Show program.
You may also like to see Blackpool festivals and events.