Everything you need to know about Southport Air Show

Okay, so things didn’t go to plan last time, but this year Southport Air Show has made all sorts of arrangements to iron out issues and make sure everyone has a great time in 2024.

New traffic management, queuing systems and display times have all been put in place at the Southport Air Show so that all you need to worry about is enjoying the fantastic displays and a host of amazing attractions and activities both in the air and on the ground.

So with that in mind, here’s everything you need to know:

When is Southport Air Show?

Southport Air Show will be on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14.

What time does it start?

The show opens at around 10am both days and finishes at around 5pm.

Where is it?

Well this is one show you can’t miss. It takes place along the huge expanse of seafront at Southport and it’s different from other seafront shows, with all the flight action happening above the sands and beach instead of the sea.

Will the Red Arrows be there?

The Red Arrows will be at the air show on both days. The confirmed flight programme includes the Red Arrows along with RAF Typhoon and RAF Tutor, and more: Rich Goodwin Pitts; Rolls Royce Spitfire; Rolls Royce P-51 Mustang; Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers; The Starlings Aerobatic Team; Black Cats Pairs Display; Catalina; Vampire Solo; Bristol Blenheim; Strikemaster Solo, and Navy Wings Historics (Swordfish and Wasp). The flying display starts around midday.

What are the ground attractions I can expect? 

There’s a Military Village on Marine Drive and representatives from the Armed Forces will have equipment for you to look at, including the RAF Typhoon facsimile. The Mid Lancs Military Vehicle Trust members will have a display of their vehicles which they’ve lovingly restored, and the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team will be there with their display, which includes ‘Lucy’. The enthusiasts have lovingly restored Lucy, a Spitfire Mark IX replica, with original WW2 parts, giving the public the chance to get up close to this iconic aircraft.

The Veterans Living History Museum will also be there with their Op Banham project based on Lewis Banham, one of the last dispatch riders in the UK; and the 69th Field Artillery Guns will be firing at various times throughout each day.

Are there other attractions?

Lots! Along Marine Drive you’ll find stalls selling everything from sweets to clothing, and there’ll also be a producers market. There will be flight simulators, children’s attractions, a paintball range, bouncy castles, and the traditional hook-a-duck.

You can learn about school life in 1940 with a period headmistress/master from Historical Promotions (what was taught, what games were played), and you can even take part in WWI Poppy Making, where the story behind the flower will be explained along with an interactive poppy making activity that children (and adults) can join in. 

Can I buy food at the event?

Yes, there will be vendors on site selling hot and cold food, and drinks.

How much are tickets?

Tickets cost £12 per person with under-16s going free.  

Can I still buy tickets?

Yes you can. You can get tickets online via Southport Air Show – Visit Southport, and you can even buy tickets on the day at ticket booths located at the event entrances.   Tickets will also be sold at the car park box offices.

Where is parking?

Parking is available from 9am on Marine Drive, Princes Park, the Esplanade and Victoria Park at a cost of £10 per car. If you are driving to the event, the postcode for the air show is PR8 1RY. However, the Southport Air Show has a traffic management plan with some road closures in place, so once you see the yellow event signs, stop following your Sat Nav and follow these signs.

Public transport

Where possible organisers are asking people to use public transport. Northern Rail and Merseytravel operate frequent trains to Southport. The nearest train station is Southport which is about a 10-minute walk from the event site.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed but it is strongly advised against due to the noise produced by the aircraft.

For more info on the Southport Air Show click here.

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